QuickChange
Aluminum
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2013
- Location
- NE Ohio, USA
Does it make any sense to use carbide (insert type) turning tools, for general machining on the smaller lathes like the SB9"? Currently, I use "insert type" Arthur Warner HSS tooling in my AXA toolpost for general machining. These have been working out very well, and I like them mainly for the easily replaceable cutting edges (3/per insert), and they are very easy to sharpen when needed. However, I have been eyeing the carbide tooling from latheinserts.com marketed toward hobby lathes, specifically the 3/8" or 1/2" kits. The geometry of these carbide inserts is supposed to be tailored to the lighter cuts usually taken on the smaller machines. The kits include 6 inserts. Four are PVD coated for steel/stainless steel, and two are polished inserts for aluminum. If you can believe the pic shown on their website the finish produced on the aluminum workpiece looks VERY good indeed. Does anyone have any experience with these kits? Recommendations good or bad for using carbide on the smaller machines?