dnalot
Project of the Month Winner !!!
Shop Built Diamond tool bit holder
There have been a number of posts on the subject of Diamond tool holders. They got me to thinking I might want one. So 9 Mo. ago I built a pair of 5/16" holders for my 12" lathe. They worked great but looked a little gnarly as I kind of snuck up on the final design. They have become my go-to tool holder for most everything since building them.
So I set out to build a pair of tool holders for 1/4" bits with a firm idea as to where I was going this time. The design is simple but it works and it only takes an afternoon to make a pair. Starting with a 1/2" X 1.25" mild steel, I used my band saw to cut out the outline of the part. I then used a belt sander to shape the outside to final form. Next I setup my angle vice and set both angels to between 11 ~ 12 degrees. Clamped the part in place and cut a flat and then cut the 1/4" recess for the bit. The recess should be about .24" deep. Next I used a steel point to locate the edge of the bit and then jogged over to drill the hole for the screw so that it would just brush the bit. I used an 8-32 pan head but I have ordered a new screw with a little wider head to replace it. Next I tapped the hole and took a file and cleaned up the flat that was milled and gave the part a general cleanup with a file. I then glass blasted the part and "Parkerized" it for two minutes.
Now the bits I have are made in china so I have to do a little tweaking on them to make them fit. And the screw looks inadequate but I have never had a problem with slipping. In fact I usually have to give the bit a little rap with a hammer to get them loose for sharpening.
Mark T
There have been a number of posts on the subject of Diamond tool holders. They got me to thinking I might want one. So 9 Mo. ago I built a pair of 5/16" holders for my 12" lathe. They worked great but looked a little gnarly as I kind of snuck up on the final design. They have become my go-to tool holder for most everything since building them.
So I set out to build a pair of tool holders for 1/4" bits with a firm idea as to where I was going this time. The design is simple but it works and it only takes an afternoon to make a pair. Starting with a 1/2" X 1.25" mild steel, I used my band saw to cut out the outline of the part. I then used a belt sander to shape the outside to final form. Next I setup my angle vice and set both angels to between 11 ~ 12 degrees. Clamped the part in place and cut a flat and then cut the 1/4" recess for the bit. The recess should be about .24" deep. Next I used a steel point to locate the edge of the bit and then jogged over to drill the hole for the screw so that it would just brush the bit. I used an 8-32 pan head but I have ordered a new screw with a little wider head to replace it. Next I tapped the hole and took a file and cleaned up the flat that was milled and gave the part a general cleanup with a file. I then glass blasted the part and "Parkerized" it for two minutes.
Now the bits I have are made in china so I have to do a little tweaking on them to make them fit. And the screw looks inadequate but I have never had a problem with slipping. In fact I usually have to give the bit a little rap with a hammer to get them loose for sharpening.
Mark T