what carbide inserts to get?

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vacca rabite

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I just made myself a pair of carbide cutters to try.
One square, one round. The inserts and bar stock came from Harrison Specialties. The round one uses a 12mm insert. I am not sure what the square cutter uses.

I tested the round one on wood and delrin (plastic), and its VERY grabby. On the delrin, one catch literally pulled the tool out of my hands while sucking it down under the work (which of course went careening off into the corners of my workshop). A catch with one of my mahogany/maple laminated shifter knobs split the work in twain! I have never had HSS catch like this.

The square tool seems to be more controllable. Practicing spindles with the round tool I can make it work, but it is utterly unforgiving.

I have heard nothing but accolades about the carbide insert tooling, so I think this has to be me. What am I doing wrong, and what kind of inserts so I want to be using.

Thanks!
Zach
 
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I have both of these and it sounds like you are holding the handle too high if you are getting catches like you say. I use the tool rest just a little below the center line of the lathe and use the carbides as a cutter, not a scraper. Turn the insert at about a 45 degree angle and SLOWLY start cutting the material off. There is nothing wrong with your cutters but you need to practice trimming not scraping material off. Try using scrap 2" x 2" and see if you can get them nice and round. The square cutter, if used correctly, will give you a finish similar to a skew.

Hope this helps.
 
How to with links to products and prices ... that I used.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/f30/how-carbide-tip-turning-tool-91939/

I am using square 14mm bits for soft metal, some wood.
I enjoy the radiused square bits for general usage.
I never use my round bits -- way too grabby.

Always keep the tool rest close to the piece.
I tend to either scrape, or ride the bevel and cut at a 45degree angle to shave the material
 
that might be why he hasn't even bothered to answer a couple of emails I have sent asking for some:frown: so next best thing is to go elseware.

Cheers Ian
 
I guess what I was looking for was something similar to what Global tooling was providing for their 100mm radius cutters. They sell 10 for about $25. I have seen the R2 cutter for around $6 and I was just looking for a place to buy them in bulk. Truestone wears them faster than wood. :)
 
I bought mine from Capt Eddie myself and am waiting on the round carbide tips. I did find that the tool needs to be level or just below the mandrel and shave slowly. In my opinion it takes more time, but the more time, the better the product. I am getting a handle on how to use mine with the square cutters and it is getting faster and better.
 
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