Lathe tools for finning Mag heads (or other stuff)

[bstrickler]

What tools would I be looking for, to be able to fin my own Mag heads, or other things?

I am just going to be using my basic 3-speed Garbage Freight lathe for practice finning on some things, then try finning my Mag's head (too short on money to have someone fin it for me).

Also, how deep should I cut into the head? Also, how far apart do you guys usually space the fins?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[wquiles]

Here I have 3 examples:

1) Example 1

2) Example 2

3) Example 3

 

[precisionworks]

too short on money to have someone fin it for me

I don't know what Will spent to set up for grooving, but here's a guesstimate:

QCTP - $150

grooving tool holder - $50

inserts for above - $10 each

You may be able to set up for grooving for under $200 is you grind a dedicated form tool from a Mo-Max square blank & hold it it the tool holder that came with the lathe. That way, your total expense will be $20 or so, plus the time it takes to figure out how to grind the form tool. If you have the time, it's a good learning experience.

 

[gadget_lover]

So much depends on the grooving that you are trying to do.

To make small, 5/16 inch wide grooves I use my parting blade (http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Operation/Parting/parting.htm ) and it works just fine. The blade is essentially 1/2 inch tall, so it's fairly stiff in the required directions. You can even (with a little care) make wider grooves by plunging it several times.

To make wider grooves, or grooves with specific profiles, you can grind your own from a HSS blank. Whatever you use, make sure it's sharp to get through the anodizing.

Daniel