HSS Steel Flat Bar Strip Metal Plate HRC 58-60 Lathe Turning Tool 200mm Length

Measure the tool slot in your QCTP holder or standard tool post. Select a bar where the thickness matches the slot height and the width is equal to or slightly less than the slot width. For example, a 10 mm × 10 mm holder typically takes a 10 × 10 mm bar. If you need a narrower tool for parting or grooving, select a thinner width and grind the clearance angles accordingly.

Yes. HRC 58–60 is within the standard hardness range for HSS lathe turning tools used on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and plastics. For very hard materials such as hardened steel or cast iron, carbide tooling is generally more appropriate. HSS at this hardness level is also easier to re-sharpen on a bench grinder than carbide.

An aluminium oxide (white or grey) grinding wheel in the 46–60 grit range is the standard choice for grinding HSS tool blanks on a bench grinder. CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheels are also suitable and last significantly longer. Avoid silicon carbide wheels, which are intended for carbide and non-ferrous materials. Keep the tool cool during grinding by dipping it in water frequently to prevent softening the cutting edge.

Yes. HSS at HRC 58–60 holds a sharp edge longer than standard carbon steel in woodworking applications. The flat bar profile is well-suited for grinding plane iron blanks, scraper blades, and small chisel profiles. Note that HSS is harder to sharpen on water stones than carbon steel — diamond stones or CBN wheels are more efficient for HSS woodworking tools.

HSS is not stainless steel and will develop surface rust if stored in humid conditions without protection. Apply a light coat of machine oil or rust-inhibiting spray to the bar surface before storage. For long-term storage, wrap in oil-impregnated paper or store in a sealed container with a desiccant pack.

Yes, but HSS at HRC 58–60 is hard and brittle compared to mild steel. Use an angle grinder with a thin cutting disc, a surface grinder, or an abrasive cut-off wheel. Do not attempt to cut with a hacksaw or cold saw, as the blade will not penetrate the hardened steel effectively. Score and snap methods are not recommended due to the risk of uncontrolled fracture.

HSS tools are tougher and more forgiving of interrupted cuts and vibration than carbide inserts, making them a practical choice for manual lathes, small hobby machines, and situations where tool geometry needs to be customised by grinding. Carbide inserts run at higher cutting speeds and last longer between changes, but cannot be re-ground to custom profiles. For a home workshop or small production run, HSS blanks offer a cost-effective and flexible option.