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Carbide vs. HSS tools

5K views 31 replies 20 participants last post by  MrRon 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am new to turning, but recently I acquired a small H.F. lathe. I also got some of the H.F. steel (not HSS) lathe tools which need constant resharpening. So now I am debating whether I should invest in some carbide tools, or get a CBN grinding wheel and some HSS tools. If you add the cost of the wheel and the tools, it is about the same as the carbide tools are alone. What do you suggest I do and why?
 
#29 · (Edited by Moderator)
MrRon the fundamental reason for many people to use carbide is because it will hold an edge longer than HSS. the question is how fine an edge can be had with carbide. When carbide first hit the streets it was a crude product made by a rudimentary process but it still had advantages over some cutting tools in some areas. sharpening was possible but also crude by today's standards. its main advantage was standing up to the heat generated during cutting. the edge was intentionally blunted or a flat was added to prevent chipping and make it more durable. no one cared or dreamed about using for aluminum. it would plug up, needed high tool pressure and provided a terrible finish. the industry has not stopped refining the process. Today manufactured by a premium process carbide is used in every situation where HSS in the past was the only option and more. you can still get the initial grades of carbide very inexpensively. look at the price of a set of carbide cutters at the big box store. Not really sharp but it wont be burning along a round-over on the second edge of a sheet of mdf. then compare that to a premium carbide product like an Amana cutter that is sharp but it will cost six times as much as the whole set from the borg and hold that edge even longer.

Gerry GREAT EXAMPLE!
 
#31 ·
Good advise here from the dane. I was taught to use gouges first, and still prefer them over carbide, however I am using carbide more often lately. Primarily to hollow out bowls and such.
Also buy quality tools. Traditional tools, I prefer Thompson tools, and all my carbide use the Mike Hunter carbide cutters. There a several tool makers that use the Hunter cutter.
As for sharpening. You can use a diamond stone to sharpen carbide. James Barry has you tube videos showing how.
And I use CBN myself for HSS, but a friend just bought a tormek grinder. All personal preference really.

Carl Jacobson recently did a video on this …

I personally prefer HSS tools … I get cleaner cuts with them. I do use carbides for some situations, mostly roughing out bowls and hollowing vessels.

- TheDane
 
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