I do need need to source some cutting tooling and been wondering if HSS blanks ground to shape will do the job or if I should also get some indexable tool holders for "hogging" out material quickly.
If you recall, I basically answered and offered assistance.
So, for the umpteenth time, might I reiterate my experiences.
The first thing is that hss tooling can be crap and expensive if only to replace rubbish bought through ignorance and penny pinching.
As far as carbides, you probably have bought or will buy a lathe which is too fast in its lowest speed to use hss and consequently you will be left with no alternative than to pile up a collection assorted carbide inserts and holders. To get sufficient decent carbide shapes , isn't cheap.
However, most people have to eventually fall back on hss. Almost all drills are hss and like everything else, wears or breaks. Your choice is either to buy new- and there is some crap about or re-sharpen.
I didn't make the situation- I am merely being honest.
I have a drawer literally breaking from the weight of mostly hss lathe tools.
Oddly, most came from industry where carbides are used but specialist shapes were required. There is a case for hss tooling- especially for one offs in miniature work.
So, like it or not, you are stuck with having to join the dated old dinosaurs who use hss- extensively. You can cheat a bit and use things like old files, broken ball race cages, worn allen keys and cycle spokes. I used broken greenhouse glass to make wartime models!
So one of the first tasks is to make decent tool rests-using new found welding skills and cutting out with your 6 x4 saw. However, tools ground will rarely produce the finish that you want and you have endless choices of which way you 'hone'. Hone, you must.
Always remember that you cannot better the cutting edge on a tool- on lathe or mill.
You aim to reflect your dirty finger nails in the cutting faces of your tools.:hDe:
