If you’ve been around the woodturning world for any length of time, you’ve probably run into one of the craft’s most controversial topics: which is better, carbide tools or high-speed steel (HSS) tools? There is no right answer, but you will find woodturners who swear by one or the other.
Those who fall on the carbide side often cite the fact that these kinds of tools do not need sharpening as one of their major benefits. But what does this actually mean? Are carbide tools really maintenance-free?
Carbide tools are popular because they are easy to use and durable, and one of their main selling points is the fact that they don’t require the same sharpening routine as HSS gouges and chisels. However, carbide tools, just like any other tools, do eventually become dull. When that happens, you’ll usually need to replace or rotate the cutter instead of sharpening it.
Keep reading to find out why and when these tools become dull, how to recognize when maintenance is needed, and how to rotate or replace the blade.
Before we start talking about carbide tools specifically, it might be helpful to know the basic differences between carbide and traditional or HSS tools.
Carbide tools are often used by beginning woodturners because they are easy to use right out of the box. Additionally, they require no sharpening, which is a skill in and of itself. This allows new woodturners to spend their time turning wood instead of learning the mechanics of sharpening steel.
Carbide tools are essentially scrapers, which means they are good for removing large amounts of wood from a wood blank. However, they can be prone to more catching and items made with carbide tools might require more sanding. You may also need more than one carbide tool to do the same job as a single HSS tool.
High-speed steel tools are the traditional tools of the craft, and they shear wood fibers rather than scraping them. This results in a much smoother finish, which often means less sanding time. A single tool can be used to turn a bowl inside and out, which means those who use traditional tools may need to invest in fewer tools altogether. These tools are also more precise because of their sharp edges.
The main drawback to traditional tools, especially for beginning woodturners, is the fact that they require repeated sharpening. HSS tools can become dull after even just a few minutes of turning, which means woodturners who use these tools are constantly sharpening them and often have a dedicated sharpening station in their woodshop.
Carbide tools are made of composite metal attached to a wooden handle. The metal composite is usually made from tungsten, which is an extremely hard metal, and carbon, bound together with a cobalt binder. This makes for an extremely wear-resistant tool that holds an edge considerably longer than many conventional steel tools.
Tungsten is a metal of near-diamond hardness, which means that it resists scratching and edge rounding, even under extreme heat. Steel, on the other hand, is more susceptible to heat. The process of turning wood naturally creates friction, which produces heat. Although HSS tools absorb shock well, the metal is not as durable as the composite carbide is made of.
Don’t be fooled, though: although carbide tools stay sharp longer than traditional steel tools, they will still become dull with prolonged use.
When your carbide tool becomes dull, you know that it is time for some maintenance. But how do you know when the tool is getting worn down?
Sometimes it can be tricky to tell if your tool is getting dull, especially as a beginning woodturner. Every woodturner needs to learn different skills and techniques to get clean cuts and prevent tear-out. And, as we mentioned above, carbide tools are by nature scrapers, so the cuts won’t be as precise as those made with an HSS tool.
That being said, if your carbide tool isn’t cutting as cleanly or you’re getting consistent tear-out as you turn, it is likely that your tool is becoming dull. Finding piles of dust or wood scraps around your shoes instead of clean wood shavings are also signs that your tool is not producing clean cuts.
Also, if you need to apply more pressure to the tool as you are turning, or you find yourself adjusting your technique to compensate for the tear out or scraping that is happening, you will need to think about turning or replacing the blade.
A savvy woodturner will first adjust the tool presentation, cutting angle, and speed to make sure the problem isn’t the technique. However, if you have made some adjustments and still find these problems occurring, it’s time for some tool maintenance.
The answer to this question is slightly more complicated than it might seem at first glance. While the short answer is no, carbide cutters are not sharpened, the truth is that there are different approaches depending on the cutter and manufacturer.
What this means is that some carbide cutters are designed to be rotated when one part becomes dull, while others can be sharpened or honed using appropriate diamond abrasives. However, many manufacturers recommend simply replacing worn cutters.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to sharpen a carbide cutter. Also, keep in mind that sharpening carbide takes a different technique than sharpening steel, and the blade will never return to its original state. You might get some more use out of the carbide tool by sharpening it, but it will eventually need to be rotated or replaced.
