goldstar31
Well-Known Member
I am still sitting in ranks of unbelievers. Firstly, the question of cutting material needs answering because cutting materials are actually in favour of carbon steel as it has a finer grain structure than high speed steel which has a finer grain structure than carbide. In other words, it should take a worse edge. Of course, carbide is tougher than both and is able to hold its edge longer prior to regrinding.
The only bonus in using carbide is that the manufacturers of the bits do almost all the work of producing a polish and the 'top' is the only facet which needs attention by the user.
Am I right? Well most long involved machinists can achieve near mirror finishes in steel using hss or plain carbon steel even with the lack of rigidity and lack of power of small home lathes. I'm not running a factory, I am running a wooden shed with a couple of small lathes near the scrapheap with wear and age. Like me, I suppose.
I recently said that I can take a dusting of steel or cast iron by the simple use of either diamond bonded or in paste form( the modern way) or with a fine hone, probably a Wichita or Arkansas stone. Neither of the stones will touch carbides.
With the mention of sword making, I confess to a revival of interest. I was born of a family of blacksmiths who lived where the German émigrés lived.
With a sense of humour, I remain intrigued by the claim that a Damascus blade- of carbon steel can slice a feather floating in air.
Perhaps somebody will clarify my doubts
Norman
The only bonus in using carbide is that the manufacturers of the bits do almost all the work of producing a polish and the 'top' is the only facet which needs attention by the user.
Am I right? Well most long involved machinists can achieve near mirror finishes in steel using hss or plain carbon steel even with the lack of rigidity and lack of power of small home lathes. I'm not running a factory, I am running a wooden shed with a couple of small lathes near the scrapheap with wear and age. Like me, I suppose.
I recently said that I can take a dusting of steel or cast iron by the simple use of either diamond bonded or in paste form( the modern way) or with a fine hone, probably a Wichita or Arkansas stone. Neither of the stones will touch carbides.
With the mention of sword making, I confess to a revival of interest. I was born of a family of blacksmiths who lived where the German émigrés lived.
With a sense of humour, I remain intrigued by the claim that a Damascus blade- of carbon steel can slice a feather floating in air.
Perhaps somebody will clarify my doubts
Norman