Lathe tools HSS or CS

[BobcatBob]

I have some Robert Sorby wood lathe tools that are probably 20 years old. I do not believe them to be HSS but am not sure. All that is stamped on the blade is "Robt Sorby Sheffeld". My question is this: can I tell from the color of the sparks I see when sharpening the tool if it is HSS or just carbon steel? I do know if I am not careful, it is easy to turn the end blue when sharpening. Thanks.

Bob

 

[CarvedTones]

According to this post:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/4734

It isn't the color but the way the sparks branch (or don't).

 

[BobcatBob]

According to this post:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/4734

It isn't the color but the way the sparks branch (or don't).

Andy, thanks for the link. That led me to another link which had picture which help to explain it further.

http://webuycarbide.com/SparkTest.html

 

[CarvedTones]

And it seems to validate your original thought - they show how to differentiate types of HSS, but they all have red sparks while the carbon steel is white. Carbide is also red, but I think you can be pretty sure they aren't carbide.

 

[DavidF]

Amazing what you can find on the web!!! great info Bob and Andy.