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1st time flycutting. Any tips?

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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:31 PM
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Default 1st time flycutting. Any tips?

Alright I was reading the directions and they seem pretty easy. But since this is my first time I would like to hear all the tips so I know what I'm looking and expecting. Thanks


Joe
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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Make sure you put tape over the top of the pistons before grinding.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 07:00 PM
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Always turn it clockwise. We unscrewed the head of my cutting tool by turning backward.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 03:20 PM
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Thanks fellas for the tips. If you have anymore please post up. THanks
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:08 PM
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Unlike the above suggestion, I found it easiest to start the cut by turning the cutter counterclockwise.

Since you're hitting the piston at an angle, I found the cutter would bind up really tight when first starting the cut, the cutter just wants to dig in and grab. Once you get a few turns on it and get the path made, it goes pretty easy and smoothly.

As I learned after the first few cuts, I found by running the cutter backwards the first few turns, it would lightly start cutting the path in the piston without binding...then I'd continue cutting normally (clockwise) with much less effort.


My other piece of advice is take your time, do the first piston by hand, just to get a feel of how it cuts, and how quickly the material is removed. It really doesn't take long to cut a .100" deep notch.
I used an air ratchet to spin the cutter, as it's slow rpm and torque limiting are both desirable features compared to using a drill. These cutters were designed to be turned by hand, not high speed drills.

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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:22 PM
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The tooth pattern on the Isky tool is symmetrical... it cuts the same forward as backward. How could counterclockwise do that for you? Oh I got it. You HAVE to have used a different brand. Otherwise that would make no sense whatsoever. What brand did you use? I'd like to check it out.

The only difference in directions on the Isky tool is the head is threaded, and can unscrew. I would loc-Tite it.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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Yes I used the Isky tools, and yes, I know the cutter is threaded on.

The cutter may look symmetrical, but like most any other cutting tool, ie: drill bit, endmill, etc, the teeth are only designed to cut in one direction.
The Isky cutter does not cut aggressively when spun backwards, but does when spun clockwise...so there is most definitely a difference.

My advice is certainly not the best for sharpness longevity, it's no different than running a drill bit backwards...it'll leave a mark on the surface, but won't really cut it. But, it's what worked for me. I used brand new cutters too, which may be also why I'm the only one who ever commented on this issue of binding during the initial cut. I guess the rental tools that have been used dozens of times may be worn in enough to not exhibit that behavior, I dunno, just a guess.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:43 PM
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They're brand new cutters. The cutters that I rented snapp into place like snapping a socket to a racthet. I think I'll start by hand and use a racthet and start slow. I don't have any air tools. For your first times how long did it take you guys to cut all the pistons?
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:51 PM
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where did you rent it from?
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 11:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Thimble
Yes I used the Isky tools, and yes, I know the cutter is threaded on.

The cutter may look symmetrical, but like most any other cutting tool, ie: drill bit, endmill, etc, the teeth are only designed to cut in one direction.
The Isky cutter does not cut aggressively when spun backwards, but does when spun clockwise...so there is most definitely a difference.

My advice is certainly not the best for sharpness longevity, it's no different than running a drill bit backwards...it'll leave a mark on the surface, but won't really cut it. But, it's what worked for me. I used brand new cutters too, which may be also why I'm the only one who ever commented on this issue of binding during the initial cut. I guess the rental tools that have been used dozens of times may be worn in enough to not exhibit that behavior, I dunno, just a guess.
I'm not saying it didn't work for you man. Just that the reason is wrong. If you look at it, it is hitting the piston the same way regardless of direction. In one full rotation, it will hit once with teeth "going toward" the rotation, and once with teeth "going away from" the rotation. It's not directional.

As for being careful, that's fine. I didn't have the problem of it digging in. Mostly because we only removed .070" off each piston, so it was easily accomplished with minimum force on the soft hypereutectic aluminum. Just be careful as Thimble says, and it's really self-explanatory once you start.

And no reason to rent the tool. If you have an old head, just use it and buy the tool.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 11:55 PM
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I rent it from LG.
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Old Jul 21, 2007 | 01:18 AM
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https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/709183-how-flycut-pistons.html

theres a thread about it if u didnt see it
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