HSS vs Carbide: General characteristics
In general, the main characteristic of all High-Speed-Steels is a high working hardness with excellent toughness. HSS tools also cost less than Carbide tools and are often a good solution in ‘high-mix, low-volume applications.
Carbide is much harder, so it has a longer tool life and faster cutting data than conventional HSS. But the downside of that hardness is brittleness, so the cutting edge on carbide tools can quickly fracture or chip in certain situations.
Traditional vs. Modern
The traditional turning tools require a lot of learning and practice to master the art. It is considered a skill that, once mastered, will earn you the respect of your fellow wood bowl turners.
Woodturners who use traditional HSS turning tools believe that these tools give a superior cut that is unmatched. But achieving expertise with traditional tools can take several years and the costs can pile up for replacing tools, getting wood to work on, or booking workshop spaces to practice in if you don’t have the equipment at home.
On the other hand, carbide turning tools are very easy to learn and give better quality surface finishes. The tools require no sharpening or training. You can start woodworking with carbide tools today and still be able to create something substantial by the end of the week.
While most woodworkers believe that carbide tools are perfect, a lot of traditional woodworkers tend to look down upon modern woodworkers who use carbide-turning tools.
Carbide tools create smaller chips and shavings of wood while HSS tools create long curly shavings. Both types of shavings can be reused for other purposes like filling holes in natural wood stock.
Which One Is Right for You?
Carbide tools can be 4-7 times faster than HSS tools. They can also resist higher temperatures than HSS tools from friction and RPM. While HSS costs lesser, carbide is harder and remains sharper for longer. If the choice of choosing one over the other still confuses you, here is some concise information that can help you make the right choice.
As a Newbie
If you are new to woodturning and are still figuring out whether you want to pursue it or not, carbide tools are better for you. They require less time to learn and give you an understanding of the skill set required.
They also work very quickly and are great for beginners. Once you get a hang of it, you can choose to upgrade to traditional HSS tools that are less expensive and more durable. Starting with traditional HSS tools without experience can be discouraging as they are very difficult to use.
As a Hobbyist
Carbide tools are also perfect for hobbyists who may not use these tools so frequently. As they aren’t tough to learn, you don’t need to spend a lot of time learning how to use them. The higher RPM also helps in completing projects faster, thus hobbyists can complete smaller projects in no time.
If you wish to turn this hobby into a profession, it is recommended to move on to traditional HSS tools as they are more cost-effective in the long run.
As a Professional
If you’re serious about woodturning and want to pursue it for a longer time, take some time to learn how to use traditional HSS turning tools. This can take some time to learn, as well as a lot of practice, but is worth your time as you get to build a new skill set. Also, traditional HSS turning tools are a lot less expensive and durable. So learning the new skill will be worth it.
Professional woodturners work on very detailed crafts like restoring furniture, creating folk art, or even architectural carvings and moldings. Eventually, if you’re willing to spend time learning something new and have the patience to do so, only then should you opt for traditional HSS turning tools. The learning curve is quite steep and can take quite a while to conquer.
CARBIDE VS. HSS TURNING TOOL COMPARISON TABLE
| Carbide | High-Speed Steel | |
| Learning Curve | Very Little | Time Required |
| Sharpening Technique | Rotate Cutter | Sharpening Station |
| Sharpening | Seldom | Frequently |
| Cost | Slightly Higher | Slightly Less |
| Quality of Cuts | Poor to Okay | Good to Excellent |
| Bevel Support | No | Yes |
| Versatility | No | Yes |
How to Sharpen Carbide vs. Traditional High-Speed Steel
Another difference between carbide and traditional tools is the method in which they are sharpened. Carbide tools are sharpened using a rotated cutter, and high-speed steel is sharpened using a traditional sharpening station. Below is a more in-depth breakdown, so read on if you are interested in learning more about sharpening and maintaining your tools.
How to Sharpen Carbide Tools
To sharpen carbide tools, you use a rotate cutter with a grinding wheel. According to UKO Carbide, there are two main types of grinding wheels, an aluminum grinding wheel and a silicon carbide grinding wheel.
Aluminum grinding wheels are typically white and feature sand grains that are tough enough to sharpen hard materials like carbide. These grinding wheels can also be used to sharpen high-speed steel tools. They may also be known as corundum wheels.
Silicon carbide grinding wheels are usually green. They have a very high hardness that makes them great for sharpening carbide, but they are also way more brittle than aluminum wheels, so only use silicon carbide if you know you can store the wheel safely.
According to Fengke Carbide, the thickness of these wheels are typically expressed by their particle size. The larger, coarse particles are used for rough grinding, whereas the smaller, fine particles are used for fine grinding. Once you have selected the correct grinding wheel, follow the steps listed below to sharpen your carbide turning tool.
- Begin by grinding off the welding slag on both sides of the turning tool’s blade’s surface.
- Second, smooth the bottom surface of the turning tool, and second, check that all surfaces are perfectly clean.
- Next, grind the shank of the main flank as well as the secondary flank of the turning tool.
- Fourth, see if you need a chip break for the grinding tools. If you do, finely grind the main and secondary flanks, then, if necessary, finish the grinding with a negative chamfer.
If you are new to sharpening, some basic tips are to make sure that you have the proper cutting angle at all times and make sure both your hand and the tools are steady and controlled at all times. Do not operate a cutter if you have consumed alcohol or are on drugs that may cause your hands to shake. You should always wear proper protective gear and clothing.
Alternatives to Using a Machine Grinder
While you can use the right rotary grinder on traditional tools, you can also use a whetstone and sharpen your high-speed steel by hand. According to fkcarbide.com, many woodturners actually prefer to sharpen their tools by hand as it gives them more precision and control over their expensive, precious instruments.
Sharpening is very close to turning, so if you are a beginner, practicing sharpening your tools can help you practice your turning and vice versa. However, sharpening your tools by hand is much more energy and time-consuming, so if either of those is of the essence, you should invest in a machine cutter and station.
Post time: Aug-31-2022
