Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Stellite Super Hard Alloy Cast Rod

Dave Engvall wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> "stellite 6" is most popular alloy and is Co with Ni 2, Fe 2, C 1.2, Cr 29,
> Mn 1, Mo 0.6 Si 1.4 and W 4.5. Not an inexpensive alloy. Suspect Toshiba
> Tungalloy is similar. Was great stuff in the 50's and 60's.

Yes, indeed. I didn't realize what I had inherited, years ago, with my ancient
Bridgeport mill. I got a handful of P&W stellite end mills. I just thought
they were ordinary HSS, and had great luck with them, they lasted about
5 years or so. Most of them eventually got chipped, and a few actually wore
out. Then, I went and bought some HSS cutters, and was HORRIFIED at
how fast they wore out. I got years out of those stellite tools, and the new
HSS ones would go dull in one work session. I didn't know what had suddenly
gone wrong for some time, until I finally remembered, in the back of my mind,
that those cutters were something called "stellite". I got some cutting tool
books from the library, and found out quickly what the difference was.
I find that M-42 cobalt tools are about as good, and are now quite affordable.
I buy solid carbide when I can afford them, like on eBay auctions. Especially
in the 1/8" and smaller sizes, solid carbide makes a big difference in tool
stiffness. Just don't drop them!

Jon