Honing HSS tools

Hi

This seems to be a constant learning curve for me . I have tried all types of stones on my HSS lathe tools .

The stone that works best for me is a "carborundum" brand silicon carbide stone. I have tried the smooth white Arkansas , no good , it just doesn't have any effect on HSS .

So what are the best methods and stones ? Mike

Edited By hth on 21/10/2015 11:14:27

I use a set of diamond hones, available from most of the dealers like Chronos or Arceuro. the set is five varying from a very fine one to a quite aggressive medium coarse one. You will find these excellent for dressing/honing any cutting tool.

Clive

There are some white aluminium oxide slip stones about that will do it. Some are sold for dressing diamond wheels.

You will find what is needed by googling slip stones. The one I use is dark brown/orange, 3/8" square and about 4" long and rather fine. The white aluminium oxide ones are generally coarser. The best type is often called india stone.

The diamond hones are fine but at their best used with honing oil. The slip stone clog up with hss over time as they are usually used dry. The diamond hones can be used to clean them up.

The one I use is probably natural India stone. It knocked a big hole in my tool bonus when I was an apprentice. Various grades of aluminium oxide should be as good. The modern version can be bought here

**LINK**

John

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I find these Mini stones from ARC do the job, tend to use the red handled one

The Ark page mentions orange but picture is red - is Ketan colour blind? Set of 4 now on my wish list.

What's with the v-groove ones?

I just use the traditional Carborundum brand silicone carbide like you have. Coarse on one side and fine on the other. Bit of light oil or WD40 and use strokes the full length of the stone. Never had a problem with it. Are you getting your HSS tools sharp on a grinding wheel before using the stone for the final touch up?

"What's with the v-groove ones?"

For sharpening fish hooks in the groove.

OTT lapping ? Maybe not if I could automate it.

It's tantung not hss but that makes no difference. Where it's black no light was reflected back into the camera, the surface is too smooth to do that. The shiny part of the side just shows a reflection of the surface it's on. The scratches on the side are the remains of what was pretty fine grinding. The scratches on the top from the stone I use. The shine was put on with 2um aluminium oxide. 3/16 sq toolbit. It now cuts paper pretty easily.

John

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