Replies

1. 
   DonStephan | Jun 28, 2002 05:13pm | #1

   That's what I decided to do. I was burning ( and dulling) the newly sharpened parting tool just 3/32" into a spindle. Just received my first 4 "real" HSS tools this week.

2. 
   DKHutchinson | Jun 28, 2002 08:02pm | #2

   I went through the same thing with a set of 1940s-vintage Craftsman tools my Grandfather bought.  You might be able to use (as I did) of few of your Chinese tools as scrapers if you're carful not to burn the edges when you regrind them, assuming that they are regular carbon steel.  The only disadvantage with them is that you will have to regrind them more often than a HSS scaper.  For all other tools-spindle gouges, skew chisels, etc., the HSS tools made by Robert Sorby and Henry Taylor are such an improvement over the tools in these cheap sets that even if you have to wait and save your pennies to buy them, the wait is well worthwhile.  I might also note that the handles on the Sorby and Taylor tools are much longer, making these tools much better balanced than the tools in the cheap sets.  Sorby's tools have a brass button on the end which also helps with the balance and keeps the handle from splitting if you're so clumsy as to drop it on the floor.  Happy turning!

1. 
   quatersawn | Jun 29, 2002 01:54am | #3

   Ditch em fast. They are only good for operations where a good tool might get damaged, I.E. turning right next to the live center, or chuck.

3. 
   observer | Jun 30, 2002 02:37am | #4

   I once experimented with heat treating by quench and temper a set of those cheap chisels and was amazed at the improvement in them.

   I heated them to a straw colour with an oxy-propane torch, about 1200 degrees I think, and then immediately quenched them in water. Tempered them in the oven at 500 degrees for about four hours and then air cooled them. They would actually hold an edge when done.  I understand it works for any carbon steel though I'm no expert on the subject.