What did you make with your lathe/mill today?

[dhal22]

Not wanting to blow up Steve's lathe thread so started my own. I want to make a die holder for a die that seems to be a size that I have no holder for. I've been using my mini mill to hold the little 2-56 die.

 

[dhal22]

Anyway, to make a correct size opening for the die I found out I will need a boring bar. Well, that needs a holder so here I go.

I'll start with a 1" square piece of steel. Square means 4 jaw chuck and at 8" its heavy. I protect the ways with lumber just in case of an ooopsie.

Centered and drilling out for the eventual 3/8" hole.

 

[dhal22]

Drilled and reamed to 3/8"

 

[dhal22]

There are 2 primary boring bar holder designs that l liked (read minimal metal skills). I chose this one, at least temporarily. Drilled, tapped and ready to go.

 

[dhal22]

Using my new boring bar holder (and boring bar) to work on a die holder.

 

[dhal22]

Die fits tight!!!

 

[dhal22]

Working on the die holder. Beveling the sharp edges.

 

[dhal22]

A couple of photos of the holder cut away from the stock.

And a picture of one of the die handles before I tap the die holder.


My first knurling job shows the process takes some practice.

 

[TonyHallo]

Can't tell for sure but it looks like you have a QCTP, if so why did you need to make the tool holder? I just put the boring bars right in the tool holder.

 

[dhal22]

let me find a photo.