Suggestions for buying 1/4 inch hss and carbide metal lathe cutters

This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 12 August 2019 at 20:27 by Chris TickTock.

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12 August 2019 at 08:58 #423726
Chris TickTock
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@christicktock
Hi, Whilst I recognise and have done some diy cutters on my grinding wheel I wish to put all my energies into improving my turning capabilities. I have a Sherline lathe that takes 1/4 cutters any pointers appreciated as to a good supplier? My only real interests are horology.

kind Regards

Chris Judd
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12 August 2019 at 08:58 #26767
Chris TickTock
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@christicktock
12 August 2019 at 10:49 #423741
Nigel Graham 2
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@nigelgraham2
Of suppliers of good HSS tools, Tracy Tools and Arc Euro spring to my mind immediately, though they, and others, don't seem to advertise in ME and MEW..

For carbide tips "our" main ones are JB Cutting Tools and Greenwood, both selling indexable rather than brazed-on tools.
12 August 2019 at 11:01 #423744
Nigel Graham 2
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@nigelgraham2
Apologies if this appears twice. I thought I'd replied but inadvertently closed the site while verifying references! Isn't the WWW fun… No?

Right, two suppliers immediately to my mind for HSS and HSS_Cobalt square tool bits or blanks: Tracy Tools and Arc Euro Trade.

For inserted-tip tools & their carbide tips: B.B. Cutting Tools, and Greenwood Tools.
12 August 2019 at 12:00 #423748
Vic
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@vic
Cromwell sell good quality HSS and Cobalt HSS in some sizes.

**LINK**

They have quite a few branches and if you’re lucky enough to live near one you can pop in and order it at the trade counter rather than pay postage. Most stuff used to be in next day.

Edit. Your nearest branch seems to be.

Unit 1 Brookfield Business Centre

Twenty Pence Road

Cottenham

Cambridge

CB24 8PS

Edited By Vic on 12/08/2019 12:23:52
12 August 2019 at 17:53 #423778
Steve Crow
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@stevecrow46066
Hi Chris,

I also have a Sherline lathe and recently got a set of four 6mm HSS Co5 cutters from Arc Euro Trade. I've found them to be excellent and very sharp. I managed to cut a M1 thread in silver steel with the 60 degree tool. They should be easy to keep sharp with a diamond lap as well.

I also got an insert tool and a few different inserts to try from JB cutting tools. Again, great quality and service.

I've used all the above on brass, mild and silver steel so should be ok for all things horological. Not tried them on pivot steel though!

Steve
12 August 2019 at 18:41 #423788
Steve Crow
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@stevecrow46066
Hello again Chris. Forgive me if you all ready know about this but I've a Sherline lathe tip I'd like to pass on.

Get a couple or three of the 1/4" Two Position Tool Post (part no. 3003) and load each side up with cutters and centre them. When you need to change to a different tool, simply swap the tool posts. It takes seconds and doesn't interrupt the work-flow.

At around £16 per post, it's a lot cheaper than a quick change system.

They also make tool posts for 3/8" if you need to do something a bit beefy.

Steve
12 August 2019 at 20:27 #423810
Chris TickTock
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@christicktock
Thanks so much for all the replies I will chew over them and come back to you if there are any queries.

Regards

Chris
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