All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(1022 products available)
Ready to Ship
HSS tool bit square has different type, that work best when offered in some tools. The two also differ from other bits as they are more regarded by professionals who favor their strength and ability to maintain a cutting edge, hence being used on harder workpieces and metals, for instance, in a lathe.
There are some common types of HSS tool bits available on the market today, some of which are as follows:
Sqaure Tool Bits
Like its name, a sqaure tool bit is a tool used for facing, shouldering, and cutting threads, besides being used for general material removal operations. A square tool bit is versatile and, therefore, can be used at different angles. This allows the operator to introduce various cutting edges as the need arises. Another bit is that it is excellent for producing square-shaped cuts and flats.
Rectangle Tool Bits
A rectangular tool bit is similar to the square bit, but the cutting edges are longer, and it has different dimensions. Rectangular bits can help when a large material removal is required or when machining deep grooves. It is also ideal for threading and shouldering because of its geometry.
Diamond Tool Bits
A diamond tool bit is designed to allow the operator to make intricate shapes or to put curved cuts on the workpiece surface. This makes the tip of the tool ideal for grooving, filleting, or making radius cuts on a workpiece. In addition, several HSS tool bits for mini lathes are fitted with diamond-shaped tips for cutting.
Cut-Off Tool Bits
A cut-off tool bit, as its name implies, is used for cutting operations where one part of the workpiece must be removed or detached from the other. These bits are usually narrow, and that is why they are able to fit into tight spaces for making accurate cuts. They are also ideal for performing operations of parting on rods or shafts.
Precision Machining
Lathe tool bits square HSS are mainly applied in precision machining in industries where the exact dimensions of the workpieces must be maintained. For instance, in the aerospace and automotive industries, components are needed to be machined to tight tolerances to ensure smooth functioning.
Tack and Die Manufacturing
In the making of die and mold, which are used in the mass production industry, the material employed needs to be machined into highly accurate forms. High-speed steel square bits are used in such metals to ensure that the molds maintain the longevity and precision required in such operations.
Tool Making
Tool making is itself an industry that requires great accuracy and the use of various difficult materials. HSS square tool bits are used to machine various tools, whereby their hardness contributes to making the cutting tools long-lasting and efficient in their operations.
Metalworking
High-speed steel bits, with their extensive application in metalworking, are applied in turning, milling, and other metalworking operations. These bits are ideal for metals because they maintain a sharp edge, thus making them ideal for long operations.
Engineering
In mechanical engineering, HSS square bits are usually used for the machining of machine parts. Since this comes after a period, when bits might be used for similar tasks, HSS bits are engineered for workpieces with complex geometries and various materials, including stainless steel and titanium, which are very hard to cut through.
Woodworking
Even though HSS bits are mainly associated with metalworking, there are cases in which they are fitted into lathes used in woodworking. Specifically, when making decorative elements or working on hard woods, high-speed steel bits will provide a sharper cut and longer edge retention compared to conventional carbide bits.
Material Composition
Apart from other cutting tools, the HSS tool bit's main material is high-speed steel, which is a special type of steel alloy that is used to make the tool, which can maintain temper and hardness at elevated temperatures. HSS is composed of tungsten, chromium, and vanadium, which are hard metal elements that are embedded in steel.
Shank Size and Shape
Several squared HSS tool bits have different shank sizes that are suitable for specific lathes or machines. Common shank sizes are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch in diameter. The key features are that the shank is square or rectangular and the cutting edge is perpendicular to the shank.
Cutting Edge Geometry
The cutting edge of a square HSS tool bit is more than 90 degrees, thus referred to as a square or finishing tool. The tip of the tool has ground flat surfaces to enable facing and turning operations, hence providing a smooth finish to the workpiece.
Flutes and Milling
A square HSS tool bit does not have flutes generally, which are typical in other types of carbide or HSS end mills. Because there are no flutes, any operation that requires the bits to create grooves or hollows on materials should not be done. Instead, they are focused on turning and facing.
