Thread: Another source of carbide tips

Thought I would draw to the attention of forum member this source of carbide tips.

AZ Carbide - Carbide Cutters & Inserts for Woodturning Tools

If you are buying more than just a few, their prices are competitive even after you add the cost of shipping. At the current exchange rates we in Oz have to add about half again to the listed prices (so for shipping a max of about A$10 for the order).

I have been buying from them for a few years now and am a satisfied customer (no affiliation otherwise).

If you are not familiar with carbide tips, they are typically used in scraping mode, although I have used them successfully in bevel rubbing (ie peeling cut) mode. I don't use them that often (preferring to use traditional gouges), but reach for them when I have some dirty wood to clean up, like a stone filled root ball. They are also good for making deep plunge cuts that just need to be cleaned up a bit after the carbide has done the initial bulldozing.

The tips come sharp and retain an edge for some time, but can also be resharpened with diamond. If you do that, leave the polished upper face (you won't readily replicate that) and do any resharpening on the side faces.