Re: Edelstall cutting tool system
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I think it is definitely worthwhile learning to grind your own tool bits.? And learning why some metals and other materials work better with different angles here and there (positive rake - negative rake - zero rake).? This knowledge also extends to any cutting tool such as fly cutters or even just twist drills (for example, why you might "dub" a twist drill).
And also, to learn what a chip breaker feature is.? Some people relish in being able to make long stringy chips.? They are dangerous (and sometimes a firing offense in real machine shops) because once they grab onto something, like a finger, they can wrap around the spinning chuck and work piece and pull you in instantly.? Some feel that a Unimat is too small to really worry about such things.? But it is still a risk to some degree.
I know it was, perhaps still is, common to have the first lessons in beginning machine shop classes to be about how to grind tool bits.? Nothing else you learn will work out with incorrect tool bits being used.
I'm not familiar with the particular items in the catalog pages you show.? But various holders are certainly used by many, especially for cutoff bits and boring bar holders.? Probably the most common tool bit holders are for "inserts".? These are small bits that are triangular, square, or diamond shaped that fit into a holder as an alternative to grinding regular tool blanks.? There is a dizzying selection of them which is a topic in and of itself.
However, I think for small hobby sized lathes, people will usually get better results by grinding regular HSS tool blanks than using inserts.
Hint:? for a lot of work, especially soft metal and plastics, a VERY sharp tool bit edge is important.? A sharper edge can be made by using a diamond hand hone.? It can also be used to touch up a slightly dulled bit still mounted in the lathe.
Charles E. "Chuck" Kinzer
On Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 11:37:49 AM PDT, Brad Barton via groups.io <xbartx@...> wrote:
Shortly after acquiring my lathe I ?was called away from home for an extended length of time, finally after getting caught up on my chores I¡¯m able to spend some time with my new to me lathe.
Being an absolute beginner I did read the manual and watch some of the online videos that were suggested.
I ground my first cutting tool and was very happy with the results. It was probably the easiest shape to do. 10 degree on three sides, it was for brass stock.?
I was wondering if it was worth time learning to use and sharpen these bits? Looks to be a complete 13 piece lathe tool set. I wasn¡¯t able to find any replacement inserts online.
Did these not catch on?
-Brad
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