HSS tool blank grades

[Aukai]

I have several 5/16 Rex 95s (T8), and several Vasco Supremes (T15), if your interested. You'll have to ask the guys how they are, and usage, I get them from lots that I bought.
Also ETM(super cobalt M42) is a good brand to look for online.

 

[benmychree]

One thing about cobalt cutting tools is that they are a good deal harder to sharpen than non cobalt tools.

 

[pontiac428]

BTW, what do YOU use to grind HSS?

I use a Deckel clone with a lathe bit attachment. It is a slow method, but very precise. Norton white or purple stones.

I would not hesitate to buy a Rockwell-Delta type "carbide grinder' to supplement my D-bit grinder. They are well-suited for lathe bits and have water (drip) cooling to make shorter work out of grinding bits.

 

[benmychree]

One that I liked was REX AAA, this is a tungsten type with 5% cobalt, a good all around cutting tool and not too hard to sharpen.

 

[Jim F]

Excellent advise everyone, thank you
M2 it is for me and my hobby shop.

BTW, what do YOU use to grind HSS?

1x42 belt sander with ceramic belts.

 

[benmychree]

I have a couple of bench and pedestal grinders and a carbide face wheel style grinder.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

+1 on the REX95 or any of the REX flavors.
I’m very fond of the tool blanks, they are an excellent quality domestic old school manufacturer . I found a box of mixed hss blanks, the REX is prized

 

[Ulma Doctor]

I have a deckle SO clone, and a 6” tool grinder with CBN and Diamond wheels
I made some jigs for the surface grinder that work very well too!

 

[redvan22]

I use a fairly coarse wheel I've had for ages, I think it came with the bench grinder. I also have a Norton white wheel on the other side I bought last year. The coarse wheel seems to do a decent job but it's not knife through butter fast by any means. Need redressing regularily to keep a sharp surface. True it occasionally. The white wheel seems to need redressing more frequently. I always true the other when doing one.

 

[benmychree]

I bought a used Delta Triple Duty 7" grinder about 25 years ago, maybe more, that has the white wheels and was used frequently, it still has the same wheels on it today, they really stand up! After I sold the business including the grinder, I bought another at an estate sale, same (looking) wheels; they get less use in my home shop, but still they last a long time. Those Delta grinders are among the smoothest running that I have ever used. Some grades of white wheels are too soft of a bond for offhand tool grinding, they break down too fast,