at this time i am using HSS inserts from AR Warner co. as per "Miker's" thread ; i am goint to try HSS tool bits. the Warner inserts that i am using now are T-15. Warner also offers m-48, m-2 and m-42. i have some bits that are printed momax and colbalt. looking for suggestions.
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Toolbit material question
- Thread starter porthos
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- Aug 26, 2013
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it all comes down to what you are trying to do.
this will help you with the more commonly named stuff.
Physical Properties of High Speed Steel - Griggs Steel
The physical properties of high speed steel including molybdenum, AISI M2, high-vanadium, tungsten high speed steel...
www.griggssteel.com
"momax" = cleveland Mo-Max = M-42
cobalt is also most likely M-42
In a more practical sense - use what you have. Particularly in the home shop, the differences in HSS are often academic. You might not get quite the life out of your tool as a "better" grade - but you probably wouldn't notice the difference since you're also probably not going for maximum material removal in minimal time. (If you are, it's time for carbide...)
An exception is import HSS. Some of it is fine. Some of it is garbage. Until you grind well enough to determine the difference, use good stuff.
MoMax is good stuff, you won't go wrong.
GsT
An exception is import HSS. Some of it is fine. Some of it is garbage. Until you grind well enough to determine the difference, use good stuff.
MoMax is good stuff, you won't go wrong.
GsT
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I bought a lot of import HSS. I found that it works ok, but tends to chip, a lot more than I would consider normal. Think you are better off starting with NOS good stuff. MoMax is one of the better brands.
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Learn to grind tools using mild steel keystock from the hardware store. When you can grind a good tool from keystock, step up to M2 HSS. In my experience, cheap Chinese M2 blanks work fine in a hobby shop. You don't need cobalt or name brand blanks, athough they are better.
thanks guys. pretty much what i thought. i have a few new bits with no name, china and india. those along with key stock will be my practice pieces. i also have several 3/8 new bits that say cobalt. do any of you guys know where they are? because, i CAN'T find them!!
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i was lucky to find a real assortment of tool bits in a close out garage sale of an old machine shop. All vintage bits with all kinds of grinds for pennies on the dollar. It has turned into a real boon as some of the names are no more and absolutely beat my import bits hands down. What has been a real eye opener is this was personal stash and they are not grinds I was familiar with but was able to try them out. I have moved several to my assortment of quick change holders and have learned to copy and maintain those grinds. Most are 5/16 and 1/4 with a few 3/8 and that was probably why they were the last of the stuff but absolutely what I use on my 9x20 and Atlas7b. If they were still in a commercial shop they would be gone by now but in my shop I won’t need to ever buy bits again.
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They are most likely NOS then, with emphasis on the O.
A lot of the old well known brands have been bought out over the years my big multinationals.
Today, you're paying more for the name, and if you are lucky slightly better quality control!