CROBALT...Lathe tools

.Hi, has anyone used Crobalt (yes Crobalt..not Cobalt) lathe tools?

ive just watched a vid on YouTube by Eccentricengineer...makers of the Diamond Tool Holder..turning Stainless and Cast Iron...using Crobalt alloy tool bits..

very interesting...

Anyone used Crobalt lathe tools?...

cheers John

**LINK**

Yes. But not sure if the improved cutting was due to the crobalt or the diamond tool holder.... the crobalt will last a long time, so I expect I might have to try some other materials to compare.....

I have been using the Diamond tool holders for about 3 years now and find them fantastic they give a great finish on a wide range of materials. Only down side is you can only get the Crobalt tool steel from them in Australia.so the delivery costs are not cheap. Best way is if you have a friend in Australia to have them delivered to them and then they post to you in the Uk. The cutters are very good on stainless and cast iron as long as your lathe can run at high speeds. I have tried Hss in the tool holders and the finish is not as good as Crobalt. The round tool is very good and needing only a LH & RH Diamond tool for all your operations is a bonus.

I’ve not used them … but here’s the description of the material, “from the horse’s mouth”

**LINK** : http://crobalt.com

MichaelG.

I would agree with john kennedy 1 remarks in the above link

H

This is what their website says:

Crobalt® – An Ideal Cutting Tool For Wood-Working

Ideal Wood-Working Material :: Crobalt® with its inherent resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and certain acids is an ideal alloy for tools used in the woodworking industry. Crobalt’s characteristic ability to accept a keen edge makes it ideal for woodworking where work piece surface finish is critical; however, Crobalt®is not as brittle as some other cutting tool materials thereby making it less susceptible to cutting edge flaking. Additionally, Crobalt®, by virtue of its high red hardness, will retain its strength at the elevated temperatures sometimes found in woodworking operations. Crobalt®is not recommended for the maching or cutting of plywood or other composite wood materials.

That's OK because HSS is often used to make woodworking tools, and a variety of HSS that resists organic acids is advantageous, doubly so if it also takes a good edge.

An HSS that takes a good edge is also likely to work well on the less rigid, slow, and not so powerful lathes typical of Model Engineering workshops. Our machines have virtues other than metal-munching.

Be quite interesting for a group of Myford owners to compare the performance of:

1. M2 HSS (the most common variety)
2. M42 HSS (extra tough, with better heat hardness)
3. Crobalt
4. A sharp non-ferrous carbide tip

Which produces the best finish, which removes metal fastest, which has the lowest resharpening down time, and which is the most affordable?

I doubt there's an outright winner because they have different pros and cons. The type you want is the one that works best in your workshop that you can afford.

Maybe we're all a bit behind the times, HSS and Tungsten Carbide are so last century! Anyone tried Ceramic, Boron Nitride, Carbon Nitride, or Diamond inserts?

Dave

I use diamond inserts on the aluminium for my aero engines and the finish is incredible so much so that I don't want to touch it and spoil it. The swarf glitters like light reflecting from a mirror and extremely fine cuts can be made.