I'm know I'm not the only one who struggles with parting, or the only one that has a collection of destroyed parting tools/holders as evidence of that struggle and is familiar with the sharp "crack" sound a HSS blade makes when it shatters.

I've tried HSS blades in a couple of different styles and sizes, and also the MGEHR toolholders that take MGMN300 inserts.
Sometimes they work, sometimes I just can't get them to run without chatter or destroying themselves. Only thing that is consistent is I never know how it will go when I use them.
Here's part of the graveyard collection:




I'm convinced that with some parting tools the range of parameters they work well at is very narrow. Get into that range and they work really well, but just outside it they are horrible.

I've finally found a tool and insert that consistently works well for me. Its an old Sandvik holder and blade that I was given by a friend ages ago.
Takes Sandvik's 151.2 inserts which unfortunately aren't very common, or particularly cheap.
I'm sure there are similar styles that work just as well or even better with different lathes/operators but for me this is the best I've used so far.




After a few successful attempts, I decided I was confident enough to try parting with the power feed for the first time ever.
Worked well, and also meant I had enough free hands to take a quick video and brush on some oil at the same time:

Parting using powered feed on 1982 Takisawa TSL-1000D lathe - YouTube

Its a great feeling when you can part with a bit of confidence - so if you're struggling, don't give up!!

Steve


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