FILENAMES: CUTOFF1.JPG CUTOFF2.JPG CUTOFF3.JPG DESCRIPTION: These are pictures of a lathe cutoff tools. Posted by Ted Edwards . The following description was provided: ================================================================= My Cutoff Tools by Ted Edwards Ted_E@telus.net Associated files: CUTOFF1.JPG, CUTOFF2.JPG and CUTOFF3.JPG I have several cutoff/grooving tools, some ground from lathe bit blanks, an Iscar one that takes inserts and, is, IMO, too expensive for regular use by an HSM, and the two I use most and are shown here. The small one will cut up to a bit more than 1/4" deep so can be used for parting 1/2" solid and tubing/pipe with less than 1/4" wall. The larger one is considerably more rugged and gets used for the heavy duty stuff. If you get chatter, slow down the machine and/or decrease the front clearance (see below). You need to feed just aggressively enough to peel off a nice spiral chip. Some sort of cutting fluid really helps. I use Kool Mist diluted with water to 20% and dripped on with a large hypodermic. The cutoff tool holder shown in CUTOFF1.JPG is one I made to hold the carbide insert shown beside (and in) the holder. Note the hold down tab. This is held down by one of the tool clamp bolts on the tool post. This holder is somewhat less than completely satisfactory but it works. I got a number of the cutter inserts surplus and will have to find something else when they're gone. The holder should be shimmed up in the tool post to place the tip at the lathe axis. The holder and blade shown in CUTOFF2.JPG and CUTOFF3.JPG was purchased at Busy Bee in Vancouver, Canada. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Grizzly have them in the U.S. The tool post bolts squeeze the holder together clamping the blade in position as well as holding the whole assembly. The blade I got is 5% Cobalt steel and is 3/32" wide. Note the way the end is ground. When I was experiencing a great deal of trouble with chatter, a retired machinist friend pointed out that the nose clearance angle is *very* important. Too close to vertical and it won't cut (no clearance). Too much clearance and it chatters. Get it just right and it cuts like a dream. The nose angle on the large cutter (shown in CUTTER2.JPG and CUTTER3.JPG) is 80 degrees (i.e. 10 degrees front clearance). The nose angle on the amall cutter (shown in CUTTER1.JPG) is 70 degrees (i.e. 20 degrees front clearance). This larger clearance works well because the cutter is more rigidly supported in proportion to its size and width (0.056").