I Need Some Cutting Tools

[chips&more]

I have a 14” lathe. I mainly use 3/8” Mo-max. 1/2” tool bits are too big and require A LOT MORE grinding at the grinder. 3/8” tool bits are just fine for me, have not seen any need to go bigger. But if I’m doing form tools, then a different story…Dave.

 

[brino]

Another resource for HSS lathe tool sharpening:
http://www.machinistblog.com/grinding-lathe-tools-on-a-belt-sander/

-brino

 

[Ulma Doctor]

here is a great video from Tubalcain

 

[AGCB97]

If you're ever in the Detroit area, there's a guy (liquidator) that sells tooling by the pound. Much of it is new. At $6 per pound I just came home with $324 worth. He's on Craigslist. If you need more info I can point you to the ad.
Aaron

 

[pugslyyy]

If you're ever in the Detroit area, there's a guy (liquidator) that sells tooling by the pound. Much of it is new. At $6 per pound I just came home with $324 worth. He's on Craigslist. If you need more info I can point you to the ad.
Aaron

I also end up doing really well buying used tooling on ebay. It is usually old but good stuff that has come out of closed up machine shops, manufacturing plants, etc. I try and pay about $1/tool in a lot of 20+ items. What I have found is there is always at least one tool included that is worth more individually than I paid for the whole lot.

Not a good approach if you are looking for something specific, but if you are looking to add to your general tooling collection it works well. As a hobbyist I'm able to get by pretty well picking things up on ebay and from my local metal scrapyard.

Unless you are paying for the really top notch production tooling, I think you get much better quality buying used.

As an example, I paid $25 including shipping for these -

 

[Reeltor]

When I first got my lathe I ordered a set of HSS bits and holders from Arthur Warner & Co. I thought it would be easier to use the HSS inserts than regular HSS tool bits. They do a good job taking light to medium cuts but not so good for heavy cuts. If I knew then what I know now I wouldn't buy them.
http://www.arwarnerco.com/

 

[mikey]

To my knowledge, Sherline is the only one to offer a hand ground set of RH and LH turning tools. They are available only in 1/4" but will serve as an in-the-hand example and as turning tools for smaller lathes. They have standard tip geometry. http://sherline.com/product/3007-14-hss-tool-set/

It would help to know which lathe you are using. Not all lathes will be able to use carbide tools to full advantage and HSS will often outperform them on a hobby-class lathe.

We had a pretty interesting (and long) discussion on the topic of tool grinding; you can see it here:
http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/turning-tool-and-facing-tool-questions.36687/

 

[Cadillac STS]

I also end up doing really well buying used tooling on ebay. It is usually old but good stuff that has come out of closed up machine shops, manufacturing plants, etc. I try and pay about $1/tool in a lot of 20+ items. What I have found is there is always at least one tool included that is worth more individually than I paid for the whole lot.

Not a good approach if you are looking for something specific, but if you are looking to add to your general tooling collection it works well. As a hobbyist I'm able to get by pretty well picking things up on ebay and from my local metal scrapyard.

Unless you are paying for the really top notch production tooling, I think you get much better quality buying used.

As an example, I paid $25 including shipping for these -

I agree with this. It can be very useful to buy a couple lots of used tools like that to get started. Can often times find a lot with a large amount of ground tools and some carbide ones. And get a lot with boring bars. I think that is better than buying a couple new tools. You can always buy some specific things one at a time once you know more.