Making Lathe Tools #4: Initial Set

I have complete most of the chisels and I am very happy with their performance. But definately see some areas where I can improve.

The currently the set contains:
Straight 1/2” rod with round carbide cutter
Straight 1/2”rod with square carbide cutter
Curved 1/2” rod with round carbide cutter
Straight 5/8” rod with HHS insert
Curved 5/8” rod with HHS insert

From Hollowing Chisels

Straight 1/2” rod with round carbide cutter:

This worked well and left a good finish but I prefer to use a gouge for final surface, I will mount this cutter on a 3/8” rod to see how it performs with the extra clearance.

From Hollowing Chisels

Straight 1/2”rod with square carbide cutter:

This work excellent for roughing but in hind sight should have gotten the radius cutter.

From Hollowing Chisels

Curved 1/2” rod with round carbide cutter
I will mount this cutter on a 3/8” rod to see how it performs with the extra clearance.

From Hollowing Chisels

Straight 5/8”and Curved 5/8” rod with HHS insert:

These worked like a champ for removing material but did not leave the surface smooth. Albeit the piecewas punky wood. I also need to get square inserts, I ordered round inserts which I had to grind the top flat and put a fingernail grind on. The grinding of the top I believe increasing the chatter of the tool.
Curved 5/8” rod with HHS insert.

From Hollowing Chisels

From Hollowing Chisels

From Hollowing Chisels

I also got some 1 3/8” aluminum rod, cut it to 18” length, drilled 3/8” and 1/2” holes on the end of one and 5/8” hole on the other.

From Hollowing Chisels

From Hollowing Chisels

I also still have a number of rods for future tools, I am sure that I will be using them. I already know I want a chisel with a more extreme bend to get under the lip of a hollow form.

From Hollowing Chisels

Cost: $146

Steel Rods $30
Bending Rods $20
HSS Inserts $13
Carbide cutters $40
Tap and die set $20
Set Screws $8
Aluminum Rods $15