I've made several. They're good for basic turning and facing, easy to sharpen and HSS for them is inexpensive.

Easy to make as well, both angles are 12°.

This may be of help.

http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=85172&p=1

Lots of good links about them on the second page of this post:

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=22458

Agree wholeheartedly with previous replies – I splashed out and bought both LH & RH versions plus the parting off tool …… and apart from using a round shaping tool and boring bars they have been in permanent use since unpacked over 12 months ago. A really excellent tool choice and the expense side of things soon fades as you get to appreciate just how good they are.

One point is that the supplied sharpening jig leaves your fingers VERY close to the grindstone wheel, so I have manufactured a longer version. I also had to fit a spacer onto the grinder tool rest to bring the base of the tool sharpener in-line with the wheel centre line.

Buy, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility they offer.

Cheers Barry

OK Neil what's a Wimberly holder??, I have both lh & rh diamond tools and they'r great as above I use them for 90 percent of my work I bought 1 in ozz & the other by post & the customs stiffed me £20 !! that was before you could purchase them in this country.

Graham.

I'll say more about the Wimberley when I have it in my greasy paw. Those who have one, speak highly of it.

Neil

Hi Chris, 30° from the horizontal. Even for folks that have bought their toolholders I'd reccomend making the grinding jig. It's much nicer to use than the supplied one.

Having just looked at the Wimberley holder manual the tool grinding procedure seems to be as intricate as for a regular cutting tool whereas the Diamond Tangential tool grinding procedure (AND alignment in the tool holder) is just so straightforward, achievable by anyone of any level of expertise, and more importantly – consistent.

Why not try both tools Neil and do a comparison in MEW? Think I know which tool will come out tops!!

Barry

I think you're right Barry. The Tangential tool is quick and foolproof when it comes to sharpening.

I've also made a height gauge specific for my Lathe as well so set up is very quick. Probably quicker than using a QCTP.

Yes quite right, once set up you're only limited by the number of Toolholders you have. Nice selection Norman!

I couldn't justify the cost for what I do so I've stuck with the four way though. I've got round the quick change part by bonding shims of the right thickness to the bottom of my insert holders so the're permanently on centre. Good plan except I noticed one of the shims had dropped off of one during last years house move! I think perhaps I didn't degrease it properly when I epoxied it. Oh well, another little job to add to the list!

After reading the article in the Autumn 2009 issue of M E W, I made one. Was so impressed that I made one for a pal.

Mine never was used much in anger, (reverted to replaceable tips) but a few months ago, made a bigger version to take 5/16 toolbits.

This has now become the standard tool of choice. Nearly as good as replaceable tip, (better at interrupted cuts), easy to set to centre height (using a gauge), and a lot cheaper than T.C. tips.

Initially used the 20 degree sharpening jig as per the article, but have made up a holder for the Worden. This makes a better job of it, but takes time to dig out the Worden from under the fitting bench and set it up. "Do I hear someone say "you get what you pay for?&quot

Am now wondering about making a L H version, (scrooge!) or maybe even buying one.

Conclusion: Either way; recommended.

Howard