From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation
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Cutter materials
From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation
Cutter materials
- The material that you're cutters are made out of is an extremely important detail. Since the process of cutting involves the tool pretty much remaining in constant contact with the workpiece, it's going to get hot from all the friction. That heat can cause the cutter and workpiece to distort. Thus, if you are not careful, one or both can easily be ruined. And since there's constant friction, the tool's cutting edge will wear out. If I'm cutting a piece of wood, most any steel tool will suffice. If I'm cutting a piece of steel, I'll need special tool steels or even harder materials like carbide. A general rule of thumb when deciding on your cutter material is that you want your cutter to be at least 1 1/2 times harder than the workpiece. This will give you smooth cutting. And of course, you pay a premium for harder tools, because they are more difficult to make, but these tools resist heat, wear, and in general, distortions. In some cases, you may use a coated tool. If you have a…
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