Lathe Threading

[Justturnin]

I am wanting to do some threading on my lathe. I have been looking on line for the cutters that I need and ended up on ebay. Upon getting there I realized I know jack about what I am trying to do. There are so many different cutters, sizes, angles and holders. I would like to use Carbide cutters, what do I need to get started that wont break the bank? I would like the ability to thread standard and metric. Any help would be appreciated.

What I have. Grix 9x19 lathe w/ a compound slide and a QCTP.

 

[Justturnin]

Would these cutters work? If so then I guess I would just need the holder.

10pcs Lot 16IR M 60AG Threading Carbide Inserts ISCAR Vardex 16IR 3IR Lathe | eBay

 

[BKelley]

Call Little Machine Shop and explain what you want to do. They are very friendly and helpful. The carry anything you might need for cutting threads.

Ben

 

[lorbay]

Send a PM to (cwolfs69) Charley he gave me a ton of info as this is what he did.

Lin.

 

[Holz Mechaniker]

WHOOPSIEEEEEE
I was about to ask if you were referring to Thread Chasing. I have a book and some links to that. BUT this is a whole 'nother animal.. WAIT.. I do know of a video... very old school method presented yet I am sure the principles are the same...

 

[randyrls]

Chris; I believe you have a G4000?? My advice is to check out the 9x20Lathe group on YAHOO. It is very active and helpful. This web page has a good description of the threading process. I have a complete threading chart created by John Pitkin.
Compound Setup For Threading

 

[Paul in OKC]

If you are only going to be threading aluminum and plastics, I would opt for either HSS, or the steel shank carbide tipped tools already ground to 60*. Carbide inserts can get spendy, and generally can not be resharpened. The link for compound set up is some decent info for small lathe stuff, although for fine threads I never worry about feeding with the compound and just dial straight in with the cross slide. Standard and metric threads can be cut with the same cutters, there is just a different process for the metric.

 

[Justturnin]

Thanks Everyone. I will want to thread some Stainless as well as Alum & Plastics. I will begin by ruining some aluminum rod that I got from the scrap yard a while back and some alumulite waste pours before moving to the SS. That said, if I am able to buy some HSS for the softer materials I am more than happy to do that. Maybe even get started on that and once I get a better feel I can get the Carbide inserts for the harder materials.

 

[mredburn]

what kind of tool holder do you have to use now?
Sherline 11940 Carbide Threading Tool 60º | eBay
This may do what you want without getting expensive. You will need a fishtail gage. Something like this
Craftsman 60 Degree Tempered Center Gage Machinist Toolmaker Tools Tool | eBay

 

[Justturnin]

what kind of tool holder do you have to use now?
Sherline 11940 Carbide Threading Tool 60º | eBay
This may do what you want without getting expensive. You will need a fishtail gage. Something like this
Craftsman 60 Degree Tempered Center Gage Machinist Toolmaker Tools Tool | eBay

I have an A2Z QCTP like so:
Quick Change Tool Post Set for 9x20 Lathe - LittleMachineShop.com

I bet that cutter will work to get me started. Watching on YouTube everyone has some fancy cutters, I was not aware a simple cutter was out there. The fishtail is on my shopping list.

 

[Janster]

The inserts you listed are just that, "inserts". You will need the tool that holds the inserts and then a tool holder to hold that to your tool post!