Inserts for Stainless.

[VicParticipant @vic]

I use my shop made Tangential tool for most of my work but I wasn't getting a very good finish on some stainless steel of unknown parentage the other day so I switched to one of those polished carbide inserts like this:

**LINK**

The ones I have were sold to me as suitable for Aluminium Alloy and Stainess but I'd not yet tried it on stainless. I have to say I was getting a lovely finish with it. I think I will have to get a few more inserts like this!

[VicParticipant @vic]

Machining Stainless

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I was machining some particularly nasty 3/4" stainless last night. The kind that leaves a finish like a woolly jumper, even with a new insert. Then I twigged that I had experienced no trouble parting the stuff with an HSS parting tool. I switched to a solid HSS tool and instantly got a better finish.

Sometimes you just have to experiment, especially with obscure junk-box stock.

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

+1 for Vic.

Mention of inserts seems to push a few peoples' buttons but this subject of polished / ground inserts has come up a few times recently. Unless you are wanting to take heavy roughing cuts, the sharper edge and bigger rake angles of these **GT inserts gives excellent results on steel (not just stainless) and also are well suited for smaller / lighter machines.

If you have indexable tooling, you really should try the ground inserts as Vic suggests. They are widely available.

[Boiler BriParticipant @boilerbri]

I agree with Neil change the tool and experiment with different types. HHS is wonderful on most metals once you have the correct angles and shapes. I keep a set for brass and such, and one for carbon steels.

Brian

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Don't be afraid to drop the speed down, this is a good case for a lathe with a back gear, low speed with plenty of torque. HSS will do most stuff to a better finish than Carbide, it just takes a little longer.

Ian S C

[VicParticipant @vic]

Whilst I will continue to use HSS in my Tangential tool holder I'll certainly be using the polished inserts more often. I use the same insert on some Aluminium alloy today and the finish was superb. Must try it on some mild or silver steel next!

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