Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of a cutting tool. In one embodiment, a boring tool includes a coupling member which is driven by a CNC boring machine, and a sliding tool holder which is slidably coupled to the coupling member. A frictional force resists sliding movement of the cutting tool holder. The frictional force is sufficient to retain the position of the cutting tool during machining operations. However, the frictional force is insufficient to resist a lateral force applied parallel to the direction of sliding, as used during adjustment of the tool position. In another embodiment, either a surface of the sliding tool holder or a surface of a frictional member are contoured with a shape that corresponds to a desired contour of a sidewall of a hole. During machining, a follower in contact with the contoured surface causes the cutting tool holder to slide laterally during machining, thus contouring the sidewall of the hole.
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fine adjustment of the position of the cutting tool. In one embodiment, a boring tool includes a coupling member driven by a CNC boring machine, a cutting tool which is slidably coupled to the coupling member, and a slidable adjustment member. A frictional force resists sliding movement of the cutting tool. The frictional force is sufficient to retain the position of the cutting tool during machining operations. However, the frictional force is insufficient to resist an adjusting force applied by the adjustment member. Sliding motion of the adjustment, either by pulling or pushing it, results in movement of the cutting tool. In one embodiment, the cutting tool and the adjustment member are slidable in different directions. In another embodiment, the boring tool is adapted and configured to convert a first, greater amount of movement by the adjustment member to a second, lesser amount of movement by the cutting tool.
Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of a cutting tool. In one embodiment, a boring tool includes a coupling member which is driven by a CNC boring machine, and a sliding tool holder which is slidably coupled to the coupling member. A frictional force resists sliding movement of the cutting tool holder. The frictional force is sufficient to retain the position of the cutting tool during machining operations. However, the frictional force is insufficient to resist a lateral force applied parallel to the direction of sliding, as used during adjustment of the tool position. In another embodiment, either a surface of the sliding tool holder or a surface of a frictional member are contoured with a shape that corresponds to a desired contour of a sidewall of a hole. During machining, a follower in contact with the contoured surface causes the cutting tool holder to slide laterally during machining, thus contouring the sidewall of the hole.