Originally Posted by
John Beaver
I was originally a professional photographer and I always said that digital photography made the public better photographers but professionals worse.
I think carbide is similar. The learning curve is easier, so more people can enter the field, but it can only take you so far. Most carbide tools are scrapers and you can not get as good a finish with a carbide scraper as you can a gouge. Also, with no bevel to control the gouge, it is more difficult to fair a nice curve. If they work for you and make your life easier - go for it. But I doubt you will see very many professional turners relying on carbide.