Inserts are basic in modern industry where every second counts, but for a
hobby machinist they're a crutch to avoid having to learn how to grind a
toolbit. You develop skill at that the same way you develop the skill to
use a lathe, by practicing, and when you know how to grind a decent bit
you'll be glad you learned because the result is more versatile than
inserts and less expensive. I use inserts sometimes for taking the skin
of cast-iron. Otherwise I have no need for them.
Concerning a space to do grinding, I have a 6" Harbor Freight grinder
that I've used for many years by putting it over the kitchen sink on a
piece of wire grating. The grating lets the swarf fall into the sink to
be washed away, and water for cooling the bit is readily at hand.
Mike Taglieri miket--nyc@...
Everyone has his reasons.
- Jean Renoir "The Rules of the Game"
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I just started machining, had my mini-lathe a couple of weeks and
only every
used a milling machine before. Everyone told me to just buy HSS
because
I'll get a better finish, the tooling is cheaper and I can grind any
shape I
like. The only problem with this is that I don't have the space for
a
grinder or the skill to do a decent job of grinding own tools.
