Hardinge HC Vertical cut off attachment

[L Vanice]

Thanks for finding that! I think I just have the wrong one. I just wanted to use it since I have never tried it, for now I will have to find one that mounts on the turret. I currently have a cut off tool but I need a longer cut off depth for some work next week.

I think the HC is probably better, but Hardinge makes a C-31 cutoff holder for Empire P1 and wider blades to fit the turret. It mounts in an extension holder. They do not say what depth of cut is possible with the C-31.

Larry

 

[4thgen]

I know of four variations in the spindle-mounted vertical cutoff. They all mount over the existing bearing retainer, requiring three longer screws, and all use an Empire P3N blade. The model VCHC or HC fits the chuckers, HLV-H and TFB-H. The model VCDV or 7 fits the DV59, DSM59 or HSL. The model VCBS or B fits the VBS. The model B is about the same as the model 7, but comes with a spacer to go between the bearing retainer and the inside of the VC to move the blade away from the headstock to clear the longer BS spindle and collet nut. I also have one marked model 6 that is the same as the model 7 except the screw holes line up with the earlier TR and ESM lathes. The model 6 might also fit the TL. I have never seen models 1 through 5.

Larry

Thank you for that good bit of info!

 

[GT6_Racer]

It’s worth getting the correct vertical cut off. They work fantastic and save a turret spot. I have them on my DSM59’s

 

[Rob F.]

It’s worth getting the correct vertical cut off. They work fantastic and save a turret spot. I have them on my DSM59’s

How would one of those work on 1" dia 303 stainless?

 

[jkopel]

How would one of those work on 1" dia 303 stainless?

On my DSM59 I can tighten the spindle mount cut off until it is a bit hard to move but extremely rigid. I have yet to break a blade. It is only designed for HSS blades though so that might be the limiting factor. I would guess it will make good cuts a few times but that tool life could be short.

 

[L Vanice]

The P3N cutoff blades are probably currently available in standard HSS, premium HSS, cobalt and (brazed) carbide. I have not used my VC on my Hardinge ESM59 for about 38 years, and then I was cutting 12L14 and using Empire brand M2 HSS blades. No need for fancy blades with 12L14. I have used P2 brazed carbide blades on my Hardinge quick change tool holders and they are great for shortening socket head cap screws. I would not use a solid carbide P3N blade (yes, they are available) in the Hardinge VC because I have seen that type blade break around the two cams in Empire holders. The steel support for the brazed carbide is less likely to fail at the cams.

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I have noted that an eBay seller of China goods has a cutoff blade for carbide inserts that they claim can be used in place of a P3N. I even bought some similar insert-type blades that I can use on my Clausing lathe, but have never tried them out. Those cutoff inserts do seem to be popular with production (CNC) users.

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Larry

 

[jkopel]

available in standard HSS, premium HSS, cobalt and (brazed) carbide.

thanks Larry I got a bunch of blades with my machine and never even considered that brazed carbide might be available. I did a run of about 100 parts in 3/8” 304 and had no trouble although I did have to sharpen the blade a few times.

 

[L Vanice]

thanks Larry I got a bunch of blades with my machine and never even considered that brazed carbide might be available. I did a run of about 100 parts in 3/8” 304 and had no trouble although I did have to sharpen the blade a few times.

Speaking of sharpening, the Luers patent blades made by Empire and others are only to be ground across the end, never on the top or sides. I have bought used blades and seen what previous users have done to waste large parts of a blade and called it "sharpening."

The last photo shows how I know that John Milton Luers patented these blades and let Empire Tool make them under license. The holders with two cams, but not the VC, were also invented by Luers. Hardinge liked these thing so well that they put Empire holders in Hardinge boxes with a Hardinge model number (D-10 or L-10) on the box. The holders and blades were only marked Empire and the Empire model number. I found that out in 1982 when I bought a D-10 holder and P2 blade from Hardinge. That was long before eBay existed and I could not find a used one around Detroit or Chicago. I did go cheap in 1983 when I bought a new Feeler Taiwan copy of the VC model 7 instead of buying one from Hardinge. It was a perfectly good product, so no regrets there.

Larry