1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to woodturning tools of various kinds and types that are mounted into handles of varying lengths and are then used in a hand-held manner for the cutting, or parting-off, of the stock or workpiece while that workpiece is being rotated on a lathe.
2. Description of Related Art
The following discussion will discuss parting tools as a woodturning tool; however, this invention is not limited to use in the context of woodturning and may be used in metal working or other trades. Tools for the parting-off of wood, or parting tools, are commonly used by woodturners. The primary purpose of a parting tool is to make a kerf in the revolving workpiece. This kerf has only two size characteristics: width and depth. Woodturners today typically use a parting tool which incorporates a single blade inserted into a wooden handle. The blade's cross-section is most commonly a vertical rectangular or a vertical diamond-shaped hexagon. There are also thin-kerf designs which are typically tall and narrow rectangles, often without a handle; there are also some trapezoidal designs which are usually wider.
None of the currently available tools incorporate a blade design which contains an index that can be used to accurately gauge the depth of a cut. None of the currently available parting tools offer a blade and housing, which in conjunction, provide the ability to easily and quickly alter the blade length so that the depth of a cut can be increased or decreased. None of the currently available parting tools incorporate a coplanar blade and housing which reduces vibration. None of the currently available parting tools incorporate an asymmetric design on the distal end of the blade housing that provides an accurate means measuring the depth of the cut. None of the currently available parting tools incorporate a strengthening bolster for the tool shaft that includes a vibration damping material such as flake graphite cast iron. None of the currently available parting tools offer an easily replaceable or changeable handle and cutting blade and bolster.
According to embodiments of the present invention; a parting tool compromised of a multitude of pieces: a cutting blade housing, a moveable and replaceable cutting blade with indexed depth markings, a stabilizing bolster, and a removable handle. The blade is secured in the housing forming the cutting blade assembly such that the bottom of the housing and the bottom of the blade are coplanar, thus providing uninhibited movement of the tool across the lathe tool rest as it enters the rotating workpiece.
The indexed markings on the face of the blade along with the asymmetric design of the distal end of the housing pieces together provide a means of accurately measuring the depth of the cut of the tool. The design of the housing and the cutting blade provide for easy blade replacement after completion of its service life as well as the utilization of alternate blades for changing either the cutting widths or the available range of cutting depths.
The cutting blade assembly is secured in a reinforcing bolster which provides structural support and further dampens vibration from the cutting edge and reduces vibration transfer to the handle. The bolster also provides a means for removable attachment of the cutting blade assembly to handles of alternate diameters or lengths based on user preference. The bolster can be fitted into handles utilizing an internal threaded connection or some other connection mechanism. According to embodiments of the present invention, the bolster may be made of pearlitic matrix flake graphite cast iron thereby fortifying the strength of the tool, dampening vibration within the tool, and reducing vibration transfer to the handle of the tool.
Embodiments of this invention also encompass a method for manufacturing a parting tool by forming a cutting blade with multiple sides; putting indexed markings along the length of at least one side of the cutting blade; forming a cutting blade housing having multiple sides, wherein the cutting blade is housed; inserting the cutting blade into the cutting blade housing; securing the cutting blade in the cutting blade housing such that the cutting blade can be extended, retracted, and removed from the cutting blade housing; forming a handle; and removably attaching the cutting blade housing to the handle.
The method of paragraph [0008], wherein the bottom side of the cutting blade housing is formed to be coplanar with the bottom side of the cutting blade.
The method of paragraph [0008], wherein forming the cutting blade housing comprises forming an asymmetrical distal end, such distal end may be curved.
The method of paragraph [0008], wherein the removable attachment of the cutting blade housing to the handle comprises: forming a bolster; removably attaching the cutting blade housing to the bolster; removably attaching the bolster to the handle. Such bolster may be comprised of a vibration dampening material.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
None of the particular objects or advantages that follow must be entirely satisfied as they are non-exclusive alternatives and at least one of the following objects is met; accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
1. Figures
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. For example, a woodturning parting tool is pictured; however, this invention could be used for metal working. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
From
The ability to adjust the length of extension of the cutting blade 10 beyond the asymmetrical distal end of a cutting blade housing 19 allows for easy and accurate measurement of the depth of the cut to be made as the cutting blade 10 will not cut deeper than the cutting blade housing 20. The asymmetrical nature of the distal end of the cutting blade housing 19 allows the indexed depth markings 11 to be seen easier as at least a portion of the indexed marking will be visible; additionally, the curvature of the asymmetrical distal end of the housing helps to provide a consistent cutting depth when the horizontal axis of the cutting blade is not coplanar with the horizontal axis of a workpiece.
The ability of the cutting blade 10 to extend also greatly increases the usable lifespan of the blade as it can extend after having been worn down by repeated sharpening. Additionally, the cutting blade's usable lifespan can be increased by making the blade of of a highly durable material such as 400-series stainless steel, or Vanadium.
From
The parting tool described herein can be manufactured by forming a blade of any one of various heights, widths, lengths, cutting edges, and materials by various means; including, but not limited to: milling, electrical discharge machining, extrusion, and/or grinding. The cutting blade can be heat treated to optimal woodturning properties before or after machining depending on the choices of material and assembly method. The cutting blade may be made of highly durable material, such as 400-series stainless steel, Vanadium, or any other durable material suitable for its purpose. Either one or multiple indexes may be applied to either one or multiple sides of the cutting blade. The cutting blade housing can be machined as a whole or in pieces and brazed together. The cutting blade housing and cutting blade can be made to have coplanar bottom sides. The cutting blade housing can also be made with an asymmetrical distal end which may be curved. Brazing the cutting blade holding pieces into a singular cutting blade holder will dampen the vibration of the parting tool while in use and make replacement of the cutting blade easier.
The cutting blade is then housed in the cutting blade housing and can be clamped into place with a nut and bolt; or by any other means for securing the blade between the side faces. At this point the cutting blade assembly can be inserted into a mortise in a bolster. The bolster can then be attached to a handle with threaded receptacle or any other means common to the art.
Additionally, various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
This parting tool comprises: a cutting blade housing or housing pieces, a moveable and replaceable cutting blade with indexed depth markings, a stabilizing bolster, and a removable handle. The easily readable indexed cutting blade and cutting blade housing allow for easy and precise depth of cut with the tool. The asymmetrical distal end of the cutting blade housing allows for easy reading of the indexed markings on the cutting blade. The blade is positioned in the housing pieces such that the bottom faces of the housing pieces and blade are all coplanar, thus providing uninhibited movement of the tool on the lathe tool rest as it enters the rotating workpiece and dampening the vibration. The cutting blade housing and bolster also allow for the accommodation and quick replacement of cutting blades and handles.
While my above description contains many specificities; these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplifications of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope of this invention should be determined not by the embodiments, but by the applied claims and their legal equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/478,349, filed on Apr. 22, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61478349 | Apr 2011 | US |