Lathe Tool Steel

[lalkie01]

Shopsmith returned my call indicating the chisels are made with high speed steel but would not share who made them nor would the indicate if it was carbon or M2 steel. The Penn State Benjamin Best LCHSS8 list a blade length in one place as 5.25 and in another place of 6.5 inches. The 6.5 inch length would allow using the Shopsmith grinding jig. the Savanna has a blade length of 5.25 which would not allow you to use the Shopsmith grinding jig. I appreciate the comments and help in getting information. More eyes are better. Thanks Again Larry

[wa2crk]

In the same test that I referred to in my earlier post there were two versions of the Benjamin's best tools that were tested. One set was purchased through E-Bay and those did not make the grade as HSS but those from PSI did check out as HSS. I will try to find the copy and post it here.
I have an older set of Miller's Falls which have the high carbon steel cutters. They have grey steel like the good butcher's tools from the old days. I can put a real good edge on them but the edge doesn't hold up like the HSS edge does. Compromises for sure.
There are also different alloys of HSS such as M4 but some of these require the use of higher end grinding wheels including the CBN wheels.
In my case the use of these M4 Steel chisels, which are also very expensive, is not warranted. Others will disagree.
Before I would advise anyone to spend money on really good chisels I would suggest the sets from Harbor Freight. Not very good but cheap and good for learning to grind and sharpen.
Bill V

[wa2crk]

This is the chart I was referring to. I hope it helps someone.

lathe tool steel types.jpg (104.59 KiB) Viewed 9297 times

Bill V

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[wa2crk]

JPG
Thanks............Again!!!
Bill

[lalkie01]

again tanks for all the information. Larry

[Howier6]

The current SS 8pc lathe chisel set is Savanah brand and they are $79.99 on Amazon free shipping if you have prime membership.

[lalkie01]

I am still looking at which gouge to get. I think the m-4 steel would be an excellent tool but am concerned I might screw it up trying to keep the fingernail grind. I have a set of cheap ones I am learning to sharpen and the 5-piece shopsmith set. the shopsmith set is better with a longer lasting edge. The craftsman do ok and would probably last a long time. Thanks again. Larry

[reible]

Since we are still on the subject this video might help people understand the steel choices we have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcM6kStHhCw

Ed