HSS cutters (not bars)

[Jake Helmboldt]

Does anyone know where to get flat pieces of HSS (for cutters) to use on a homemade tool? I'm not referring to bars or rounds, but rather something like that used on the Sorby multi-tip tools to make round or teardrop cutters. I'm not finding anything with an online search.

thanks, Jake

[John Keeton]

Jake, you can use old planer blades, but drilling a hole in them is not a workable plan. I ran a WTB ad on SMC and bought several used planer blades that I use to make various scrapers, etc.

[Bob Wolfe]

Harbor Freight has a set of 5 HSS bits, and in the kit is a flat piece approx 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 1/16" that you could cut to fit your needs for less than $5. That is the only place I've seen flat HSS, but I haven't really searched for it. I can't attest to quality, HF tools are hit and miss. Let us know if you find another source. Good luck.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40641

Bob

[Brad Vaughn]

Harbor Freight has a set of 5 HSS bits, and in the kit is a flat bar approx 1/2" x 4" or so that you could cut to fit your needs for less than $5. That is the only place I've seen flat HSS bar, but I haven't really searched for it. I can't attest to quality, HF tools are hit and miss. Let us know if you find another source. Good luck.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40641

Bob

+1 on this I have used these and have had good results and you just cant beat the price. All but the thin one I have put to use.

[Matt Owen]

Jake, you can use old planer blades, but drilling a hole in them is not a workable plan.

If you really need to drill a hole, you can use a carbide drill bit to cut through hardened tool steel. Just go slow, and use some cutting fluid. Also, drilling through with a smaller diameter bit, then drilling full size gives you a much better chance of not snapping the brittle carbide.

Matt

[Gary Conklin]

It is also possible to grind a hole though with a dremel type pointed grinding stone. I have a source for some

M-2
Precision Rolled
1/8 x 1-1/16





I am thinking about placing an order if anyone wants in let me know. Comes in 10-12' length.

[Mike Minto]

They have just about everything you could need, including UHMW, different plastics and other things: http://www.onlinemetals.com/index.cfm

[Steve Frederick]

I've used these. (http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INSRAR2&PMAKA=383-5212&PMPXNO=940311)

[Lloyd Butler]

Jake,

If you want to make your our shapes, why not look for old skate blades?

If you can find a pair of kids skates at the thrift store with the plastic supports around the top of the blade, those blades have 3-4 holes already drilled through them for the plastic to run though. A hacksaw and blow torch and you have some good harden steel.

You can cut them up with a dremel cutter wheel, but they are very hard to drill. I have just cut slots in mine rather than drill them.

Lloyd

[Mac Carlton]

How about the wood spade blades they have a hole in them already. One of our AAW members makes his out of these. I am going to try it soon as someone sends me a ( round toit) Grizzly has the carbide blades sold in packs of ten with hole in them. They are the blades that fit the spiral cutterheads.

["Adam Hill]

Try this link http://www.mcmaster.com/#steel/=6gs7ni they have almost everything!


Adam

[Chuck Johnson]

Here is one more you can take a look at. I purchase their tool and additional cutters.
http://sitekreator.com/sherrillwoodworking/deep_hollowing_tool_set.html

Chuck Johnson