[Alan Sweet]

I have been looking for an formation source on how to make HSS turning tools. I have a number of sources that seem to conflict or even contradict each other about the type of steel to use, annealing, tempering, grinding, ..

I have made carbide tools and Oland like tools, but I want to make more traditional turning tools.

So if I am wanting to make turning tools, (bowl gouges, spindel gouges, skews, etc..).

Commercial quality tools run from $50 to well over $125. HSS rods run from $10 -$30 for 3 foot segments. You can make 3-4 tools from one segment. A ferrule can be made for around 50 cents. The handle is basically free from my cut off pile. (I'll turn it.)

So all I lack is the information (and experience) on getting the the correct steel stock and processing it into tools.

Any help will be gladly accepted.

Alan

 

[Alan Sweet]

Your answer leads me to the following.

Your club says you should be able to use steel 10% cobalt HSS.

Assuming that is correct, can we just cut, drill and grind the steel and get on the lathe (with a handle etc...)?

Since I can order a commercial tool and when it gets dull, just grind it and get back on the lathe, then I should be able to order the steel alone cut it, drill it, grind it and get on the lathe.

But I read a lot about annealing and tempering. My experience at that is not too good. What I have accomplished is not worth mentioning.

So Hopefully you have found the answer to my question.

I will wait (for a little while anyway) and hopefully you can lead the way.

I have ordered a book from Amazon "Make your own woodworking tools" by Mike Burton. From what I am told it should provide some guidance.

 

[Alan Sweet]

Btw...

I can provide information on carbide and Oland like tools.

I have made them in different sizes and measures.

If you would like I could relate some of those experiences. and material sources.

Alan

 

[Alan Sweet]

Well I think you have kind of hit on some of my confusion.

HSS Bits. These are readily available. Fairly inexpensive. Drills and Bits (http://drillsandcutters.com), Grizzly, http://hsstoolbits.com, Ebay. They can be used to make Oland Tools. The rods to hold them can be purchased at most big box stores. Usually 3 feet. Cut to desired length. Grind bevels. Need to be drilled and tapped for set screws. Can use round or square stock. I prefer round. Not expensive.

Carbide Bits. In bulk they are not very expensive. Global Tooling, Mannys, Captn Eddies, Carbide Depot, ... Each prices range from $1.50 to $4. These can be used to make carbide turning tools. Should use square stock; The Metal Store, (http://www.themetalstore.com/), OnLine Metal Store (http://www.onlinemetals.com/), The Metals Depot (http://www.metalsdepot.com/index.php). Machine a land and bevels. Drill and tap holding screws.

Now steel stock. What I want to do is buy round stock I can just machine like commercial tools. I can buy drill rod, stainless steel, etc,...a lot of options which appear endless to me. I have taken 3/8"stainless steel, drilled a hole off center through the interior about 4". Then I ground and filed the thin side down to form a 4" flute. Then I ground the open end to form a cutting bevel similar to spindle gouge. It works ok but edge does not last long. So something is incorrect about my model herre. I think I have the incorrect steel.
Thompson uses something called CPM 10V Steel, a number of Tool vendors just say HSS, ....

So my question is what steel stock do I use and where can I get it?

Oh,.. in all these cases you have to make your own handles and ferrules.