It is also worth noting that, although you might have the option to sharpen some carbide tools, this does not restore optimal performance, and the cost of carbide tools is relatively low. Replacing the tool head might be more practical than sharpening both in terms of time and money, and it will lead to better cuts as you are woodturning.
Rotating your carbide tool is the most common type of carbide tool maintenance, so it’s important to know not just when to do it but how to do it.
Most carbide tools, especially those with round, square, or diamond heads, can be rotated in their holders, thereby exposing a fresh cutting edge. This new edge will be just as sharp as the previous one, which means you’ll be able to extend the life of the tool.
In order to rotate your tool head, you’ll need to make sure the screw socket is clean so that your hex key will fit tightly. You can use a pick, safety pin, or paper clip to make sure all debris is removed. Loosen the screw and then rotate the tool head to the next flat or corner edge. Once you have rotated the cutter, tighten the screw again, making sure not to overtighten it.
It is a good idea to keep track of which edges you have used by marking the cutter—using a Sharpie or keeping track of where the brand logo is in your rotation are easy and simple ways to ensure that you are getting a fresh edge each time.
As you might guess, a carbide tool head can’t be rotated indefinitely; at some point, you will come back around to the original corner or flat, and the entire cutter will be dull. At this point, you will need to replace the tool head.
You might also need to replace the tool head before you have used all sides if you can see any chips or cracks in the cutter, or if the geometry of the tool head has been changed by the wear of the woodturning.
The main issue a woodturner might face when deciding to replace a carbide cutter is the time it takes to get a new tool head, especially if you are in the middle of a project. While replacing the head takes only a few minutes, if you have to order one online or head down to your local woodshop, that can seriously impact your woodturning time and affect the momentum of a project.
We recommend keeping replacement tool heads in your shop for each carbide tool so that you won’t get derailed by a dull or damaged cutter.
Replacing the cutter is not much more difficult than rotating it. When you begin, make sure you have the new tool head in front of you, ready to switch out. It might also be a good idea to have a clean floor (in case the screw falls to the ground) and a dedicated place to put any screws.
Start by making sure the screw socket is clean, just as you would when rotating the cutter. Using your hex key (or torx wrench, if you are using a Hunter Tool), loosen the screw. This time, however, you will need to remove the screw entirely. When removing the screw, be careful to set it in a dedicated area—a small dish or bowl (perhaps one that you have turned!) would be helpful here.
Remove the old cutter and make sure the pocket of the bar is clean of woodchips and shavings. Lightly lubricate the screw and place the new cutter in the bar. While holding the cutter firmly in the bar, tighten the screw to secure the cutter. Again, make sure to tighten the screw using the correct tools so as not to overtighten it.
Hunter Tools are carbide tools, and we have a detailed page dedicated to the rotating and replacement of carbide tools if you want a more step-by-step approach.
Some of the reasons many woodturners love carbide tools are the longevity of each tool and the fact that they are very low maintenance. Here are some practical tips that can help your carbide tools last even longer.
First, make sure you are using the correct cutter for the material and project you are working on. As we mentioned, you might need a few carbide tools to do the job that one HSS tool could do. See our previous blog post on How to Use Different Woodturning Tools for a detailed explanation of what tools you might need for specific kinds of projects.
Also, as you’re turning, make sure to maintain appropriate tool presentation. Don’t force the tool through the wood and be sure to continue to hone your craft and your technique.
You’ll also want to make sure you are rotating the cutter when you need to; don’t try to extend the life of the tool by continuing to use a dull edge, as this will affect both the precision of your cuts and the geometry of the tool. Follow manufacturer recommendations for both sharpening and replacement.
Lastly, make sure to clean your tools after use and to store them well and safely. Doing a quick clean-up each time you leave the shop not only helps your organization and peace of mind, but it protects your tools and equipment as well.
The short answer? Yes! Carbide tools can be (sometimes) sharpened, will need rotating, and should be replaced regularly.
Carbide tools are wonderful for many reasons, but don’t be fooled into thinking they are maintenance-free. They require maintenance, just not the same kind of maintenance that tools made of high-speed steel do. When deciding which kind of tool to use, do your research and decide what makes the most sense for your woodturning lifestyle.
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