HSS Steel Flat Bar Strip Metal Plate 18-80mm Width 300mm Long Lathe Turning Tool

Measure the slot or bore in your tool post or quick-change holder. The thickness of the bar should match or be slightly under the slot height so the blank seats flat. Width determines how much material you have for grinding the cutting face — wider blanks suit heavier cuts and larger tool posts, while narrower ones work for mini-lathes and parting operations. When in doubt, choose a thickness that fits your holder and a width at least 1.5× the depth of cut you plan to take.

Contact us to confirm the supply condition for your specific size. HSS flat bars are commonly available in both annealed (soft, machinable) and pre-hardened states. Annealed stock can be filed or machined to a custom profile before hardening; pre-hardened stock is ready to grind directly on a bench or surface grinder.

Yes. If the bar is in an annealed state, it can be cut with an angle grinder, hacksaw, or cold saw. If it is pre-hardened, use a thin abrasive cut-off wheel and keep the cut zone cool with water or air to avoid drawing the temper. Avoid using standard bi-metal blades on hardened HSS — they will dull quickly.

A green silicon carbide (GC) wheel, typically 46–60 grit, is the standard choice for rough-shaping HSS on a bench grinder. For finishing and honing the cutting edge, switch to a fine aluminum oxide (WA) wheel or a CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheel if available. Keep the tool moving across the wheel face and dip frequently in water to prevent overheating, which can cause blue discoloration and loss of hardness.

HSS tools are easier to grind to custom profiles, more forgiving of interrupted cuts and vibration, and significantly less brittle than carbide. They run well at lower spindle speeds typical of hobby and light-duty lathes. Carbide inserts offer longer tool life at high speeds and feeds but require rigid setups and cannot be resharpened by hand. For DIYers grinding their own tools, HSS flat bar stock is a practical and cost-effective starting point.

HSS is not stainless steel and will oxidize if left bare in humid conditions. After use or grinding, wipe the bar with a light machine oil or apply a rust-inhibiting spray before storage. Keeping bars in a sealed plastic sleeve or a dry toolbox drawer significantly extends their shelf life without any surface treatment.

Yes. HSS flat bar stock is widely used to make woodturning scrapers, skew chisels, and parting tools. The steel holds a keen edge longer than standard carbon steel when turning hardwoods and figured grain. Grind the profile you need, then hone the burr with a diamond card or slip stone. The 300 mm length is sufficient for most scraper and chisel blanks used on a wood lathe.