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As I'm new to turning, there's a lot too learn both on my own, from experience, and from other experienced turners. I'm currently using the clubs lathe along with the clubs tools. I have a question regarding tear-out and carbide versus high speed steel. Are carbide tools more prone to tear-out then high speed steel tools? It seems to me that high speed steel gets and holds a sharper edge then the carbide inserts. As a note, I have been turning maple, birch and some spalted birch. Are these woods more prone to tear-out?
Thank you, Terry Z
Terry,
Great question. The club's basic tool kit contains those smaller Easy Wood carbide scrapers. They work ok, IF, they are sharp. I suspect the existing cutters are beyond their prime and will easily cause tear-out. This cannot be corrected. And, if chipped, they are useless. Carbide also is very brittle, so any accidental contact with a metal surface may chip it.
The club does no budget for new cutters, but we welcome members to replace cutters if desired. ALine Machine Tool, LaCrosse has replacement cutters in stock; as a club member they may offer a small discount.
Many turners heavily use carbide scrapers, such as Easy Wood or Axe, etc. I have a few Easy Wood tools, for occasional use- and I like them. They were designed I suspect to remove the necessity to learning how to use traditional tools. All carbide scrapers have limitations, however.
The carbide cutters such as Hunter cutters are wonderful tools, mostly for hollowing but also for bowls. Like any tools, these also have a small learning curve. Handmade Carbide Woodturning Tools - Hunter Tool Systems