Robust Lathe Review - More Woodturning
Robust Lathe Review - More Woodturning
Robust Lathe Review - More Woodturning
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Testing the Pinnacle © Cryogenic ToolsMade by Crown Tools for Woodcraftby Fred HolderI recently had the opportunityto try out the Pinnacle© CryogenicPen Turner’s Set and the Pinnacle©Cryogenic 5 Piece Miniature Setmade by Crown Tools exclusivelyfor Woodcraft. (See the Woodcraftadvertisement in the January 2010issue, Page 25.)This was the first of the CryogenicTreated tools that I’ve had aopportunity to use. For those notfamiliar with this form of heat treatment,I am including informationfrom the information sheet sent withthe tools.Cryogenic TreatmentIt has long been understood thatby subjecting metal tools to elevatedtemperatures and then rapidly coolingthem, the properties of the metalcan be altered. This happens becausethe crystal structure of the metal isaltered to change the way the metalreacts when in use.The two main crystals in toolingsteel are the larger and softer austeniteand the smaller, more stablemartensite. Through heat treatment,the austenite is transformed to martensiteto produce steel with goodwear characteristics and an amountof ductile properties.When combined with a goodquality heat treatment, the cryogenicprocess greatly enhancesthe austenic transformation. Also,at these extreme temperatures of-301degrees Farenheit (-185 degreesCentegrade), fine ‘eta’ carbodes areformed within the carbon structure.Growing very slowly and only atPage 22 <strong>More</strong> <strong>Woodturning</strong> February 2010Figures 1 and 2 show the two sets of tools. The pen turners set ison the left. The set on the right is designed for turning very smallpieces on mini-lathes, etc.these very low temperatures, ‘eta’carbides are extremely small andact as a ‘filler’ between the othercrystals in the metal.The combined effect of thecryogenic processing is to producea refined crystal structure in yourhand tools that will give a lifetimeof service by producing a blade thatwill retain its edge longer and givea superior ‘feel’ in use.The Tools in UseAll of this sounds bit strange,but Crown Tools claims the tooledge on these tools will last threetimes longer than normal HSS tools.I found that they held an edge verywell on my trials, but I wasn’t comparingthem to regular HSS tools.I began my testing with the penturners set of three tools: a gouge, aparting tool, and an oval skew. Myfirst project was a pen made usinga Bic Pen Insert. The blank hadalready been drilled for an IWCSmeeting we hosted last summer andwe encouraged people to try theirhand at turning a pen. Since therehad been three of us drilling theseblanks, I sort of held my breathconcerning whether the hole wasdead center or not. Apparently, itwas since I didn’t have a hole in theside of the pen.I turned this pen completelywith the oval skew from the set,including the parting off. This littletool performed supburbly, but itdid have to be sharpened before