With just a 150 W motor I would forget indexable tools and stick to HSS toolbits. I still have HSS tools that I made about 20 years ago. They get an occasional touch up on a grinder and, for the best finish, hone with a fine diamond sharpener.

Russell.

Hi.

I recently bought a Toyo lathe (similar size to your C1 I think). It came with the original 1-way toolpost so I bought a modern (import) quick change toolpost for it, along with some 8mm Glanze insert tooling. Have turned brass, aluminium and steel with this setup up to 1" diameter and had no issues whatsoever. Obviously you have to make appropriate cuts and not expect a floor full of blue chips.

I use Sumitomo insert tools on my bigger lathe, along with some Glanze, and for me I have to say that Glanze quality does me proud. Plus tips are much cheaper – I think I paid £20 for a box last time, which I think for hobbywork is just about the right price. I got the tools from Chronos. If you decide to buy insert tooling make sure your toolpost will accept the tool, and that the resultant tip height won't be above centre.

In part I use inserts because I don't know how to grind HSS (nor do I have a grinder). It's on the todo list, but I've just completed an entire loco with insert tooling, so I don't think it's essential.

Cheers,

Mike.

Glad you like the C1 so far.

Another vote here for HSS bits, I do have several insert tools to fit the C1 but nearly always end up using HSS, 5/16 is more readily available than 8mm it seems and is about the right size for the original toolholder with minimal packing. I thoroughly recommend the quick change toolpost once packing tools up to height gets boring/frustrating.

Andy

Remember you have to remove nearly twice as much material when grinding an 8 mm tool than a 6 mm one. I use mainly 1/4 in HSS bits on my 5" lathe for light work, only using anything bigger or going to indexable tipped tools when really pushing it. Just make sure you minimise overhang.

Russell