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Tool Steel

ni9eofse7en

ni9eofse7en

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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:
 
21William

21William

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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

Bill Mooney

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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.
 
ni9eofse7en

ni9eofse7en

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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

ni9eofse7en

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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.
 
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