HSS Steel Flat Bar Strip Metal Plate 3-120mm Width 200mm Long Lathe Turning Tool

Match the width and thickness to your tool post or quick-change holder slot. Most mini-lathe holders accept 8–12mm square or rectangular shanks; larger lathes may take 16–25mm. When in doubt, measure the existing tool shank that fits your holder and select the closest flat bar size. Thickness determines the height of the cutting edge above centre — thicker blanks give more material to grind for clearance angles.

Yes. HSS is a standard material for lathe turning tools used on mild steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel at moderate cutting speeds. It is tougher than carbide inserts and more forgiving of interrupted cuts. For very hard materials or high-speed CNC work, carbide is typically preferred, but for manual lathe operations HSS flat bar stock is a practical and cost-effective choice.

HSS can develop surface rust if stored in a damp environment without protection. Wipe the bar with a light machine oil or rust-inhibiting spray before storage, and keep it in a dry location. Any light surface rust that forms can be removed with fine abrasive before grinding without affecting the steel's performance.

HSS is significantly harder than mild steel, so a standard hacksaw blade will struggle and wear quickly. A thin cutting disc on an angle grinder (metal-rated) can cut HSS, but the disc will wear faster than on mild steel. For clean, accurate cuts, a bench grinder or surface grinder is recommended. Alternatively, score and snap thinner sections using a vice and controlled force, though this risks chipping.

A standard grey aluminium-oxide (Al₂O₃) bench grinder wheel works for HSS, though it wears faster than with mild steel. A white aluminium-oxide wheel runs cooler and is preferred for HSS to reduce the risk of overheating the cutting edge. CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheels are the most efficient option for HSS and last significantly longer, though they carry a higher upfront cost.

All listings on this page are 200mm (approx. 7.87 in) long. This length is suited to grinding a full lathe tool blank with minimal waste. If you require a different length, please contact us to confirm availability for your specific width and thickness combination.

Measure the shank of the broken tool at its widest and thickest points. Select the flat bar width and thickness that matches or slightly exceeds those dimensions — you can always grind down, but you cannot add material. If the original tool had a square shank (e.g., 10mm × 10mm), choose the 10mm × 10mm combination or the closest available rectangular option and grind the profile to suit.