Flute Polish: Strategy for a Sharper Edge
When it comes to a sharp edge, the foundation is high quality steel. But it doesn't stop there! Common in the machining industry, flute polishing is a strategy to elevate edge life. And boy does it do the trick!
Flute Polish: Strategy for a Sharper Edge
When it comes to a sharp edge, the foundation is high quality steel. But it doesn't stop there! Common in the machining industry, flute polishing is a strategy to elevate edge life. And boy does it do the trick!
Why Polish?
Steel has surface inconsistencies - imagine the cutting edge as a 'squiggly' line, jilted and broken by surface irregularities. Although small, these inconsistencies prevent a clean cutting edge. That's where polishing comes into play.
Through rigorous polishing the inconsistencies are removed, leaving the tool with a smooth flute surface.
The Benefits at Your Lathe
The concept - remove inconsistencies, get a clean cutting edge, is basic. But the benefits are outstanding. When your cutting edge is a 'smooth' line rather than the 'squiggly' one described earlier, it hones to a finer edge, and holds that edge longer. You can see why we go wild for a meticulously polished flute!
How To Polish Your Gouges
Touching up the flute of your gouges is easily accomplished using an Arkansas stone. The hard-grade stone is excellent for fine polishing, and can also be used to touch up the edge of a tool if you'd rather not make a trip to the grinder. Arkansas stones are natural, high quality abrasives quarried from Novaculite. If you're anything like us and find abrasives fascinating, dive into this article about Novaculite. Otherwise, check out this website that has a nice selection of hard Arkansas files that will polish your gouges. We prefer the round shape, fine-grade, and 4" x 3/8" size.
Why Polish?
Steel has surface inconsistencies - imagine the cutting edge as a 'squiggly' line, jilted and broken by surface irregularities. Although small, these inconsistencies prevent a clean cutting edge. That's where polishing comes into play.
Through rigorous polishing the inconsistencies are removed, leaving the tool with a smooth flute surface.
The Benefits at Your Lathe
The concept - remove inconsistencies, get a clean cutting edge, is basic. But the benefits are outstanding. When your cutting edge is a 'smooth' line rather than the 'squiggly' one described earlier, it hones to a finer edge, and holds that edge longer. You can see why we go wild for a meticulously polished flute!
How To Polish Your Gouges
Touching up the flute of your gouges is easily accomplished using an Arkansas stone. The hard-grade stone is excellent for fine polishing, and can also be used to touch up the edge of a tool if you'd rather not make a trip to the grinder. Arkansas stones are natural, high quality abrasives quarried from Novaculite. If you're anything like us and find abrasives fascinating, dive into this article about Novaculite. Otherwise, check out this website that has a nice selection of hard Arkansas files that will polish your gouges. We prefer the round shape, fine-grade, and 4" x 3/8" size.