Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Arch

>Hi Paul, As usual, another suggestion instead of answering the question, but why not make a woodturning tool rest and use store bought or homemade small woodturning tools. Cut nail tools are easy to make in all kinds of edge shapes and safe to use when turning small things. Harbor Freight's hss 3 tool mini-set isn't bad, IM O (no humble 'H' here, Dinyar. 'G')

Turn to Safety, Arch

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Wood Spinner

>If you are only doing tiny things buy old screwdrivers at garage sales. Grind to the shape you like and heat treat them yourself.

Can't beat the price; usually about .25 to.50 ea.

Post some PICs of your work.

Good turning and be safe

Bill in Casa Grande, AZ.

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Paul Reed

>I have the 5 piece mini-set from Penn State. I am in the process of making a tool rest for the metal lathe so I can use the set. I have found that it gives me better control using the tool holder when turning small diameters like 1/16". Thanks for the info..

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Paul Reed

>Thanks Jim, that looks like a neat idea. I will try making some this week....

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Don Evans, Raleigh, NC

>Paul:

There is a woodturning tool called a Bedan that is just perfect for what you describe doing. That being turning small round objects in that size range and also making square shoulders.

If I did that right, there should be a file below that shows how to shape (sharpen) a regular metal bit that will clamp into you metal tool holder that emulates a Bedan. You can do this and just use it was if turning metal.

Note that the Bedan should be used on the top of the wood or just very slightly back towards you, NOT on the side of the wood like most wood (hand held) tools.

Understand that this tool is for taking very thin shavings off the wood when it gets down to the 1/8" thick, taking a shaving of 1/32 for each traverse, etc.

Don

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Don Evans, Raleigh, NC

>I should have added that it will work much better if after shaping, don't grind it anymore. Just use a 600 grit or so diamond hone. I use EZE Lap (small ones) as they are only $8.00 or so. I get mine at the local Army surplus store.

Don

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Arch

>Paul, this to meant to pry up better qualified discussion, not as argument. I hope it isn't too OT for woodturners and someone will jump in with the real scoop.

I suppose that you are right that cutting tools held in rigid tool holders and moved by screw threads provide better control than tools held and moved by hand. Particularly when precision (accurate repeatability) is required. Witness microscopes, micrometers, etc. OTOH, consider watchmaker's turns. They function very well with hand held gravers.

YMMV, but I find that with small metal lathes without automatic cross slide, the feed is jerky and doesn't cut on the the radius as smoothly or as precisely as squeezing hand tools on a toolrest. For me, reading a dial doesn't seem to work as well as proprioceptive feedback in turning very small _wooden objects.

With hand held tools the approach angle of the bevel and the edge's relation to center are smoothly variable while even in a lantern style tool holder it is fixed. I realize that rigidity is necessary to turn metal, but not so much for wood where a fluid cutting motion excels.

Anyway, it will be interesting to hear whether you end up holding shopmade bits in your tool holder or inserted bit tools in your hands. Either way, all good luck and happy toy making.

Turn to Safety, Arch

Re: Tool Bits for Small Turnings

Paul Reed

>Don:

I tried some turnings using a HSS cut-off tool in the metal lathe and it worked pretty well on some really small items. The cut-off tool is similar to your picture. I also made a couple of small wood bits using 1/8" drill bit shanks as suggested by Jim Delaney. Those also worked well. I think these will serve my purpose. Thanks for your input..

Paul