BORING HEADS

[jonkett]

Can anyone offer any advice regarding imported far eastern boring heads. At the Harrogate show i was once again drawn to the usual bargain suppliers Chronos, RGB etc.

I was attracted to the idea of buying a 3MT - 50mm Boring head, however when you are used to quoting a boring head at prices starting from £3-400 and often over a £1000 how much use can a £50 tool be (and that's including a set of carbide boring tools).

Everything screams stay away from them, but what are the experiences of the rest of the group?

I am a firm believer that you receive what you pay for, but these are quite tempting.

[lancelot]

Hi, I have one if I remember from Chronos...used it once and wrecked the mill gear drive, now in saying that ,the mill was relatively lightweight a Chester Conquest...if using an intermittent cut like flycutter or boring head I really think that a much beefier mill is required...as to whether they can do the job as a cheapie purchase, I think they may well be good enough for the price.
All the best for now,
John.

[Peter W.]

I've used a £69 boring head* from J&L to bore my 5" gauge inside cylinders (1.625x2.9) but that was on a Bridgeport. Seem OK.

On my lightweight mill/drill at home it tends to waltz round ! but that's
the machine, not the boring head

* It was on special offer, so even less than that

[russell]

I've used the Chronos one both for boring and for flycutting a chimney saddle with no problems. The supplied HSS boring tools did need regrinding however.

Russell.

[maninshed]

Yep I've had one of these cheapy boring heads they are generally all the same. Mine has been fine, I just make sure the adjustment jib is kept reasonably tight when the head is adjusted for a cut, and the lock is tightened for the actual cut.
I also have a better quality head I occasionally use, which is smoother in it's adjustment, but basically both heads are fine for what I do. My chineese boring head has a R3 taper and is used on a Myford VME mill.

[jonkett]

Thank's for the replies, next time around i may just indulge in one.