- Joined
- May 8, 2015
- Messages
- 86
My point is that HSS will work better for most hobby class lathes but you have to know how to grind a tool and that takes time. Carbide tools will enable the new owner to get up and running so he can learn to use his lathe and they will work but we should acknowledge their limitations, don't you agree?
That being said - If you want the quality finish of HSS and the the ease of using inserts (that you can easily sharpen on a whetstone) - I highly suggest you take a look at Arthur R Warner tool kits - http://www.arwarnerco.com
A guy named Bob Pastor with the handle "The Viper" (a top notch machinist who builds and shoots 1,000 yard benchrest barrels) has a youtube video of each of the tools kits.
He also has some other machining videos you should check out.
I was fortunate to be invited to his shop and he uses these HSS tools even on his very large lathe which surprised me. (I actually ended up spending an entire day with him - absolutely amazing guy and shop - he had me working with him a bit on his projects! Memorable day for me!)
I have the following kits that Bob advised me would handle 98% of anything I would ever need to do on a lathe - 9 14 16 18 20 24 27
Hope I didn't add more angst to your already aching head! We have all been through it.. it gets a bit easier but it never ends does it guys.. ;-)