Tool Steel

[ni9eofse7en]

I know a number have made your own tools, but I just wanted to ask where you got the tool steel from, and whether as it seems HSS with 5% or above cobalt is the ideal choice. I have already bought the steel for the shafts and I feel confident in making up the handles :) . I was looking at 1/4" x 1/4" by whatever length to make some hollowing or deep hollowing tools similar to the ones done by George Watkins. Thanks in advance for any advice given.:pray:

 

[wm460]

If you just want to use the steel put carbide tips on them, I would only use normal steel.

 

[Penpal]

Mild steel has strength and easy to work.

Peter

 

[21William]

I think George Watkins uses silver steel for the shafts of his hollowing tools and HSS for the inserts. Mild steel is fine for carbide tools but if you want something a little more resilient you could use stainless steel. I've used all three types of steel for some of the tools I've made.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Some good advice above & I just buy bog standard carbide tips to fit the toolS I've made. I bought my steel shafts at Metal Supermarket. A quick google will give you your nearest outlet. As for the carbide tips mother google will give you UK suppliers.

 

[Walter]

I just wanted to ask where you got the tool steel from, and whether as it seems HSS with 5% or above cobalt is the ideal choice.

I buy my tool steel from the same place that George gets his. Chronos. If it's good enough for George it's good enough for me.

Chronos Ltd Engineering Tools

 

[ni9eofse7en]

I have a Metal Supermarkets within a mile of me. I rang them last Saturday for a quote, still waiting so got mild steel on Wednesday from the Metal Store in Cleckheaton.

 

[ni9eofse7en]

I contacted Chronos to ask what % of cobalt was in their HSS Tool steel, they said zero, but will prob order anyway to see what it is like. thanks.