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.
Is there a better way for what I'm doing? Thanks!
Ken
Thumbnail shows lathe setup and a completed roller in the background.