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This article looks at some types of steel from which many wood lathe chisels are made. There are many different types of steel alloys with high hardness and strength. The internet has a wealth of information on steel, alloys and their use, a little research will always lead to a better understanding of the tools you want to buy or make.
What is tool steel and how is it different from other types of steel? Tool Steel is a specific type of high quality steel manufactured specifically for the production of tools and tool components. Tool steels are produced in electric melting furnaces and strict quality standards are maintained to produce the required quality. Tool steels are formulated to withstand high pressure and abrasive materials. Typically, tool steels are used for shearing, cutting, stamping, and forming metals and plastics.
There are 3 different tool steels that you will see most commonly associated with woodturning tools, they are 01 steel, M2 steel and PM steel.
O1 Tool steel is a low alloy cold work tool steel that must be oil quenched in a heat treatment to create the required hardness. O1 contains small amounts of manganese, tungsten, and chromium, giving O1 adequate hardness for normal tool and die uses. 01 steel is a steel that woodturners can use to make and shape their own tools and then temper the steel to a hardness that will hold a good edge between 60 and 65 HRC.
M2 it is a higher carbon content version of M1 tool steel (molybdenum high speed tool steel). The M2 alloy has somewhat better wear resistance than M1. The applications are mainly used for cutting and modeling tools.
P.M (Powder metallurgy) is a term that covers a wide range of ways in which materials or components are made from metal powders. Powder metallurgy is also used to make unique materials that are impossible to melt or form in other ways. PM Wood Lathe tools are very hard and have a fine edge, typically between 67 and 69 HRC. Files will not work with tools of this hardness. HRC is an abbreviation for Rockwell hardness measured on the C scale.
If you are regularly turning wood, you probably have 30-40 tools that you use. I counted the woodturning tools in my collection and there are currently 43 and I am ordering 01 steel to make scrapers that I can use to shape long smooth sides of a turn. 01 steel allows you to make your own tools, especially tools that suit special turning that only you are doing. It is always good to have a friend who is a metallurgist and knows how to machine and harden metals.
There are many ways to purchase wood lathe tools. Buying from a tool supplier is the best way to start turning wood. With a little experience you will know what to look for when purchasing tools. In addition to buying from a tool supplier, check out garage sales, home sales, and some of the social sites like Craigslist.
Woodturning is fun and enjoyable, and even more so when you can make your own tools.