[SEL] OT lathe tooling for copper facing.

[Curt]

Yeah Rob, in a production environment where you are preparing 100's of 
samples for analytical testing, carbide is the most economical solution. 
Besides the fellow running the lathe is a metallurgical test machine 
operator not a machinist. He really has no interest in such details and 
he simply doesn't have the time.
The old broken holder he gave me was surprising when I looked at it, as 
the triangular insert is actually held at a slight angle downhill. The 
p/n on the tool also indicates a negative rake. Truthfully I alway 
thought the tools were made straight and you made the rake positive or 
negative by either coming in above or below centerline. But maybe this 
is all part of indexable tooling, so that you never have to adjust the 
tool holder up or down. Just drop it in and go.
Agree with the oil comment. In fact we've found kerosene work well.
Curt

Rob Skinner wrote:

>
> Hi Curt,
> Are you dead set on carbide?  I'd use a high speed tool, give just a  
> little less rake than negative, generously round the point, hand hone  
> the tool so it's razor sharp, and use a lot of cutting oil.
>