Numerous people here have mentioned that HSS gives a superior finish to lathe work over carbide cutters. Even as a beginner, I've been disappointed in my rsults with carbide, soooo…. I would appreciate your recommendations re a mail-order source of 1/2" HSS so I can try making my own cutters… quality/price/service, etc.

     Thanks,

     – Don…. the Forum's unofficial tooling mangler. :)

Thanks Nick,

     I found KBC per your post on-line, and have signed up for their E-mail sopecials, and their catalog. You're right, they have a LOT of stuff!  Great call!  Now if ya could just steer me to a source for a lil robot that will clean up all the swarf!!! :)  Hey, maybe someone could design one & post the plans!!! :)  I've actually thought about an electro-magnet device on a gooseneck type lamp base that ya could bend over the lathe, hit the switch & it would clean things up, swivel it over a trashcan, switch it off & drop the swarf… huummm… or maybe a cheap HF magnetic base indicator stand, attached to the gooseneck inverted, switch the magnet lever 'on,' pick up the swarf, position over the trash, switch the lever 'off.'  Huummm… I can see my industrial empire now!!!!! "The Wooly Mammoth Handy-dandy Lathe and Mill cleaner, as seen on TV!!! But wait, there's MORE!!! Order in the next 30 minutes and receive a FREE authentic autographed picture of Tyler demonstrating the finer points of his gas-powered Redneck 'Rita Mixer to Sasquach!"

     – Don     -wondering how I managed to annoy people before Algore invented the internet! :)

I get mine from J&L Industrial/Manhattan Supply Corp. (MSC) I have found that cobalt hss works best on the ordnance steels I have to deal with. When I got a few dollars ahead, I bought a lifetime supply of toolbits and blanks, so I have one if I need it early on Sunday morning or in the middloe of the night.

Some people advise grinding on the side of a grinding wheel to prevent a hollow grind, but if you have ever seen the aftermath of a burst wheel, you will steer clear of grinding on the sides. Also, ou might want to steer clear of revolving stones from cut rate sources. Stones last a long time and it pays from a standpoint of safety, to buy the best, such as Norton. Also, NEVER, EVER, stand in line with a rotating stone. You won't be awarded a purple heart if you are injured, but we would say a few comforting words to your survivors.

And, if you ever drop a stone or hit it on the side with a sharp tool, THROW IT AWAY. I have seen shrapnel cases months later when tiny pieces work their way out, in and around. Not fun. Heaven knows how they have been handled at Harbor Freight. Stick with a known U.S. brand, bite your lip and buy one you can trust.