Carbide tools seem to be unusually expensive ($100-200) for what they are. They are essentially steel bars with purchased carbide inserts and wooden handles.
I needed some shorter versions to use on my smaller wood lathe. So I set out to learn how to make them using my min-machine shop and see if it was better to buy or make.
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Cool. So do you think it was better to buy or make?
Long tool cost estimate (ea):
- 1/2 x 1/2 x 3ft = $13.34/3=$4.45 ea
- 1 x 24" tube =$19.73/8 = $2.40 ea
- Cutters: $20/3 = $6.66 ea
- These parts from my stock:
-
- Wood Handle
-
- Set screws
Total = $13.51 ea
Amazon equivalent = https://amzn.to/3hBHJqo = $180
$180/3 =$60/$13.51 = 4.4 x gain
I think it was worth it.
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