Good Lathe Tools for Beginner

[sidneyt]

I am not sure what they send in the way of tools with your Shoptask, but if you will very shortly wear them out, you must be doing some machining.

I would agree that using HSS is definitely the tool of choice especially for brass and aluminum. I have never used 4130, but I am sure it will work fine with that too. IF you are somewhat new to grinding tools you can practice with some CRS square stock or you can buy something less expensive than Cleveland Mo-Max from Enco, etc. I have have used a variety of Chinese, Indian, Korean HSS all with good results, once again with brass and Al. When it comes to steel (I am usually dealing with 1018 or 1045) the inexpensive brazed on carbide tool bits are handy for roughing followed with the HSS finishing tool.

Another point is that just because you have 1/2" tools now doesn't mean you can't use 3/8" HSS when you grind them yourself. It will save yourself some time and grinding wheel to use the smaller size tool and yet you will suffer no loss of machining ability. Yes, it you are using your Shoptask to take big bites off of 4130 round (>.25") then I would probably say the 1/2" tool size may be preferable, but then I would probably just use a cheap brazed on tool for that purpose.

Once I got the hang of grinding HSS tool bits I would not hesitate to grind a differenct one for a new project. This was made easier by using the smaller 3/8" size tool size. I must have ground over two dozen tools not counting boring bar tool bits (a somewhat different challenge).

S. Teague
12 x 36 lathe and mill/drill building model engines.

[SqueakyTom]

I am currently using the various 1/2" lathe tools which came with my Shoptask Eldorado 3-in-1 machine, but they will be "worn out" very shortly.

What is a good brand of lathe tool for me to purchase as replacements? My turning will almost exclusively be brass, 4130 steel and aluminum...no stainless or exotics. For example, I am buying Niagara milling cutters for the mill...what is their equivalent for the lathe?

Essentially, I was wondering if going with quality US-made HSS tools was the way to go, while learning to properly grind them. Or, would going to carbide inserts be better? Price is not uppermost as I take excellent care of all my equipment and do not abuse it...I am willing to pay for a good piece of equipment which will last with proper care.

Since this is a hobby and not production, constantly buying new tools will not be an issue.

Thanks!

The Tom

[SGW]

For home shop use, I think HSS is the way to go. I'm partial to Cleveland Mo-Max Cobalt toolbits, but you'll have to sharpen any kind, eventually.

See the article I did in the Jul/Aug 2003 issue of HSM on a simple setup for a bench grinder for sharpening lathe toolbits. It lets you get accurate, repeatable angles. (Not my original idea, I hasten to add....)

[ERBenoit]

Since it is a hobby, I would think HSS should be o.k. "Brands", I personally like Cleveland's Mo-Max. Inserts are nice, but can become costly and teach you nothing about hand grinding. One carbide insert, say triangular, while convient, only has three cutting faces. When they are dull or chipped that's it. That one insert may cost more than one tool bit, that you can get multiple re-grinds out of. On learning how to properly grind tool bits, get a good chart showing shapes, angles etc. and "practice" on key stock until you get accustomed to grinding the shapes. A lot cheaper than tool bits.

[This message has been edited by ERBenoit (edited 09-30-2004).]

[cd45harris]

ebay has great deal on all cutting tools.

[lugnut]

First of all I want thank all of you guys on this site for all the great information. I have learned more reading the great postings here than all the books you could buy. Millions of hours of experience lumped in to a great forum. I’m VERY new to machine work and will have to be self taught by reading your posts. As for SqueakyTom’s question about cutting tools, I bought a group of 15 used HSS cutters on E-Bay that a Pro had shaped and then for some reason or other they ended up E-bay. I have learned more from those cutters and what could be done than any thing I have found in books. Thanks again and good luck Squeaky!