Hi 13Sigs
Some time ago I tried using these fairly inexpensive Asian boring bars for boring in the lathe. I had a set at hand to use with my boring head in the mill.
I tried one out as a boring bar in the lathe and it worked quite well. Now for smaller work I use them all the time, They are easy to sharpen with a diamond wheel. Diamond wheels also are now reasonably priced.
You may need to remove the sharp corner under the cutting edge to provide more relief to avoid rubbing if boring small holes.
When using them choose the shortest and stoutest size for the work at hand, reducing overhang and a thick stiff boring bar is always the best way to go to avoid chatter and get a good finish. Drill a pilot hole to start as big as practicable to start, The heavier ones will take quite a heavy cut if your lathe can handle the power and there is clearance for the chips.
Here is a link to a post I made on this site on how to make a holder; you can adapt it to the size of your tool holder:
**LINK**
Bar Set:
**LINK**
Boring Bar Images:
**LINK**
Regards
John