Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Topics include, Machine Tools & Tooling, Precision Measuring, Materials and their Properties, Electrical discussions related to machine tools, setups, fixtures and jigs and other general discussion related to amateur machining.

Moderators: GlennW, Harold_V

Odyknuck
Posts: 815
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2022 4:21 pm
Location: Chardon, Ohio

Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Odyknuck »

What material is used for Brazed carbide lathe cutting tool shanks? Looking to repurpose the steel of broken ones.
User avatar
NP317
Posts: 4557
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:57 pm
Location: Northern Oregon, USA

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by NP317 »

Odyknuck wrote: Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:17 am What material is used for Brazed carbide lathe cutting tool shanks? Looking to repurpose the steel of broken ones.
I suspect the shank composition depends entirely on their origin sourcing.
Cheap might = minimal strength.
More expensive might(!) = stronger steels.
RussN
Odyknuck
Posts: 815
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2022 4:21 pm
Location: Chardon, Ohio

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Odyknuck »

Same line of thinking as you. Thats why I posted it. Years ago, my buddy gave me a box of 3/4 and 1" brazed carbide tooling, and most are the wrong hand to use in a conventional lathe.
User avatar
liveaboard
Posts: 1971
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 1:40 pm
Location: southern Portugal
Contact:

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by liveaboard »

I use mild steel; harder material would be nice but any hardening will be lost by home brazing, at lease at the business end.
My experience is that mild steel mostly works ok, but thin (under 5/16") boring tools would be better hardened + tempered.

Note that I have no education except what I learned by doing.
User avatar
Bill Shields
Posts: 10460
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
Location: 39.367, -75.765
Contact:

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Bill Shields »

Odyknuck wrote: Mon Jan 16, 2023 8:17 am What material is used for Brazed carbide lathe cutting tool shanks? Looking to repurpose the steel of broken ones.
If I understand your line of thought:

generally, these shanks are not usable as cutting tools without the inserts
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Odyknuck
Posts: 815
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2022 4:21 pm
Location: Chardon, Ohio

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Odyknuck »

I suppose a clarification is in order. I do not want to use the shanks for cutting tools. I want to use them where I need a tool steel for parts on my Mikado or other applications requiring same.
User avatar
Bill Shields
Posts: 10460
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
Location: 39.367, -75.765
Contact:

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Bill Shields »

Ah....well-> most of the shanks are not tool steel.

You can tell by touching them to a grinding wheel.

I can tell from personal experience that most of the shanks are pretty low grade steel -> in most cases not much more than 1080 at best.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Odyknuck
Posts: 815
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2022 4:21 pm
Location: Chardon, Ohio

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Odyknuck »

Even the leading brands like Kennametal?
User avatar
Bill Shields
Posts: 10460
Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
Location: 39.367, -75.765
Contact:

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Bill Shields »

Not sure. I do not purchase cheap tools, however..

Some stuff is 40 years old and untraceable.

The good tool mfgrs are relying on the quality of the carbide.

If you jamb the cutter and bend the shank. The carbide is toast anyway.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
ChipMaker4130
Posts: 187
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:00 am
Location: Ivins, Utah

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by ChipMaker4130 »

Good boring bars, with or without carbide ends, are hardened. Nothing worse than having the set-screw raise a burr and lock the bar in the boring head. I've seen set screws dig in to lathe tool-holders too, but my USA made holders don't do that. You often get what you pay for.
User avatar
mcostello
Posts: 963
Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 10:45 pm
Location: Lancaster, Ohio

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by mcostello »

I have several tool bit shanks that have been made ready for repurposing. They are from the time when the carbide was at least 1/2" thick, one of the earliest. The shank compares to 4140, wether prehard or regular, the one thing learned is do let Your drill bit dwell. It is not shy about self hardening. Will try to get pictures of the carbide.
User avatar
Harold_V
Posts: 20231
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2002 11:02 pm
Location: Onalaska, WA USA

Re: Brazed carbide cutting tool shank material

Post by Harold_V »

mcostello wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:13 pm do let Your drill bit dwell.
I suspect this should read do NOT let your drill bit dwell.
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
Post Reply