Heat Treatment
At the professional level, square HSS tool bits are heat-treated to enhance hardness and sharpening retention. The treatment is done to make the tool bite handle workpiece friction without losing its edge.HSS is preferred because it can sustain this treatment even at elevated temperatures.
Installation
For installation, the square HSS tool bit should be placed in the machine's tool holder or chuck, such that the cutting edge will face the rotating workpiece. The bit is then secured firmly so that it does not move during cutting.
Operational Guidelines
When operating, adjust the speed and feed rate of the lathe based on the type of material that is being worked on. As the HSS bits are harder, higher RPM is used for easy machining. On the other hand, the feed rate should be set in such a way that it allows the cutting to happen without forcing the bit down.
Cutting Technique
The proper cutting technique helps prevent damage to the workpiece and tool bit. When making cuts, make sure the lathe is rotating in the right direction, and feed the cutting bit into the workpiece at a proper angle employing minimal pressure and letting the bit do the work.
Sharpening
In order to maintain the bit, use a bench grinder or a specialized tool sharpener to grind the cutting edge at the appropriate angle. This is done so as to prevent the bit from becoming dull and enable smooth cutting.
Cooling
While in use, bits become very hot, thus requiring periodic cooling. For effective cooling, splash coolant or let the workpiece rotate and cool it down, or just stop the engine and let it cool down by itself.
Storage
For storage, keep the bits in a dry, clean area and avoid contact with other tools to prevent chipping or damage. Use protective cases or covers, if available, for safeguarding the edges further.
Inspection for Wear
Regularly check bits for any signs of wear, such as cracks, chipping, or excessive dulling. Replace worn bits to ensure quality cutting and prevent damage to the workpiece.
Material
The quality of the material used for making the tool bits greatly affects their performance. Also, high-speed steel bits are formed from the specific-grade HSS alloy, which sustains hardness and cuts at elevated temperatures. Thus, look for bits constructed from premium quality steel, which is like M2 or M42, for great endurance.
Craftsmanship
Be concerned with the smoothness and accuracy of the cutting edge since this greatly impacts machining quality. Well-ground bits allow better cuts and minimal vibrations. Hence, pay close attention to detail in how the bits are sharpened, which is responsible for producing clean cuts on workpieces.
Tolerance and Size
Bits should be manufactured within exact size tolerances to be properly installed in tool holders or chucks. Any play or mismatch will cause less efficient cutting and lead to increased wear. Hence, always measure the shank size and ensure it satisfies equipment specifications.
Protective Gear
Before starting operations, there is a need to wear protective equipment to safeguard injuries that might be incurred. This includes safety glasses to protect from flying debris, gloves to hold the machine without getting hurt, and ear protection to prevent damage to the eardrum due to loud noise.
Secure Bits
Ensure all tool bits are properly secured in place. Loose bits may lead to violent kickback, and that is why operating with loose bits is dangerous. So, after installing a bit, make sure it is tight and does not move; this ensures safety and performance.
Proper Handling
Handle the tool bits carefully, as they can be very sharp, therefore, resulting in many injuries. Only hold the tool by the non-cutting edges, and avoid contact with cutting edges while in the process.
Emergency Procedures
Proper knowledge of immediate actions in case of injury or accidents is paramount. Be sure to have a first aid kit nearby and also know the closest medical facility. Also, basic procedures for treating smaller cuts or burns should be known.
Carbide is normally less than HSS when it has to be cut, and HSS can be heated to temperatures that are considerably higher without losing its hardness, which by extension means that it can be used in areas that require the operation to be done at high temperatures.
It is recommended that a square HSS bit be sharpened using a grinding wheel that is specially designed for this purpose. Its cutting edge should be maintained at a 45-degree angle to prevent it from becoming dull.
In other situations, a square HSS tooling bit would be used for turning, facing, and machining operations that need an exact cut, such as threading and boring.
Even though square HSS tool bits have a longer life than ordinary steel bits, they can eventually rust if not properly taken care of. To avoid this, store them in a dry place and apply oil frequently.
A slower feed rate, lower RPM, and the correct cutting angle can reduce chattering. The use of dampened tool holders or cutting inserts can also help in reducing vibrations.
