Carbide Tips (Part 2) used in the workshop

(a) (b) (c) (d)

As promised last month and by way of a change from just Burrell Traction engine parts here is a short discussion of the tooling I use in the workshop.

Above are some of the tools I use most often, from left to right they are:-.

(a) - This is a new tool I purchased, SDJCR1212H07 with a smaller tip than was expected the joys of shopping after a beer.

(b) - 2nd Most used tool, this insert is able to get under hard cast iron with ease and is good for steel.

(d) - The round tip is great for creating a curve / profile or any sort of form by trepanning or a super smooth finish on most materials because of the gradual cut obtained from a round tip.

A selection of the new tips I have in stock ready.

All these tips apart from the threading tips have been purchased from various suppliers and all work fantastic on any of the material I use. The threading tips I obtained from work, and have not actually used them for threading at all, but I did try them for basic turning just as a test.

In conclusion from a few threads I've read, Carbide inserts are not to be scared of. High Speed steel still has a place for perhaps quick form tooling, or intermittent cutting that might damage an insert. But as some comment, they are a waste of time, I disagree. When you have spent 12 years making a engine from scratch, and only using a few carbide inserts for all the machining then I can confidently say I'm converted.

Also perhaps because the time spent grinding and honing and trying to get a HSS cutter working and the associated setting up on centre line after a big adjustment means more time actually making parts, rather than testing tools.

To be clear my lathes are medium duty, an Atlas lathe and a Boxford BUD, 3/4 horse power motor, slow feeds medium cuts 0.020" ~ 0.030" any material other than stainless.

Next month back to the Burrell and the progress on the main bearings.

Until next month stay safe; make swarf; have fun!

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