Machining Advice Requested
 

I've turned 5 of 14 bottom rollers for my Komatsu D65 dozer and want to know if there is a better technique for doing this. As a beginning hobby machinist, I don't have much experience to call on... After turning the piece to correct OD, I use a parting tool to cut the grooves. Grooves are 1.5 or 4mm deep, and 4.7mm wide. My reference book suggests using a pointed tool set at 45-degrees to turning axis so both the bottom and sides of the grooves can be cut - but I'd have to reverse the tool in order to do both groove sides. Because of the narrow groove I did not feel confident trying that method.

:confused: Is there a better way for what I'm doing? Thanks!

Ken

Thumbnail shows lathe setup and a completed roller in the background.

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

What your doing looks fine. Some of the carbide insert tooling I use in the cnc turning center is shorter grooving bits and they are ground and supported to be able to turn to the right and left, where as standard groovers and cutoffs are only ground to plunge in. For hobby use though I would say what your doing is probably the fastest for the money as otherwise you'd be changing lots of tools or buying expensive ones.

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

Looks fine to me. It looks like you could slide the tool closer to the holder to make it more rigid.

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

I agree with both pugs and 9W Monighan. Looks good so far. Roller looks great!

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

:) Thanks for the feedback, and I will pull the tool back in the holder further.

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

Sounds fine to me.
I sometimes grind a purpose made tool for a particular job, a tool that does exactly want i want to achieve. i have a special tool to turn the sheaves for my LTM1800.

Kerst

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

thats how i make my rollers and i made a tool to cut my sheeves too lol so i can make more cable dozer blades

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

Years ago I worked at a shop that had a continuing job of making button head grease fittings and we had a specially ground tool to groove the spring loaded plunger in the middle of the body. You had to go easy so you didn't break it. Same idea as a semi circular threading tool that can be ground as it breaks and wears. If you're making several this may be an idea to grind yourself a form tool.

Re: Machining Advice Requested
 

Thanks to all for the comments and advice. So much to learn.....

Ken