Small diameter turning tool with 360 degree travelling steady

[thehomeengineer]

Thank you for clarifying the tool box. I did wonder if it was a roller box as used on capstan lathes. The smallest diameter I have turned is 0.2mm (0.008”) this was for the college project. I still have some photos and the project notes somewhere but can’t remember what I have done with them. Any tool is a good tool if it works and does what it is intended for and of course safe. I hadn’t considered using a die as I tend to get the button reasonably close to centre and turn the stock. As it is normally for BA studs there is plenty of flexibility in the stock if you have plenty sticking out of the chuck and the button maintains the correct distance from tool.
Always like to get everyone’s ideas and advise on any project, never stop learning every day is a school day on HMT

[greenie]

Have a look at the book by Stan Bray, called MAKING SMALL WORKSHOP TOOLS, page 67,68,69 and 70. Far less complicated than what you have made.
I used that for reference and made my own for a Unimat 3, see photo below, they just screw onto the tailstock and away you go.
Size of the cutter is preset and NO adjustment required until you do something stupid.

I use Tobin Bronze for making the 12BA and 10BA screws, the 12BA Boxtool has a plate on the front with a 2.4mm hole to fit the appropriate sized bit of bronze rod. The 10BA has the same plate at the front, only this time it has a 3.2mm hole to take that sized bronzed rod.

I decided on the K.I.S.S. principle, less to go wrong.


https://www.abebooks.com/Making-Smal...11220000686/bd

[Jon]

Congratulations thehomeengineer - your Small Diameter Turning Tool is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

A big and busy week around here, but this is a solid winner.

Some more good builds from this week:

Keyed Chuck Tightening Method by tonyfoale
Belt Grinder by barts metalwork
Angle Grinder Adaptors by bobs409
Forming Tool by astroracer
Boring Head Indicator Holder by garage nut
Purlin Spacer Guides by Frank S
Screw Cutting Roller Box by thehomeengineer
Removable Hoist Pendant by Frank S
Metal Polishing Jig by Kwandotechnic
Snatch Block by Frank S
Belt Grinder by Made in Garage
Lathe Saddle Slides by Claudio HG
Saw Clamp Extension by jdurand
Slip Roller by bobs409
Leaf Rake Plate by Frank S
Compass by Kovanca Polock
Turning Tool by greenie
Snatch Block with Hook by Frank S
Pyrography Pen by Mr.DK DIY
Rotary Tool Drilling Table by Kwandotechnic
Forge by Mr.DK DIY
Tool Post Lock by thehomeengineer
4-in-1 Multifunction Crosscut Jig by Didpoolhall
Steady Rest by Just1Guy
Chain Breaker by mariost
Boring Bar Holder by garage nut


thehomeengineer - you'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

This is your 6th Homemade Tool of the Week. Here are all of your Homemade Tool of the Week winning tools. Congrats again

Claw Clamps by thehomeengineer

tags: clamp

Sheetmetal Former by thehomeengineer

tags: sheetmetal

Ring Roller by thehomeengineer

tags: ring roller

Axle Stands by thehomeengineer

tags: axle, stand, jack

Chuck Back and Face Stops by thehomeengineer

tags: chuck, stop

Small Diameter Turning Tool by thehomeengineer

tags: threading, cutting tool