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Screw Cutting on a Lathe - Printable Version

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Screw Cutting on a Lathe - DaveH - 04-17-2012

Just thought I would show how I sometimes cut a thread with a single point tool on a lathe.
32mm diameter x 1.5mm pitch thread.

All the gears have been chosen to give the required pitch of 1.5mm
First I cut a run out .055” deep by about 3mm wide, the depth of cut thread is about .052 deep. Not forgetting the taper at the front.

[attachment=816]

Next I use that little gauge to make sure and align the cutting tool so that it is perpendicular to the work piece.
In this particular method I am not using the compound slide. The depth of cut is applied using the cross slide.
Sometimes I am asked why don’t I set the compound slide over at 30deg. I tend to use carbide insert tips these are sharpened on both edges I have paid for that so I am going to use both edges. Big Grin

[attachment=817]

Move the cross slide so that the point of the tool just or near as damn it touches the work piece. Zero the cross slide dial.
Now move the tool to the start position, engage the half nuts, these will remain engaged throughout the cutting process.
Next I dialled in a .004 cut. Started the cut. At the end of the cut wind out the cutter so that the apron can be traversed back to the start without the cutter touching the work piece. Dial in the last reading in this case .004”. You are now ready to make another pass.

[attachment=818]

However before the next pass it is best to check the pitch is correct, if there is something wrong, it is still possible at this stage to correct it

[attachment=819]

Every thing OK dial in .006” – do another cut (pass)
This is nearly half way thru (.022”) the depth of cuts where .004” (the first one) then .006” .006” .006” now I am reducing the depth of cut to .004”
Also every .008” I just run the tool thru as of the last pass (no increase in depth of cut) to clean the thread up a little.

[attachment=820]

Now it is just a case of keep going until the nut goes on. Also keep an eye on the total depth of cut .052” Just remember you want it to screw on – not a push fit Slaphead

[attachment=821]

Towards the end I tend to make very small cuts .001” or less gives a better finish.Smile
Just prior to testing the fit I just made pass on the previous depth of cut, it is possible to see it on the tool tip.

[attachment=822]

That’s it finished.
Clean it up with a small soft’ish wire brush lightly.

[attachment=823]

If you have never cut a thread on your lathe – well it is not so difficult as you think, you just have to take that first step. This may help you take that first stepSmile

Smiley-eatdrink004
DaveH


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - doubleboost - 04-17-2012

Nice job DaveSmiley-signs107Smiley-signs107
That 1.5 pitch is very popular
Next time we need a video
John


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - krv3000 - 04-17-2012

hi all i have a vid of cuting threds its a proper one


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - EdK - 04-17-2012

Good one Dave. I like your insert threading tool. Can you give us a better shot of it with your new camera?

Thanks,
Ed


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - dallen - 04-26-2012

(04-17-2012, 05:56 PM)krv3000 Wrote: hi all i have a vid of cuting threds its a proper one

if possible I would like to watch that videoBig Grin


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - DaveH - 04-26-2012

Hi Bob,

You say you have a video on screw cutting, do you have a link for us please Smile
Smiley-eatdrink004
DaveH


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - doubleboost - 04-26-2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sDps7TdgoU&feature=relmfu
John


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - DaveH - 04-26-2012

John,

Great video, really well done Smiley-signs107
Smiley-eatdrink004
DaveH


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - krv3000 - 04-26-2012

HI all right i got the video from the south bend lathe web site


RE: Screw Cutting on a Lathe - krv3000 - 04-26-2012

HIall tride to post the video no good but i got it from the south bend lathe web site if thats any help