On 2013-02-16, Karl Townsend wrote:
I need to build my own tool Pre setter. Can't afford the real thing.

Anyway, I need a ground female shape of taper 40. Anybody got an old
T40 spindle?

Which 40 taper? If it is the NTMB 40, you can gauge off the
back of the flange, so just machine something with enough bore to accept
the taper, and a pair of projecting lugs to orient it (probably not
necessary for measuring -- but nice for wrenching on the collet noses).

Make it of hex stock, so you can grip it in a milling vise for
the wrenching.

If it is a CAT-40 or one of the other automated tool changer
styles, it may not have as precise a surface location on the back of
that grooved flange, so you may need the taper to be right.

Alternatively, can anybody grind a T40 ID?

You have a lathe -- right?

Is it big enough to have the compound travel long enough to cut
the taper in one pass?

If so -- get (borrow?) a toolpost grinder, turn the taper close
and then mount the toolpost grinder (and carefully protect all of the
lathe's precision surfaces), and finish grind it with that.

Otherwise, I'm cutting one on my lathe and lapping in with old tool
holders, don't sound like fun.

Rough cut on your lathe, and use a toolpost grinder as above.

You could for a one-time job like this, make a mount for your
toolpost to mount an air driven hand grinder and use that as the
toolpost grinder. It will use a lot more electricity running the air
compressor, but it will probably still cost less. You'll need a diamond
for truing the stone in the grinder before you do the work.

Karl

P.S. I'm sorry about asking how to cut metal again. twice in one week.

I think that I'll forgive you. :-)

Enjoy,
DoN.

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