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HSS Lathe Tool Grinding
This is a copy of information found on Steve′s Workshop. Steve has produced a useful article on grinding your
own HSS lathe tools. At the end of his article is a free to download PDF designed as a workshop wall-chart. Steve
kindly says "Please print, laminate, share and distribute as needed" so taking him at his word I am distributing
the information.
The poster is available for download At Steve's Workshop. There is also a practical guide to sharpening including
images and a link to Steve's tool grinding rest.
RIGHT HAND TURNING TOOL
This type of tool works well when taking heavy cuts to reduce the diameter of a part. As shown it is designed to cut
from right to left but can be reversed using the same angles to cut from left to right (left hand turning tool). The
video Grinding Turning and Facing Tools for the Lathe shows how to apply the information provided in this diagram.
Click on the image below to download a PDF file.
This type of tool is used to machine the end of a part or the side of a shoulder. As shown it is designed to face on
the right, but it can be reversed using the same angles to face on the left (left hand facing tool). The video Grinding
Turning and Facing Tools for the Lathe shows how to apply the information provided in this diagram. Click on the
image below to download a PDF file.
FLY CUTTING TOOL
This type of tool works well in light fly cutters that hold the tool at an angle of 10º-15º to the work. It is basically the
same as a left hand turning tool without the side or end cutting edge angles. The nose radius should be kept around
1/64″ for steel and 1/32″ or so for non ferrous metals. If it’s too small, it will burn out quickly on steel, too large and it
will chatter. Fly cutters dissipate heat better than end mills, so I generally run them 30%-50% faster than an end mill
of equal size. Click on the image below to download a PDF file of the diagram.
Metal Lathe Tools : High
Speed Steel (HSS)
Aluminum
15° - 20° 10° - 12°
Bronze
Manganese
10° - 16° 9° - 11° Side Relief
Bronze
+ 4° - 6°
Bronze Castings 15° - 20° 10° - 12°
Steel - Heat
Treated to 350 5° - 10° 6° - 8°
Brinell
Front
Front Relief Back Rake
Use Clearance Comments
Angle Angle
Angle
Aluminium
12° - 14°
Aluminum
Bronze 10° - 12°
Manganese
Bronze 9° - 11°
Bronze Castings
10° - 12°
Cast Iron - Soft
(170 Brinell) 8° - 10° Front Relief
5° - 8°
+ 4° - 6°
Cast Iron -
Medium (250
7° - 9°
Brinell)
Increases in the
Side Cutting
Edge Angle will
:
• decrease
chip
thickness
and
increase
chip width
(retaining
the same
area of the
chip)
• decrease
power
usage
Side Cutting Edge (SCE) Angle Front Cutting
Use Comments
Range Recom. Edge Angle
It is
recommended
that the Point and
Roughing Out 10° - 60° 30° 5° - 10°
the Front Cutting
Edge Angles
match.
If a square edge is
Finishing - if a not needed, a
square corner is n/a 0° 5° - 10° point angle (or a
required nose radius) can
be used.
Notes & Comments
If grinding this on a high speed grinder, be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not
lost due to overheating. If there is a carbide insert, DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will
cause the carbide to crack due to shocks. Otherwise, cool by dipping as needed in water.
For resharpening, a contour gauge like shown below is recommended. One should be made for each
tool, and it should be numbered to match the tool's number.
More Information
Books & Papers
• The definitive source is Leo J. St. Clair's book from 1952 titled, Design and Use of Cutting
Tools. He was working in the industry as it was changing from HSS to carbide, so both are
covered well. His experimental data helps validate or disprove many theories. Unfortunately,
this book is hard to find.
Web Sites
Tormek is a copyrighted logo of Tormek AB. Its presentation on this site is used to help the user
quickly understand when specific Tormek tools, jigs, or setting are being used. For specific
information regarding Tormek AB, or its products, please refer to the www.Tormek.com.
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if
mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure
to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment.
Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or
using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.