Re: QCTP tool blocks

On 9/26/2024 6:25 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

"Snag"  wrote in message news:vd291u$3sffa$1@dont-email.me...
    I've picked up some more indexable tooling with 10mm shanks and I'm
going to need more blocks . I'm looking at some A36 and some 1018 cold
drawn, both reasonably priced . Does either have an advantage over the
other ?
Snag
 -----------------------------------------
 I think A36 implies hot rolled. If the one you pick has distortion or surface finish problems you could anneal it, which has cured mystery metal for me.
 Shims that raise the 10mm holders to the same cutting edge height as your other tooling might be simpler.

   You're right , the A36 looks like hot rolled . I think I'll get the 1018 for this job . It's a couple of bucks more than the A36 but that's no big deal . As far as tool height , my current tooling is 5/16" and I have enough room to drop the holders for the new stuff to centerline . I'll just shave the top ledge a little thinner .

 The other day I ran across a watchmakers lathe for sale and have been considering whether or not to buy it. After reading accounts of using one I don't think I need to learn precision turning with hand held gravers, and my Sears AA has the speed for polishing and drilling small deep holes. I turned extra long #0-80 fillister head screws on my 10" South Bend and probably won't ever need something that small again. Perhaps the price of the lathe would be more usefully spent on a few 5C metric collets.
 Opinions?

   Sounds like you've already got tools to do what the watchmakers lathe will do ...

 The watch lathe glue chuck used melted flake shellac to hold an odd shaped part that was centered by the tailstock spindle. Alcohol removes it when done, and it might be good for holding granite for polishing.
 jsw

   Must be for really small pieces ... I wouldn't trust any kind of glue to hold stuff the size of what I'm usually turning .
--
Snag
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