01-06-2015, 03:31 PM
I have a few dozen HSS tools, and a few brazed carbide (like those), but I do all my roughing with inserts simply because I have better control over the process because I know grades and coatings well. I can easily out perform any brazed tool with the right insert. I do NOT always go out and buy the latest and greatest to be able to do this. I find "last year's" grades on eBay or in closeout specials from various catalog houses, and pay very little for quality inserts.
Jack, I understand the $1 a piece thing, and know that even when you chip one you can go resharpen it. That's what works for you so don't fix what ain't broken. For me, if I get a pack of ten quality inserts for $25 to $40, that's generally $0.625 to $1.00 an edge too, and my time to flip to a new edge (with the single-screw style holders I have now) is under 20 seconds. It's also right on center and in the same location as the blown-out of dull edge was before it went TU. The indexing in minimized because I'm choosing grades the right way and usually nail it on the first try.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Besides, I've run out of room to keep that many brazed carbide tools on hand. Insert boxes lie flat. ;)
Jack, I understand the $1 a piece thing, and know that even when you chip one you can go resharpen it. That's what works for you so don't fix what ain't broken. For me, if I get a pack of ten quality inserts for $25 to $40, that's generally $0.625 to $1.00 an edge too, and my time to flip to a new edge (with the single-screw style holders I have now) is under 20 seconds. It's also right on center and in the same location as the blown-out of dull edge was before it went TU. The indexing in minimized because I'm choosing grades the right way and usually nail it on the first try.
That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Besides, I've run out of room to keep that many brazed carbide tools on hand. Insert boxes lie flat. ;)