Steel for making tool holders

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

I'm about to make a few Tripan tool holders for a toolpost I have. What would be the suggestion for the type of steel to use for these or does it not really matter. I was thinking of ground stock to the correct overall size but not sure what grades to go for.

Matt

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

I made a bunch of these a while back.. ordinary cold rolled bar. they seem to work fine.

[Thor 🇳🇴Participant @thor]

I used ordinary black mild steel to make my toolholders. They might not last as long as hardened toolholders, but when they afre worn I can just make some new ones.

Thor

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

You won't wear them out if you use black rolled bar. Avoid "O1" ground stock it is not easy to machine and expensive for no real gain.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

IIRC ground stock is either flat plate of square bar, so might not be available in the size you want anyway. As Chris says, it's tough to machine for no significant benefit. Better to use black rolled bar and if you are really keen you could always case harden. But what's going to wear anyway?

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

Thanks guys, you have answered my question and now I shall source some mild steel @ 30mm x 50mm – this being the section of the Tripan holders I want to make.

Matt

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Matt,

I too would go with black rolled bar, I also suggest you 'rough out' all the main features on each tool holder to relieve any stresses in the material then finish M/C each block for the best results.

Tony

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

With hot rolled bar you won't find much in the way of residual stress.

Ian S C

[John ReeseParticipant @johnreese12848]

You might find this video series useful.

[thaiguzziParticipant @thaiguzzi]

Any old steel to hand will do. I've even got 5 in aluminium (ran out of steel stock)…

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

Posted by John Reese on 21/01/2017 01:10:18:

You might find this video series useful.

Thanks John – a tutorial for the holders I am after!! Couldnt be better. I see he uses plain carbon steel ground stock.

Matt

[Author]

Posts