REMOVING PIPS
Often when parting off a work piece in the lathe, the tool may leave a “pip” or thin ring attached to the work piece….even when using a right-hand cut-out insert or blade tip. Here’s an easy, quick way to remove the unwanted “pip” or thin material: open a mill vise,with the standard steel jaws, just wide enough to allow the work piece to slip between the jaws. Use a mallet to gently tap the work piece into the space between the jaws, shearing off the pip/ring, for a smooth finish. There are no unsightly scratches from filing, snips, or sanding belt, etc. Example: Removing thin ring of material left behind after parting off custom machined mount for aero engine application.

Tom Nichols
Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc
Cleburne, TX 
April, 2022