[TheForge] shapers

[Andrew Vida]

David E. Smucker wrote:
> You can't equal HSS tool bits with other tool steels for single point 
> cutting.  Carbides can be used but they really don't like the impact of 
> starting the cut on a shaper.  Besides being the best tool steel for 
> single point cutting, HSS tool bits can be ground to the shape you want 
> without worring too much about overheating.  In most cases they have a 
> tempering temperature at close to 1000 F.  If your shaper can take a 
> large size than 3/8 consider buying some.  Tool bits of HSS can last you 
> a life time.

	Just thought I'd second Dave's opinion.  HSS is great stuff.


	HSS forges beautifully.  I've never tried forging a bit to rough  form. 
  I wonder how well that would work.  Makes excellent knives, especially 
very short blades like a cabinet maker's marking knife.