Retaining Ring Groove Tool

[DELurker]

Originally Posted by craigboez

What does everyone use for cutting retaining ring grooves in shafts? Specifically, I'm looking for something to provide a properly toleranced groove for a 1/2" shaft, which is .039" wide x .468" in diam. All the cutting tools we own are much wider than this. I know you can custom grind your own tools from HSS but I have no experience with this. Something off the shelf would be preferred.

http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/Turn...roovin g+tool

MSC Direct is a good resource for tooling. There may even be a branch local to you so you don't have to pay shipping. The local branch *might* even be willing to sponsor your team ...

[Brian Selle]

We use a Nikcole Mini-Systems grooving tool and it works well. Enco sells it along with a page full of cutter inserts. Just saw this link through amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikcole-Mini-G.../dp/B004KAET5I

[sanddrag]

We do all ours with a HSS blank that we grind. It's never been a problem. This past season, we started doing the ones we could in a vertical collet holder in the CNC using a slitting saw to go around it. Came out great.