Cutting tools used on the lathe

[@tylerivester876]

Thanks for the explanation

[@bradcurry7775]

You're welcome

[@dave_ecclectic]

Something I recently discovered is although HSS bits may be _old technology_ they are the _correct_ technology for home machinists. The insert tools are meant for production work using extremely powerful and fast machines. As home machines are neither the hand sharpened HSS bits are actually the preferred tool. This requires _knowledge_ of how to grind such a tool and the grinder to do it on. The insert tools although they do a lesser job don't require either. I've been using the wrong tool for facing off. What you said makes perfect sense too.

[@bradcurry7775]

When comparing production machining to manual machining a lot of it comes down to rigidity of the machine tool. HSS still has its place especially with machines with lower max RPM where you don't get any advantage from the higher surface feeds that can be achieved with carbide tooling. HSS isn't as strong or as hard as carbide but it isn't brittle and doesn't chip out and shatter as easily as either so on manual machines that aren't as rigid as larger cnc or that have more play in them the chatter and vibration can cause carbide to chip out where as HSS wont. The main key as mentioned is knowing what your machining conditions are, what machine you are running, and which one will give you a better tooling advantage for the machining process you are working on.