G'day Adrian,

I'm not a clock maker either but would advise you to use HSS tooling instead of the carbide brazed tools. The brazed carbide tools are more suited to heavier work than making parts for clocks. (unless you are building a copy of Big Ben). I bought a set when I got my first lathe and still have them because I seldom use them and prefer HSS or tools with replaceable carbide inserts. HSS blank cutters are inexpensive and can be easily ground to different shapes and sizes, more suited to making tiny parts.

Paul.

Colour is 100% meaningless except that it was the cheapest available tothe mnufacturer that week. Even when they don't come in sets they get painted. Unlike raw HSS they just always get painted. Also when you see mild steel bar ends with a colour splash don't expect it to mean anything as every stockist uses their own code.

Anyway back to important amtters – which wheel cutting engne do you have? Perhap the Chronos design if you got it from a model engineer. Are you a member of a BHI regional group or perhaps near a ME club? Most ME clubs have a few horologists and one of my clubs even has the retired Queen's Clockmaker who has given us some interesting talks.

Hi Ady,

Welcome to the forum.

With those brazed carbide tools the inserts are often left square at the front, so if they have top rake they won't work until you grind some clearance on the front with a green grit wheel.

I'm convinced this is the main reason why beginners struggle with them so much. No-one ever sells them as blanks in need of finish grinding but that's what most of the cheap sets are.

Neil

Welcome!

LOTS of experience on here, on all manner of subjects. Just ask!

+1 for HSS tools. An easier way of learning how to set up tools.

With a lathe, you can make all sorts of accessories, some quite specific for the task that you wish to perform.

If you can find your local M.E Club, you will probably find fellow ,horologists there.

Howard

I'm suprised at that. Cabide is available in different formulations but the brazed tooling usually sold appears to just be gash cheap sets whihc one might grind with differing relief angles.

If you have a definitive source of the different grades it could prove useful.

pgk

I'm aware of different grades.. just not seen them as economic brazed tool sets..unless the previous user made up his own?

pgk

Edited By pgk pgk on 01/07/2020 11:08:10