The usual, legs, spindles, a bowl here and there. I do a little of everything. I would like to make a few gouges, I figure I can do that with a carbide ball mill. Scrapers, parting tools and whatever else fits my fancy. I figure M2 should keep a good edge. I've never tried to machine it though. I'm thinking carbide should cut it?Easy to make scrapers, skews and hollowing tools. M2 is used in many UK brand turning tools.
What types of turnings do you make?
Yea, old files are great for making things like this. I may keep my eyes out at the flea markets. An old sharpening steel would probably make a nice smaller gouge also.I made my wood lathe tools by slowly grinding hard files---they kept their sharp edge nice and worked good--I also used some super hard cement chisels for a couple shapes---it's fun using your own home made tools that work perfect---I also made some of my hand carving tools out of old files -----Dave
Good idea, I may just try that.If you want to experiment, how about making a tool from O1 drill rod. Inexpensive, available in many diameters, already annealed and easy to machine then easy to harden.