开云体育

I was lucky that way, having taken Machine tool Lab at tufts in order to
avoid flunking Math 2, and the first thing taught there was "How to grind
your own lathe toolbits." We were all given a #" long piece of 3/8" sq HRS,
& told to grind the same shape on each end as was shown in prints in the
textbook. With that accomplished, we were given a grade, (I got A) and a
1/4" HSS tool blank, told to make a real lathe tool, and never to complain
if it didn't cut well when we were using the lathes. I still have mine, and
used the same teaching method when, long afterward I was given the metal
shop class in the HS where I was teaching Physics, the regular shop teacher
having quit. Toolbit grinding is a basic skill for making things on engine
lathes like the 7xs. The size for which they are best adapted is the 8mm,
or 5/16" one. While it is true that ready formed toolbits are available,
they cost 5-10 times what the blanks do, and money is useful for many other
things. Those with an understanding of spatial relations plus a good 6"
grinder can easily pick up the skill to grind toolbits, and I have taught
many, many others, who lacked this talent, to be skilled toolbit grinders.
That, however, is another story, & "Mert's toolbit grinding course, with
text & visual aids" is available off list. Fair warning, it is not free.
I'm below the poverty line, despite having bought all my toys when I wasn't.

Mert