Beginners' Guide to Boring Heads

This episode on Blondihacks, I’m talking all about boring heads! Exclusive videos, drawings, models & plans available on Patreon!

Ball turning with Stefan:

Here are links for many of the tools that you see me using:
(I earn small commissions on these links)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[kevinforth]

I was honestly braced for a barrage of "boring" jokes, but you exhibited incredible restraint! Thanks again Quinn, always enjoyable and educational.

[RonCovell]

Quinn - I love your mastery of adding 'nuance', after painting the 'big picture' of a multifunctional tool like the boring head. Very well done, indeed!

[StefanGotteswinter]

I love boringheads. such a simple tool that can deliver a darn nice bore.

Enjoyed a lot!

[carlmclelland]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen, Quinn, and I was impressed! Very knowledgeable instructor, and I even saw a trick or two I'd never thought of, when I'm using my boring head. You've earned my subscription, and who ever said... "You can't teach an old dog a new trick." At 77, I'm still learning.... Now to see what other videos you have.

[ronnyfurst]

Dear Quinn... you really have a big talent for packing a ton of usefull information into a good video.
It's always nice to listen to you.
Your ability to explain something is really unbeatable...

[mannyfilmsinc]

"the frames of reference that are created by spinning the work.... your mind expands.." that sounded really profound!!! Great video as always!!! thank you

[ChrisChandler-djwy]

Everything you said on the pros & cons of boring heads is spot on. One thing that helps on any boring head is to upgrade to an indexable carbide insert style boring bar, as there is no taper on the bar typically, strength is at a maximum. Power downfeed is truly a game changer for boring

[daveharriman]

That was amazingly helpful thankyou, I've just got a boring head for my mill, so quite timely. Also some great ideas I had not thought of, especially taper turning on the lathe using the head in the tailstock, thanks once again, cheers, Dave UK

[markmonier-williams]

Nice presentation on the boring head. I made a ball turning jig for mine. I also made a holder to mount the boring head in my lathe chuck (so I could bore the inside of 5'x2" stainless pipe to a depth of 2 or 3 inches) My lathe is 13"x24" with a 1.5" spindle bore so I had to build a holder for the pipe so I could mount it in the tool holder and run it on to the boring bar - tail support by virtue of the steady rest.. Sort of a line boring tool but with limited depth.

[tombier]

Thanks for the tips.

If you are looking for a boring bar kit I'd suggest getting one with carbide insert bars, or getting a couple carbide insert bars if you already have a boring head. If you only get one - get a short one that's hefty enough to take a decent cut with minimal flex. A lot of bored holes aren't that deep and that 4" long boring bar in the kit can be kind of useless. Also, whether it's a new boring head or used - it's worthwhile to take it apart and clean out any old chips, check the set screws, and/or deburr any parts that need it.

Regarding usage - I just snug the slide set screws so that the slide takes a little effort to move and I've learned to hand feed. Trust me, if I can, then anyone can learn to hand feed and get a good finish.

[Kennymotocrossracer]

Thanks this was very helpful for a beginner like me, please keep these type of videos coming 👍

[bf-man]

I'm a simple man. I see a new Blondihacks video, I push like button

[williambowen]

Outstanding teaching video as usual. Thanks you for taking the time to help us less learned hobbyist perfect our projects. When you are thinking about your next projects, how about some machinists puzzles.

[joeybobbie]

Thanks Quinn, I really liked the out of the Box ideas.

[outlierever]

I used to work in tool & die and did pretty well. If you had been in our shop, I would have been demoted to the burr bench. Excellent job! 👍

[larryschweitzer]

Thanks, Not a tool I use a lot but necessary. Most difficult set up I've done was a 9" deep bore in a tail stock casting that I had made. Not enough Z axis, too big for the lathe. Rotate mill head to horizontal & bore with X feed. A 10", .75" boring bar was like a wet noodle. Many very light passes. End result was good but took a lot of time.

Very easy to make an indicator holder to sweep the full width of the table for tramming the head using the horizontal hole on the boring head.

[brunca]

Great explanation on boring bars. Thanks!

[RichardMiller-ow]

For what it's worth. When I use a boring bar I use the two outer screws as gib adjustment and leave them set. Then use the center screw as a lock. This helps keep the adjustments consistent. Then use the center screw to lock it all in place. Another suggestion: it would be nice to be able to use a cordless drill to power the down feed. Maybe an adapter?

[johnapel]

I always appreciate the primer on techniques and tips on stuff.
Yes, I used the snooty technical term "stuff". I'm just that kind of a guy. 🙄
Thanks, and Meow to Sprocket.

[johnmoorefilm]

Might open a pub for retired engineers… ”The Boring Bar”. Thank you …try the shrimp?