HSS or Carbide?

[James Strickland]

Need some input, fellas.  I've only ever used HSS turning tools for all my call making.  But, when I turn a call with a metal inlay it just doesn't cut clean.  Takes a lot of pressure.  Not sure if I need to change the angle of the grind on my tools when I'm turning metal or not.  Could that be the problem?  Or, do I need to get some carbide tools to make cleaner cuts on metal inlays.  Just wondering if carbide is worth the investment or not.  I know a lot of guys use them, but will it cut the inlays better/easier?

[jcz]

Carbide will cut the metal easier but it will still need some sanding to clean it up. IMO carbide cutters are great. Get yourself a round tipped cutter. You'll wonder how you turned without it.

[LagrueCustomCalls]

James, I use carbide on my inlays regularly. I hog them down to shape with sharp HSS, but finish them with carbide.

[stumpjumper]

HSS properly sharpened cuts like butter on those inlays
Carbide will never be as sharp as hss but holds up better

Stump

[James Strickland]

Thanks for the input, guys.  I'm fully willing to accept that my HSS tools may not be properly sharpened since I don't use a sharpening jig.  I just freehand them on my grinder.  I get a good edge on them this way and it works fine for wood.  But, I'm thinking they just aren't sharp enough for metal.  So, I'm thinking I either need to upgrade my sharpening tools/process or get a round tipped carbide cutter to use for metal inlays. 

It's always fun to "need" to buy new tools.   

[JCurren]

I bought the wolverine jigs and 180 grit CBN wheel early on and haven't regretted it. I also have three Easy Wood carbide tools (Xmas gifts).  I normally use HSS but sometimes the carbide really comes in handy.  I don't really care for what seems like a lack of need for technique with carbide (I feel like I'm using a scraper all the time).  I'm old school I guess.

[JP ( liljohn ) Wilkinson]

Now that I've gotten carbide tools. I hardly ever use my HHAS.I still use them just not that often.


JP

[James Strickland]

So, I picked up a round-tipped mini carbide tool from JAustin, who's a member on THO, and the call I turned last night with an aluminum inlay cut like butter.  No doubt the sharpness of my HSS tools was the issue.  Eventually, I need to pick up a Wolverine jig to aid in sharpening my HSS tools.  But, this was a cheaper option for now and I'm very pleased with the cutter from JAustin.

Thanks for all the input and wisdom from my THO brothers.