Thread turning tool setup

Upside-down tool holders for external thread turning

In many operations, it is beneficial to use a tool holder in an upside-down position (drop-head holder) to help remove chips more effectively. Drop-head tool holders are specially developed for upside-down thread turning and allow the correct center height to be maintained, without having to change the tool holding in the turret or using a Y-axis.

Tool holding for internal thread turning

Since the radial forces are much higher than the axial forces when thread turning, the overhang generally needs to be shorter than in general turning operations.

For internal turning operations, this is even more important to consider as the overhangs are usually longer, and especially for internal thread turning, as the higher radial forces increase the risk of tool bend out and vibrations.

The choice of boring bar has a strong influence on the effectiveness of internal threading. Four main types can be used, depending on the overhang length and required level of stability.

Steel boring bars

• Maximum 2–3 × bore diameter overhang
• Bar diameter 10–40 mm (0.4–1.5 inch)

Carbide boring bars

• Maximum 5 × bore diameter overhang
• Bar diameter 16 mm (0.63 inch)

Steel damped boring bars (Silent Tools^™)

• To be used together with CoroTurn^® SL cutting heads
• Maximum 5 × bore diameter overhang
• Bar diameter 40, 50, 60 mm (1.5, 2.0, and 2.4 inch)
• Can also be used for parting and grooving operations

Carbide boring bars

• To be used together with CoroTurn^® SL cutting heads
• Maximum 5 × bore diameter overhang
• Bar diameter 16, 20, and 25 mm (0.63, 0.75, and 1.0 inch)

Boring bar deflection is influenced by the boring bar material, diameter (dmm), overhang, and cutting forces. The recommended clamping length in a boring bar holder with a sleeve is 4 × bar diameter.

Maintenance of thread turning tools

​Establishing a routine for tool maintenance in the work shop will prevent problems and save money.

Check the insert seat

​It is important to ensure that the insert seat has not been damaged during machining or handling. Make sure the insert seat is free from dust or metal chips that are produced when machining. If necessary, clean the insert seat with compressed air.

Torque wrench

​To get the best performance out of screw-clamp tool holders, a torque wrench should be used to correctly tighten the insert. Use the recommended torque (TQ) for each tool holder.

• Torque that is too high will negatively affect the performance of the tool, and can cause insert and screw breakage
• Torque that is too low will cause insert movement and vibrations, and degrade the cutting result

Clamping screws

Apply sufficient screw lubrication to prevent the screw from seizing. Lubricant should be applied to the screw thread as well as the screw head face. Replace worn or damaged screws.

Overhang

For an optimal tool setup, use a tool holder with as short an overhang as possible to avoid vibration. We recommend to use a sub-spindle or tailstock for support, if available.

Long overhangs are most common for internal thread turning. When machining with long overhangs, it is especially important to mount the bar correctly to ensure enough clamping contact. Recommended clamping length is 2.5–5 × bar diameter (D), depending on boring bar design. This will result in a stable tool setup.

For best performance of the boring bar, the contact, design, and dimensional tolerance between tool and tool holder are important factors. The best stability is obtained with a holder that completely encases the bar. A V-type bar holder and cylindrical holder with screws are not recommended.

Cylindrical boring bars and adapters can be clamped in split sleeves. Large boring bars and adapters can be clamped using two split bearing caps.

Tool assembled with split sleeve
Tool fixed in two split bearing caps