Thread: Best tool?

For the second point first, get a quick change tool post (QCTP) Hare & Forbes have them or they can be ordered from most of the internet order tool places. Once set up you don't have to worry about shimming. Wedge type is usually considered more rigid than piston type but there probably won't be much difference. You can also find them on eBay too.
quick change tool post | eBay
I started with carbide, but really am of the view now that I should have started with HSS and mastered that first. You may not need holders for the HSS if you have the QCTP.

Michael

Hi Old Hutcho,
Most of us seem to start out with carbide, and gravitate to HSS. Carbide can get expensive really quick, and it doesnt take much sometimes to ruin a new tip. HSS on the other hand can be re-sharpened many many times (but that means more time spent and skills need to be acquired) and is relatively cheap in the lower grades, even WKE45 11% cobalt is less than $10 for a 1/4" stick. The other issue is motor power and speed. Carbide should be run at three times the speed of HSS, meaning several things, one is less power due to gearing, the other is hot chips fly everywhere, and they can really hurt. Also our lathes just were not built to be put under the stress that carbide puts on the lathe, especially the rear bearing and thrust race.

Did you get my PM? if you can drop in i'll show you my "go-to" tooling etc.

I like these,
Diamond Tool Holder
I was a little skeptical but 30 secs after using one I'm reluctant to use anything else.

Pete

+1 with the diamond tool holder. I have been a machinist for too many years now and rarely use anything else.

Phil

I have diamond tool holder you can borrow and try out. I don't use it much as I don't have the tool sharpening jig on my lathe I use 1/2" hss and no toolholder.

Originally Posted by Ueee

Hi Old Hutcho,
Most of us seem to start out with carbide, and gravitate to HSS. Carbide can get expensive really quick, and it doesnt take much sometimes to ruin a new tip. HSS on the other hand can be re-sharpened many many times (but that means more time spent and skills need to be acquired) and is relatively cheap in the lower grades, even WKE45 11% cobalt is less than $10 for a 1/4" stick. The other issue is motor power and speed. Carbide should be run at three times the speed of HSS, meaning several things, one is less power due to gearing, the other is hot chips fly everywhere, and they can really hurt. Also our lathes just were not built to be put under the stress that carbide puts on the lathe, especially the rear bearing and thrust race.

This reply represents my experience in starting out too. Ewan said it all for me!

Cheers,

Simon

Originally Posted by BobL

I like these,
Diamond Tool Holder
I was a little skeptical but 30 secs after using one I'm reluctant to use anything else.

Seems a bit over priced for a tool holder and a bit of HSS.

Ueee

Yes mate I did get your PM. I unfortun ately am tied up Sunday but will keep you in mind when I pass through there again, which I sometimes do.

Welder
I see you are just across the river from me. I would love to have a chat some time.

To the others,

Thanks for the input. Its all valued. I am looking at Hare and Forbes english style HSS holders, left, right and centre. That will set me back around $130. The QCTP looks to be a comparable price or a little more and that does appeal to me. Either way it looks like people are leaning towards the HSS. Looks like I may have to go to TAFE or somewhere to learn how to grind this stuff (as well as a heap of other things)

regards

Old Hutcho

Hutcho,
There are hundreds of videos on youtube that go into great detail on grinding your own tools.
Well worth a look.
Also the investment in the diamond tool holder will remove most of your grinding worries for general turning.
Matt

Originally Posted by Old Hutcho

Ueee

Yes mate I did get your PM. I unfortun ately am tied up Sunday but will keep you in mind when I pass through there again, which I sometimes do.

Welder
I see you are just across the river from me. I would love to have a chat some time.

To the others,

Thanks for the input. Its all valued. I am looking at Hare and Forbes english style HSS holders, left, right and centre. That will set me back around $130. The QCTP looks to be a comparable price or a little more and that does appeal to me. Either way it looks like people are leaning towards the HSS. Looks like I may have to go to TAFE or somewhere to learn how to grind this stuff (as well as a heap of other things)

regards

Old Hutcho

Just make sure you can get centre height with those holders,if not you will need the American or just use a single piece of HSS.

Hi,

Old Hutcho if your not sure, I think Pipeclay means this sort of tool holder:

SOUTH BEND 5/8" ROCKER TOOL POST FOR MEDIUM LATHES NEW | eBay

for your Great Scott. Not necessarily that actual holder but that style (you'll have to do the measures to work out centre height etc). I'd stick with HSS, I don't think your lathe will have enough speed for carbide.

Ben.

Originally Posted by bwal74

Hi,

Old Hutcho if your not sure, I think Pipeclay means this sort of tool holder:

SOUTH BEND 5/8" ROCKER TOOL POST FOR MEDIUM LATHES NEW | eBay

for your Great Scott. Not necessarily that actual holder but that style (you'll have to do the measures to work out centre height etc). Ben.

But why would you take a backward step? Unless you were restoring a machine and wanted the originality aspect. Theres a reason why they make 4 way tool posts and quick change's, thats to get away from these horrible things.
bollie7

Hi,

I said "I think Pipeclay means this sort of tool holder" as that's the only type of American tool holder I know of. I might of been wrong. If Old Hutcho does his measurements, he may find he can get a QCTH that meets his requirements. The Mars/Great Scott is an old lathe, and the newer QCTH might not make the right centre height.

Cheers Ben