Thread: How to tell when carbide tips need replacing

In regards to you first question can be graduall or quite quick.
If its a roughing tool for home use I would continue to use while ever it is performing ok,wouldnt worry to much about surface finish untill it really started leaving burs or starting to spark excessively.
In regards to your second question YES,whether a HSS tool or Carbide.

Thanks Pipeclay.

The finish off the tool is about the best method of knowing. Secondly look for broken or chipped edges on your TCT and or shiny edges. Shiny edge indicate a wearing or a rolling over of the cutting edge.
Do a comparison with anew one to gain a clear idea of the difference

As to over time etc, it can be both or either, properly handled and used it will be over time. Rough handling it will be sudden death rapidly

Also choose your grade of tip wisely for the its application, as this can a have a huge impact on tip life

Generally the tip will start to produce more heat and less cutting then start to squeal or grumble and cutting pressure will increase for no extra linear cutting speed.
The tip will exibit , nose damage , chipping , wear through the top layer coatings in certain areas .
Also metal buildup on the point or edge can stop it working well . This can happen when using the wrong tips to turn soft materials like some soft Aluminiums .
Point smearing is hard to remove once it is there.