In live steam locomotive building books by Martin Evans and Stan Bray, the authors show pictures of setups for boring cylinder blocks by turning between centers on a lathe. The boring bars that are shown being used have receptacles in them for a tool bit, and the authors mention adjusting the cutting diameter with shims.

My question is – does anyone sell such boring bars or do you have to make them yourself? I cannot find them in any parts distributors that I know of. If anyone knows of a parts distributor who has them, could you please post their name and internet link.

Thank You.

Thank you all for the information. I visited some web sites that sell boring bars for turning between centres, the prices scare me (and I am fearless!). I have GHT's plans, but was wondering if anyone had other plans for making the boring bar that they were willing to share? GHT's design is good, but I was wondering if someone else had something better.

Thank You.