Mini Lathe Modifications

Parting Tool Holder

I was inspired to make this angled parting blade holder after seeing something similar on the Tools and Mods website. It’s based on the Norman Patent cylindrical tool post design and the idea of a positive rake angle came from the author of the Tools and Mods website.

The design has some disadvantages, such as:

...But there are also advantages:

Overall, I’m happy with the way it turned out, but I found it a bit complicated, requiring several machining operations. But then again, that’s why we do this kind of thing, right?

Thick aluminum flat bar with a hacksaw cut part way through it
Cutting the stock by hand took some time!
Aluminum block being milled
Milling it
Parting tool holder after milling, boring, slitting, drilling and tapping
The main part of the tool holder after most machining operations are complete
Aluminum parting blade clamp view 1
Aluminum parting blade clamp view 1
Aluminum parting blade clamp view 2
Aluminum parting blade clamp view 2
Parting blade clamp and tool holder
Parting blade clamp and tool holder
Stainless steel tool post
Stainless steel tool post
Norman patent parting tool holder components
All the components ready for assembly
Norman patent parting tool holder view 1
Ready for mounting in lathe
Norman patent parting tool holder end view
This view shows how the blade clamp works. Note the clearance and pivot point in the upper right
Norman patent parting tool holder other end view
Here you can see the blade clamp from the other end
Norman patent parting tool holder view 2
Installed in the lathe 1
Norman patent parting tool holder view 3
Installed in the lathe 2
Norman patent parting tool holder view 4
Installed in the lathe 3
After parting some brass