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Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:51 pm
by Gershom
So here are the profiles of my first three bits. Does everything look ok? Any recommendations? Are they better than Sas could do?

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Let me know before I go screw up yet another piece of Briar! :)

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 3:38 pm
by caskwith
Side and front clearance looks to be good. I would suggest a bit of top rake though for best performance and a honing to get rid of the burred edge. Also you may want to consider grinding a right hand turning tool for turning shanks and for facing rod stock.

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 5:28 pm
by wmolaw
caskwith wrote:Side and front clearance looks to be good. I would suggest a bit of top rake though for best performance and a honing to get rid of the burred edge. Also you may want to consider grinding a right hand turning tool for turning shanks and for facing rod stock.
sigh, I know nothing about this area, absolutely nothing. I just bought a Taig and I have no fricking clue what tool to use for what.

I assure all of you, ignorance is not bliss.

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 6:39 pm
by Gershom
caskwith wrote:Side and front clearance looks to be good. I would suggest a bit of top rake though for best performance and a honing to get rid of the burred edge. Also you may want to consider grinding a right hand turning tool for turning shanks and for facing rod stock.

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Which is the right hand turning tool? Roughing, Finishing, or Facing?

Thanks!

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 6:57 pm
by caskwith
wmolaw wrote:
caskwith wrote:Side and front clearance looks to be good. I would suggest a bit of top rake though for best performance and a honing to get rid of the burred edge. Also you may want to consider grinding a right hand turning tool for turning shanks and for facing rod stock.
sigh, I know nothing about this area, absolutely nothing. I just bought a Taig and I have no fricking clue what tool to use for what.

I assure all of you, ignorance is not bliss.

Get yourself a copy of how to run a lathe by south bend, it's free online and you will learn a huge amount.

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 6:59 pm
by caskwith
Gershom wrote:
caskwith wrote:Side and front clearance looks to be good. I would suggest a bit of top rake though for best performance and a honing to get rid of the burred edge. Also you may want to consider grinding a right hand turning tool for turning shanks and for facing rod stock.

Image

Which is the right hand turning tool? Roughing, Finishing, or Facing?

Thanks!
Roughing, but I would make it something in between the roughing and facing for versatility, of course none of these shapes are definitive and you can adapt them to suit your own needs, I for one rarely use "standard" shapes.

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:17 pm
by andrew
I use modified versions of these as well. Some are pretty close, but its pipe making so... direct translation to wood....

Re: Shaping HSS Bits for Metal Lathe

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 11:03 pm
by d.huber
A friend of mine who bought me a grinder for Christmas sent me this and it's been immensely helpful.

How to Grind Lathe Tool Cutter Bits

Nothing beats sharp tools.