Yes. But not sure if the improved cutting was due to the crobalt or the diamond tool holder…. the crobalt will last a long time, so I expect I might have to try some other materials to compare…..

I’ve not used them … but here’s the description of the material, “from the horse’s mouth”

**LINK** : http://crobalt.com

MichaelG.

This is what their website says:

Crobalt® – An Ideal Cutting Tool For Wood-Working

Ideal Wood-Working Material :: Crobalt® with its inherent resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and certain acids is an ideal alloy for tools used in the woodworking industry. Crobalt’s characteristic ability to accept a keen edge makes it ideal for woodworking where work piece surface finish is critical; however, Crobalt®is not as brittle as some other cutting tool materials thereby making it less susceptible to cutting edge flaking. Additionally, Crobalt®, by virtue of its high red hardness, will retain its strength at the elevated temperatures sometimes found in woodworking operations. Crobalt®is not recommended for the maching or cutting of plywood or other composite wood materials.

That's OK because HSS is often used to make woodworking tools, and a variety of HSS that resists organic acids is advantageous, doubly so if it also takes a good edge.

An HSS that takes a good edge is also likely to work well on the less rigid, slow, and not so powerful lathes typical of Model Engineering workshops. Our machines have virtues other than metal-munching.

Be quite interesting for a group of Myford owners to compare the performance of:

1. M2 HSS (the most common variety)
2. M42 HSS (extra tough, with better heat hardness)
3. Crobalt
4. A sharp non-ferrous carbide tip

Which produces the best finish, which removes metal fastest, which has the lowest resharpening down time, and which is the most affordable?

I doubt there's an outright winner because they have different pros and cons. The type you want is the one that works best in your workshop that you can afford.

Maybe we're all a bit behind the times, HSS and Tungsten Carbide are so last century! Anyone tried Ceramic, Boron Nitride, Carbon Nitride, or Diamond inserts?

Dave