Thanks Mr Moderator! I didn't know how to provide a link to the Proops cheapos!
I wasn't suggesting for a minute that one should use the old fashioned brazed carbide tip tools. I merely mentioned them as the latest thing, thirty years ago!
I have been using some cheap carbide tips on a friends, much bigger, Chinese lathe. Depending on material and playing with cutting speeds they can yield a reasonable finish on most materials, but not as good as a keen HSS tool.
Looking at the Proops pictures, I cannot see much detail in the rake angles, but then my eyesight isn't what it was! So do I take it that they are no good for roughing cuts in steel?
Andrew.