The coning tool is designed for preparing a “cone” having an included angle of approximately 57 to 59 degrees on the ends of tubing.
Operation is as follows:
Secure coning tool body in suitable vise. You may wish to angle the
tool in the vise in order to facilitate access to the collet nut and
knurled cap.
Cut off tubing to desired length and deburr ends.
Rotate knurled cap clockwise into tool as far as it will go.
Back off” knurled cap by rotating counterclockwise
a number of complete rotations as
indicated in the chart below. (A mark on the
knurled cap may be useful).
Insert tubing thru collet nut and collet until tubing stops up against
inside cutter.
Tighten collet nut to secure tubing into position.
Turn knurled cap counterclockwise to remove cap
and cutter from tool.
Apply a very liberal amount of “Sulflo” (sulphur based
cutting compound) to the end of the cutter.
Screw cap and cutter back into the body until the cutter
contacts the end of the tubing.
Rotate handle of cutting tool clockwise fairly rapidly with
one hand while slowly rotating the knurled cap clockwise
with the other hand in order to continuously feed the
cutter into the tubing. Do not overly force the cutter
against the tubing as it will bind. (You will quickly develop
the proper feel).You will need to rotate the knurled cap a
complete number of turns as per the chart below in order
to complete the cone on the end of the tubing.
After coning the tubing end, loosen the collet nut and
remove tubing from the tool. Remove the knurled cap
and cutter from the tool in order to clean off the Sulflo
compound and steel chips in preparation for the next tube.
NOTES:
Steps 3 and 4 (above) are primarily a help in properly
positioning the tubing in the tool. As you gain experience
with the tool, you will be able to judge the proper position
by sight in order to eliminate these steps.
The 1/4" O.D. and 3/8" O.D. tubing sizes are relatively easy
to cone. The 1/8" O.D. size is “delicate” (be especially
careful not to force the cutter). The 9/16" O.D. size requires
the most amount of firmness in the cutting.
As with other tools, it is not uncommon for a collet to “stick”
even after the collet nut has been released. Should this
occur, simply tap the side of the collet nut firmly with the
wrench to release the collet.
Threading the Tubing
The threading tool is designed to put a left hand thread onto
the end of the tubing. Operation is as follows:
The coning tool (with the knurled cap and cutter removed)
provides an ideal way to hold the tubing for the threading
operation (see photo).
After securing the tubing, apply a liberal amount of Sulflo
to the end of the tubing.
Place the threading tool (guide bushing side first) onto
the tubing.
Place the palm of your hand firmly against the center of
the threading tool and rotate your wrist counterclockwise.
This will help “start” the die onto the tube. After you feel
the die start onto the tubing, continue to rotate the
threading tool using the handles.
Remove the threading tool and clean off Sulflo and chips.
NOTE:
The tubing collar should easily screw onto the tubing. If it
feels too tight or loose, the die should be adjusted accordingly.
Simply remove the die from the holder by loosening
the outer set screw. The small adjustment screw located
on the side of the die can be turned to precisely set the die.