Homemade carbide tool

[biednick]

I have heard of people making their own carbide insert tools, but never seen one. Has anyone here ever done this? I would love somethng like a woodchuck, but I cant really afford one right now, and I'm getter a collet chuck on Saturday, so trying to justify this just wont happen. An help is greatly appreciated.

 

[JimBlack]

Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hPl0dLDrM

CapnEddie is an interesting fellow.

 

[tool-man]

Check the classified forums here. A couple of members sell their tools and spare carbide inserts.

Another source of the carbide inserts
http://globaltooling.bizhosting.com/products/carbide-insert-knives.html

If making a tool with square inserts (as opposed to round) use square bar stock steel, as shown in the video. A square bar resting on the tool rest will be much less likely to roll should the edge of the insert catch on the wood blank. If you don't have a source for fencing steel, you can buy small pieces of square stock here -
https://www.speedymetals.com/default.aspx

Do you have access to any flea markets with used tools? Pick up a couple of large square shank screwdrivers, cut off the tip, drill and tap a mounting hole, and you have a ready made square shank tool with handle.

I love my carbide tipped tools. When they need sharpening (which is not often) just rotate the carbide tip 90 degrees and go back to turning.