Learning to sharpen HSS lathe bits......A lesson in futility.....

[Runs With Scissors]

Well today I dedicated myself to learning how to take a HSS blank and turn it into a cutting tool.....I have done an OK'ish job so far, but I was dead set on "mastering it" today........

After about 6 hours I have decided to say....

I have hundreds of these blanks (well a lot of them) and I feel a little wasteful by not using them; However, the learning curve is pretty steep.

I basically feel like I "should" learn this for some reason, but the reality is, I am now leaning towards, 'Who gives a damn?".

I would rather be spending my time making shit, rather than burning my fingers and swearing......

It's not like I am going to be stranded on an island with a lathe and only HSS blanks....LOL

I am seriously considering getting Pre-made bits.


Any suggestions?

I am not making "NASA quality" parts, and money is always a factor, but do y'all have any suggestions?

I am considering something like these "replaceable tip" ones

https://www.amazon.com/Joogto-Index...=1723745112&sprefix=lathe+bits,aps,111&sr=8-3

or is this "fixed" style "better"?

https://www.amazon.com/AccusizeTool...745195&sprefix=lathe+bits,aps,111&sr=8-4&th=1



Or do you have a "favorite brand" that won't break the bank?

These will be used on my Craftsman 10" lathe and I do have QC posts now.

Also is "bigger better" (i.e. 1/2 inch is better than 1/4 inch?)

Lastly, is there "different ones" for different metals? i.e. steel, aluminum, brass, etc..etc

 

[Oleracer]

Feel your pain.. I get it done but not well. Never been taught just sorta half azzed it.
2-3 more draws full.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Well today I dedicated myself to learning how to take a HSS blank and turn it into a cutting tool.....I have done an OK'ish job so far, but I was dead set on "mastering it" today........

After about 6 hours I have decided to say....
View attachment 135002


I have hundreds of these blanks (well a lot of them) and I feel a little wasteful by not using them; However, the learning curve is pretty steep.

I basically feel like I "should" learn this for some reason, but the reality is, I am now leaning towards, 'Who gives a damn?".

I would rather be spending my time making shit, rather than burning my fingers and swearing......

It's not like I am going to be stranded on an island with a lathe and only HSS blanks....LOL

I am seriously considering getting Pre-made bits.


Any suggestions?

I am not making "NASA quality" parts, and money is always a factor, but do y'all have any suggestions?

I am considering something like these "replaceable tip" ones

https://www.amazon.com/Joogto-Indexable-Turning-Grooving-Threading/dp/B0BYZJG3BW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1R9BAVWGH35CR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.heImWqNbAL0bRGg7KcgJV7_Lh3VekoIpwOvhxGVC_8ewcavNI37hr4_y025Oe2mNm8Ij-La6ubLhS-XWKn2mYHfiBDvkQbXTJZcq1uJz_8qHQ0e1GFcbwigcBFvf_59spAwMNhLfjGQSFIDn0AZE_QvqRv3A4x6T0uw9gxw_i6C1bhxjuGVHd9E0lcEQPCdACyt_6hz6wtay2JLBxcvoltPyh7LdMpqcDpOFCEMcTbs.lS5LVce8DlH3rw4mphR61yEt_h2bQrnpXQuXUmjNfeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=lathe+bits&qid=1723745112&sprefix=lathe+bits,aps,111&sr=8-3

or is this "fixed" style "better"?

https://www.amazon.com/AccusizeTools-Pre-Ground-Turning-Aluminum-Steel-2662-2003/dp/B0779LLTC5/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1R9BAVWGH35CR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.heImWqNbAL0bRGg7KcgJV7_Lh3VekoIpwOvhxGVC_8ewcavNI37hr4_y025Oe2mNotwcGgOkYNc4Lv7VlcIEq1jmRD_Kpn_DXbnDUgXIwCuHQ0e1GFcbwigcBFvf_59spAwMNhLfjGQSFIDn0AZE_QvqRv3A4x6T0uw9gxw_i6C1bhxjuGVHd9E0lcEQPCdACyt_6hz6wtay2JLBxcvoltPyh7LdMpqcDpOFCEMcTbs.7De7XcIefvaXPkUe2BZnjO0fzSQJFztX4anFcRD0TvM&dib_tag=se&keywords=lathe+bits&qid=1723745195&sprefix=lathe+bits,aps,111&sr=8-4&th=1



Or do you have a "favorite brand" that won't break the bank?

These will be used on my Craftsman 10" lathe and I do have QC posts now.

Also is "bigger better" (i.e. 1/2 inch is better than 1/4 inch?)

Lastly, is there "different ones" for different metals? i.e. steel, aluminum, brass, etc..etc

Go indexable and never look back. For your situation I would reccomend toolholders/inserts with a 3/8" inscribed circle.

Dan

 

[Pawnee]

Well you aren't going to throw away those blanks you have and you are one day going to find yourself in a situation where you need an odd shaped cutter to get what you want.

Instead of mastering it in one day, take your time. Watch a couple videos and try grinding a cutter every now and then.

In high school shop we often used round nosed tools for facing, nobody seems to talk about them anymore but they are my favourites for facing.

it's a good skill to have, kinda like grinding drill bits by hand.
Or coming up with wild ass stuff that works great - which seems to be your specialty.