I'm entertaining thoughts of HSS, but the issue is who will grind it
when it needs to be resharpened? My dad has poor eyesight, so that's why
I went with carbide in the first place. That way I didn't have to be
standing at the lathe every second while he was working.

I can accept using brazed inserts or something similar, but grinding
relief angles is not an option.


If HSS tools are the way you want to go try a local vo tech high
school or technical college with a manufacturing program. Maybe you
can get an instrucrot to have a student grind a bunch of tools for you
so your Dad will have them on hand.

I know that I can be easily bribed with doughnuts to such a thing. Or
rather haave my students do the task.

And before anyone jumps in I consider it vital that my students have
hand grinding skills. What they learn about angles and finish on
tools goes a long way when they shift to carbide. Our motto is "learn
to do it the old fashin way" before moving to the new fangled stuff.

I will second the notion of MORE light on the tool. My vision is no
where near what it once was and I appreciate extra illumination.

If you don't have a big rush I could probably bring you some sharpened
tool this summer when I go to Oshkosh.

Errol Groff

Instructor, Manufacturing Technology
H.H. Ellis Technical High School
613 Upper Maple Street
Danielson, CT 06239

New England Model Engineering Society
www.neme-s.org