Lathe tooling and grinders.

Hi all,

I'm very much a beginner when it comes to lathes but am expecting delivery of my first ever one next week (a Chester DB8VS)

Chester have kindly agreed to throw in a free set of 5 indexable tools but I am looking around to buy myself some others and a bench grinder to get me started.

Can anyone help pointing me in the right direction of what to look for as a beginner, are there any I should avoid at all costs ? I thought of sticking to HSS at first, is that a sensible approach ?

As for grinders Argos have one of these for £45

**LINK**

It appears to be better value than Warcos grinder which costs £20 more.

The Hilka has a 370watt motor and weighs 11kg as opposed to the Warco 250 watt at 8kg.

Presumably a beefier motor and heavier machine is a good thing ? Or am I missing something ?

Any help would be great thanks

Peter.

HSS is fine for many jobs but I'd go for a grinder with 1" wide wheels, something like this maybe.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/scheppach-bg150-bench-grinder-150mm-240v/28349#product_additional_details_container

Peter

I've had a bench grinder, that looks like your Argos find, for many years - it's fine. Sharpening a few HSS tools is not much of a task for a grinder especially as mostly it is just to restore an edge to the tool rather than extensive grinding. You will probably find ( I did ) that, in time, you will want to change the wheels. In my case I have left the rougher wheel ( for roughing out!) but have changed the other for a fine grit white wheel which is better for finishing. You will need a dresser too to remove old spent abrasive from the wheels and give a true surface. I went for a diamond.

One thing you will find on most grinders is the very poor tool rests. The need for some better sort of support will soon become apparant ! Fear not however - you will soon be equipped to MAKE some better rests. Have a look at Harold Hall's site - HERE for some ideas - on tool & cutter grinding - and many other subjects!

As previously stated HSS is fine for most work.

Norman

Edited By NJH on 19/05/2015 18:45:03

Are you sure it's 5 indexable ones?

Well anyway you need a green wheel for the grinder too if you want to grind tungsten carbide.

Hi Again Peter

Ah I see that the "offer" is indexable CARBIDE tools. It depends on what you are making but I've not often found these necessary - HSS will usually do the job. As far as sharpening HSS I see that I previously posted a photo of a ready made rest I got - from Axminster Power Tools I think?, and this works fine for most things.

See here. Not too difficult to make something similar.

The grinder I mentioned previously - with the replacement white wheel mounted - is shown.

Hi all,

Many thanks for the advice.

I put a deposit on the machine when at the Harrogate show last week, the staff member I dealt with was very helpful and just said he'd throw in 5 indexable tools along with a few other extras as part of a show deal.

I've just checked my invoice and it definitely says indexable though I don't know any more than that.

I'll buy a green grit wheel with a grinder even if I don't need it from day one.

I know this is gonna sound a stupid question but can a grinder that takes 25mm wide wheels accept 20mm ones as the green wheels I've seen don't seem to be 25mm ?

Peter.

All you need for HSS tools.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-Silverstorm-263511-Bench-Grinder/dp/B002QS0HNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432063831&sr=8-1&keywords=silverline+bench+grinder

Edited By Tim Chambers 1 on 19/05/2015 20:36:01

Edited By Tim Chambers 1 on 19/05/2015 20:37:34

I assume these are the 5 **LINK** I do not think you need to worry about a "green" wheel for these as the tips are not designed to be reground, each tip has three cuttings edges so as one wears it can be rotated around to the next good edge.

I tend to use indexable tools on the lathe for most work and contrary to what others say have not had a problem with the all be it the tips are Sandvik. I do use HSS but only for things like form tools and parting off.

Bob

I went with a Wickes 6" grinder, they have a 3 year guarantee and so far it has given good service. I made a tool rest and bought various wheels, green, white, wire and a buffing mop set. They do get hot if run too long.
**LINK**

Edited By mechman48 on 20/05/2015 10:03:14

Peter, the grinder you linked to is just like the one I got 30 years ago. It does get hot pretty quickly but is ok for the few minutes for touching up a tool. When doing the initial heavy grinding I do five minutes and leave it to cool.
A 25mm wheel will have a problem with the guards - really not necessary for amateur use anyway.
Don't get intimidated by fancy tool rests. Mount the grinder on a big block of wood (kitchen sink cutout) and build up a big block of wood in front of the wheel. 1/8 steel top to the block gives you a firm smoothe rest. Because of the curve of the wheel if you present the tool above centre height but horizontal (firmly on the block of wood) it will be ground at an angle.

I think top of the tool at 1/4 in gives 5 degrees and at 1/2 in gives 10 degrees but not sure of my maths today.

Edited By Bazyle on 20/05/2015 10:54:07

Many thanks to everyone who offered their advice, it sounds very much like HSS tools will be fine for my needs as a beginner to start with.

I'm expecting my lathe next week so will be buying a grinder soon and the links supplied have given me a few alternatives to consider.

Peter.

I have used a Hilka grinder for many years and it has given excellent service. You need the 1/2 HP 370W motor on a grinder, the smaller motors can easily be overloaded. I've found the wheels provided to be very satisfactory although I've replaced the finer grit wheel with a green one for carbide. Colin

ps. High speed steel is definitely best for beginners

Edited By colin hawes on 20/05/2015 12:34:09