Thread: Making BXA QCTP holders

Nice, I gotta get me some steel so I can have a go at this too.

Very impressive and you've done the job Ew, you've made me feel suitably guilty that I've done nothing. I didn't realise we had the same Iscar holders.
Any idea of what steel you have used? I might slide out to Bohler tomorrow for a bit of shopping.

BT

Looks good Ueee I really like that parting tool holder One problem I want a qctp and Iscar parting tool for my now

Seeing the photo of the finished article reminds me that for some time I've wondered whether a HSS parting tool (well supported) could be used for cutting threads. That overhang at the bottom of the holder might be the way...

Michael

Ew,

One of my holders accommodates W20 collets. It has proven real handy for holding small round boring bars which would otherwise require a lot of packing to achieve centre height. Forgetting about the W20s, a holder for a parallel, round shanked ER chuck could be a worthy inclusion amongst the holders.

BT

That came up good, I bet your glad there finished.

Dave

The all-in-one holder/parting tool holder is a good idea. I've always thought the standard item with the parting tool hanging way out to the side was a poor design, not that mine has caused me any problems.

I'm thinking that something along the same lines would be useful for using HSS with a QCTP.

Thanks for the comments guys.

Bob, the steel came from the place i bought the Queen from. It machines like standard hot rolled, my guess is its just plain mild. A holder for the collet chuck could be handy, but i was going to go one step further and make a MT holder or 2. Not in this lot though, the steel was not nearly thick enough. Need to go to 50x50 or maybe even round bar......

Michael, the first time the bottom of the toolholder gets in the way i know whats going to happen to it.....As the blade sits for the pic i should get most of the way through a 50mm bar.

Dave, It really wasn't too bad, i've been going on and off with them for a week or 2, and starting with only three pieces made it much easier than setting up 18 individually would have been. I don't know how you put up using the "soggy noodle" (HM50), it would have been a lot slower with just it. That plus i have the mills side by side, i was machining the tool slots on Mlle this arvo and drilling for the grub screws on the 50 at the same time. None of this stand back and watch stuff.....

Cheers
Ew

Originally Posted by Ueee

i was machining the tool slots on Mlle this arvo and drilling for the grub screws on the 50 at the same time. None of this stand back and watch stuff.....

Cheers
Ew

Hi Ueee

wait till you get the what sounds different all of a sudden moment followed by the oohh *&%^ moment

been there done that

cheers
Harty

Hi Ueee,
I never had any problems with the HM52 machining them or anything else for that matter, I hogged out and faced with carbide and then used HSS to finish the V's. My mill stays put once set up and is rigid enough for it's size, maybe you have problems with the ways or locks, or have you checked the mating faces of the top of the column and head etc?
Saying that I would not want to be making them on a bench top mill or similar less rigid machine, it would take a long time.

Overall I am happy with the HM52, though I have done heaps of mods to improve it over the years. Pipeclay bought one last year and he seems happy with his as well.
As they say with Chinese machines, they are a type of kit that give you the basics, then you work on it from there.

Dave

Originally Posted by harty69

Hi Ueee

wait till you get the what sounds different all of a sudden moment followed by the oohh *&%^ moment

been there done that

cheers
Harty

Hehe...
When i was machining the dovetails I stepped away from the mill to check a dimension. About 3 steps away from the mill there was a horrendously loud noise that made me jump 10 feet and nearly soil myself. It was just the air compressor cutting in at a very bad time.

Cheers,
Ew

Nice job Ueee. You're another one who makes things really quick AND makes it looks incredibly easy!

WRT strange noises, sometimes my kids sneak up on me (not intending to but I'm in intense concentration) or kick the footy on the roof of the shed right at a time when I'm doing something on the mill or lathe. Usually takes half an hour to get my heart rate back to normal!
I could not walk away from my mill or lathe with it doing work. I'm just not that good or confident. I'd be worried it may turn on itself and start machining bits off itself and turn into a lathe zombie

My shed is always quiet, I have a radio and MP3 player but never use it because I love the quiet. Even my wife comes in and says how nice and peaceful it is in there......... then tries to engage in meaningful conversation with me

Anyway, good work and I'm glad I'm not the only one who jumps at sudden unexpected noises!

Simon

Hmm. I have SWMBO programmed to warn me if she is coming into the shed. Yes Dear another coffee would be lovely thankyou.

Dean

I'm getting used to having the kids around when i'm doing stuff. I think i've said it before but its a bit of work, then kid time, more work, kid time etc......being a part time stay at home dad is soooooo hard. Both slept at the same time this arvo.....rare, but geez i got a lot done.

I have the holders mostly done now, just the height adjustment nuts to make.
Simon, i might make it look easy, but i went through 3 cutters on these. A dovetail (yep that was my fault) a 12mm rippa (just broke off mid cut, no funny business, hard spot or anything) and a 16mm endmill (same as the rippa, but i was only widening a 15mm wide roughed cut....). I'm starting to wonder whether these CTC cutters are really worth it. I have only bought HSS M2AL from them, but nowhere is the M2 bit mentioned on the boxes or shanks.....

Anyway, pics of the lineup..... Stephen tells me he wants all the footage before he finishes editing the vid. Lazy bugger

Cheers,
Ew