Thread: Help, Lathe cutting small dia S/S rod

Using 303 S/S and trying to reduce the Dia. of a 3" long section of a 4" long rod. The rod is 0.150" dia and I want to reduce them to 0.135" (+ or - 0.001"). Am holding the rod in a collet and supported by a center on the other end. Of course it wants to bend when being cut. Do any of you have some suggestions on how to accomplish this, SFM, DOC. lub & support tricks, etc. Thanks

Centerless grinding will work. Or a box tool. I made a box tool to do a job like that.

l

jim

This is precisely why follower rests were invented. They mount on the carriage. I don't know what lathe you have, but look for two threaded holes on the right side of the carrage, as that would be where they would mount. Follower rests are shaped like an offset "C" having 2 adjustable arms that bear on the work resisting tool pressure deflection. The arms come in two varieties one with ball bearings and the other plain. The plain style require grease lube.

How many to you have? It might be worth it to take them to a centerless grinding shop. You could probably get a few dozen done for minimum charge of like $85.

In a collet with a center do a length 1 1/2" pull out re apply center repeat untill done maybe leave a little spot to file to size apply emery cloth no one will ever know but U