Was watching this video and wondered ..?

"Peeling feeling" net trend, in tools - videos - HomemadeTools.net

What is the name of the parameter that defines how easily a sharp tool can cut a piece of metal ?

Did some googling on metal strength parameters and got horribly confused. Shear strength, youngs modulus, ductilty, this, that, the other, etc etc etc

Is there any one single parameter that one of you experienced chaps can look at and then say "Yes I need some of that stuff to easily be able to cut this thing on my lathe/mill"

I get the impression that experienced machinists know which materials to use for which jobs without needing to know too much about youngs modulus, shear strength, ductility, point load strength etc.

I understand that material that is easy to cut may not be the best material to use for a given replacement part but am curious regarding what the various parameters might be that define machinability and whether or not something is "free cutting"

Any good apprentice texts I should read ?


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