minilathe22
Established Member
I have purchased some carbide tool tips, and plan to make my own woodturning chisels with the replaceable carbide tip at the end. I am not massively familiar with metal types and I wonder what would be a good material for the metal shaft from the handle to the carbide tip. Normally it would be tool steel, but I don't think this is needed as the carbide tip will do the cutting.
If it is too brittle there is a risk of it breaking during interrupted cuts, and if its too soft it may bend instead. I want the surface to stay smooth, so I think a stainless steel would be appropriate. Would 316 Marine stainless steel work? Will I be able to tap and drill a small thread for the carbide tip with ordinary twist drills and a tap?
If it is too brittle there is a risk of it breaking during interrupted cuts, and if its too soft it may bend instead. I want the surface to stay smooth, so I think a stainless steel would be appropriate. Would 316 Marine stainless steel work? Will I be able to tap and drill a small thread for the carbide tip with ordinary twist drills and a tap?