- Joined
- Nov 14, 2016
- Messages
- 3,007
I recently got a Sherline 4400 lathe and am now looking for some supporting tools to go along with it.
Prior to getting the lathe I had already been working with small diameter aluminum and brass rod, tubing, other shapes of typically 1/4" >. I've got a little Harbor Freight chop saw about 2" steel blade which has been fine for cutting this small stock.
With the lathe I'm moving into larger stuff 1/4" - 1" to start with, and 1/2" is really pushing the limits of the little saw. 1/8" brass already works it pretty hard, so almost any brass I'd be using with the lathe will challenge it.
I'd like the capability of going as large as 2" dia at some point although I'm not expecting to do a lot of work that large, so need a saw more appropriate for the work.
So first question
I saw an inexpensive ($90) 7 1/4" Ryobi compound miter saw at Home Depot that seems like it might fit the bill if equipped with a non-ferrous metal blade. I notice they make two non-ferrous blades in this size a steel 68 tooth ($11), and a carbide 56 tooth ($42). I generally avoid cheap Chinese tools but I have actually had good luck with Ryobi tools as long as I treat them like the lightweight tools that they are. Sears (Craftsman) has a similar sliding compound miter saw for $112, but these days I expect Craftsman power tools are probably Chinese made as well and I don't really need the sliding feature.
I do have a 14" compound miter saw I use for home repair projects, but a 14" non-ferrous metal costs as much as the smaller saw with a blade and takes up a lot more room at the bench. I like the idea of a smaller saw dedicated for my hobby stuff leaving the larger saw for the big stuff.
Unless somebody has a good argument against the 7 1/4" I'm mostly wondering about the $11 high speed steel blade vs the $42 carbide. I'm thinking the steel blade is probably fine for the relatively light (and occasional) use of a hobbyist, the carbide being more appropriate for daily use. Again mostly looking at aluminum and occasionally brass.
Obviously carbide will last longer, but I have read some comments stating that high speed steel tooling is actually preferable when working with aluminum on small lathes. I don't know if that thinking would also apply to a saw blade.
Second question
I'm looking for a grinder to sharpen high speed steel lathe tooling. I'm thinking a 6" bench grinder should be adequate but other than having an adjustable tool rest not really sure what to look for. I've been around grinders pretty much my whole life but kind of take them for granted.
Thanks and hope I'm asking in the right spot.
Prior to getting the lathe I had already been working with small diameter aluminum and brass rod, tubing, other shapes of typically 1/4" >. I've got a little Harbor Freight chop saw about 2" steel blade which has been fine for cutting this small stock.
With the lathe I'm moving into larger stuff 1/4" - 1" to start with, and 1/2" is really pushing the limits of the little saw. 1/8" brass already works it pretty hard, so almost any brass I'd be using with the lathe will challenge it.
I'd like the capability of going as large as 2" dia at some point although I'm not expecting to do a lot of work that large, so need a saw more appropriate for the work.
So first question
I saw an inexpensive ($90) 7 1/4" Ryobi compound miter saw at Home Depot that seems like it might fit the bill if equipped with a non-ferrous metal blade. I notice they make two non-ferrous blades in this size a steel 68 tooth ($11), and a carbide 56 tooth ($42). I generally avoid cheap Chinese tools but I have actually had good luck with Ryobi tools as long as I treat them like the lightweight tools that they are. Sears (Craftsman) has a similar sliding compound miter saw for $112, but these days I expect Craftsman power tools are probably Chinese made as well and I don't really need the sliding feature.
I do have a 14" compound miter saw I use for home repair projects, but a 14" non-ferrous metal costs as much as the smaller saw with a blade and takes up a lot more room at the bench. I like the idea of a smaller saw dedicated for my hobby stuff leaving the larger saw for the big stuff.
Unless somebody has a good argument against the 7 1/4" I'm mostly wondering about the $11 high speed steel blade vs the $42 carbide. I'm thinking the steel blade is probably fine for the relatively light (and occasional) use of a hobbyist, the carbide being more appropriate for daily use. Again mostly looking at aluminum and occasionally brass.
Obviously carbide will last longer, but I have read some comments stating that high speed steel tooling is actually preferable when working with aluminum on small lathes. I don't know if that thinking would also apply to a saw blade.
Second question
I'm looking for a grinder to sharpen high speed steel lathe tooling. I'm thinking a 6" bench grinder should be adequate but other than having an adjustable tool rest not really sure what to look for. I've been around grinders pretty much my whole life but kind of take them for granted.
Thanks and hope I'm asking in the right spot.