"Steve Worcester" wrote in message
...
I am trying to take 1/2 square O1 down to round for about 3" of the overall
(9") length. I have been using a tool bit chucked up on the toolpost, but
a
friend suggested it would be faster to use a tool post mounted grinder.
First, I wonder if he is right, and second, is there a reasonably priced
one, or plans around to make one?


Is the O1 hardened or soft? Cutting metal with a toolbit is virtually always
more efficient than with a grinder.

O1 is easy to cut with a toolbit (HSS or better) when it's soft.

When it's hard, you have to use carbide (or better) or you can grind it. For
an interupted cut such as your situation, grinding is probably ideal. Also,
grinding will probably tolerate a less rigid machine than carbide, ceramic,
cermet, CBN, etc.

Regards,

Robin