Recommended Cutting Tools for QT-8

[m_holycross]

I'm starting up a 1990 QT-8. My first real lathe.

I'm seeing a lot of people using left hand tools, is this still the recommended setup to use.

What tools and quality for learning / start up would be recommended.

Thanks for your time.

Mark

 

[Spruewell]

Can be a matter of preference. Also depends on the condition of your machine. Is everything rigid? Are the ways in good shape? How much backlash is there? Are your tool holders designed to run left handed tools?
CNMG and VNMG tool holders are good for turning. ER collet holders are versatile and great for holding drills. Boring bars come in a wide variety of flavors and should be selected depending on the range of bore diameters and depths you intend produce

 

[Mr. Atoz]

We have several older Mazak lathes and run right hand tools on everything. No issues.

 

[m_holycross]

Thanks,

Any thoughts on quality of inserts to buy for learning.

Direct from China - cheap
Shars -hopefully some quality control & cheap
Hass - what quality level are being sold with Haas Brand
kennametal/widia/iscar - high quality and learn on good production quality tooling

regards,

 

[Garwood]

Quality tools are not very expensive. Develop a relationship with a local tooling vendor if you can. With an established sales history they will be inclined to help you find the right tools.

 

[Vancbiker]

I've seen folks struggle with processes that would not be a problem if they were using quality tooling. They often come to the conclusion that their machine is not capable of doing what they are trying to do. That said, I sometimes use cheap stuff where I know I can get by with it. I also have premium tools for those places where I know I'm gonna need it to get a good part. Experience matters in these cases.

 

[Mr. Atoz]

There are a number of companies that make good quality, inexpensive stick tooling. I prefer those with a single top clamp. Some holders require 2 different size allen wrenches when indexing the insert.

 

[Mud]

I buy lots of Ebay inserts, brand names are available for 50% or less. I buy new from a tooling supplier when I need a specific insert for a demanding job, but most of what I do is 1144 4140 1026 or aluminum so last year's inserts work just fine. FWIW my favorite is Iscar 9250 or 9025 grade with a TF chipbreaker, usually CNMG or WNMG, sometimes VNMG. lately I'm using Sumitomo AC2000 cermet VNMGs for finishing because it likes high sfm. For heavy roughing I use Iscar CNMX inserts and holders because they don't break. I never use cheap inserts, not worth the time to change them unless it's a one insert - one cut repair type job.
There are decent cheap stick tools available, I haven't had a holder fail or cause a failure yet.

 

[m_holycross]

Thanks for the advice and apologies for late getting back.
Travelling too much for work.

I've bought some Haas & Widia inserts to try out.

I did send an inquiry to Imachine909 to see about a long distance tool supplier but no response yet.
If anyone has a tooling rep willing to work long distance let me know.

regards,