Robert Sorby TurnMaster Shank with Round, Square and Detail Point HSS Cutters (RSTM-ST123)

The Robert Sorby TurnMaster is a premium quality modular turning tool that accepts a variety of interchangeable cutters, allowing you to use a single tool for a wide variety of turning projects. This is the shank only version, which can be used either with a Sovereign Handle (e.g. 48597, sold separately), or with a custom-turned handle of your own design. The TurnMaster shank is made from solid 3/4" steel, and is flattened on the bottom for stability, while the patented TurnMaster head can be rotated to three indexed positions. Use the center position for shaping, and the left and right shear positions for finishing. TurnMaster turning tools are sold with your choice of round, square or detail point cutters in carbide, or a pack of all three in high speed steel. Additional cutters are available in a range of profiles, and in three materials for incredible versatility. For more on the cutter materials, click the "More Info" tab. TurnMaster tools are also available with ash handles pre-installed (e.g. #44447, sold separately).

Features:

• Use with your choice of Sovereign Handle (e.g. #48597, sold separately), or with a custom-turned handle of your own design.
• If you choose to use the Sovereign Handle, you'll also need the 1/2" Collet (#47155, sold separately) to reduce the handle opening.
• Patented three-position indexable head can be quickly and easily changed by loosening the locking collar with the included wrench.
• Head is designed so that all TurnMaster cutters will fit one tool.
• Additional heads can also be purchased (#48797, sold separately) if the user wishes to have a dedicated head for certain cutters.
• Three indexed positions allow you to go from shaping (centered) to finishing (left or right shear) with a simple turn of the head.
• Cutters are held in place with a high tensile torx screw which canbe easily removed to change the cutter.

Which cutter material should I use?
Cutters are available in Tungsten Carbide, High Speed Steel (HSS) and HSS coated with Titanium Nitride ("Excelsior").

Tungsten Carbide:

• Designed to be disposable, these carbide cutters don't require any sharpening. (Carbide tips can actually be sharpened, but require specialized diamond abrasives).
• Carbide stays reasonably sharp for a longer period of time, but because of its coarse grain, can never be sharpened as finely as HSS.
• Gives extended cutting life with the toughest of woods.
• Sharpens to 0.7 - 1 microns.
• Hardness: 90 RC.
• Material: micro grade tungsten carbide.

High Speed Steel (HSS):

• Due to its finer grain structure, HSS holds a sharper edge than carbide, but will dull more quickly.
• Very economical - can be re-sharpened multiple times with standard sharpening equipment.
• Provides unmatched quality for the discerning woodturner keen on getting the greatest detail from their tools.
• Sharpens to 0.2 - 0.4 microns.
• Hardness : 62 RC.
• Material: M2 HSS.

Titanium Nitride (Excelsior):

• These cutters provide the same advantages as HSS but give added longevity before sharpening is required.
• No specialized equipment is required for sharpening.
• Repeated sharpening does not remove the titanium nitride coating, it simply renews it.
• Sharpens to 0.15 - 0.2 microns.
• Hardness of titanium coating is up to 85 RC.
• Material: Titanium nitride coated M2 HSS.

How to use the TurnMaster:

• Set the head in a neutral position so that the cutter is horizontal when the tool is held flat on the lathe tool rest.
• This is done by loosening the locking collar with the unique wrench and rotating the collar a minimum of two and half turns, which will allow the head to be turned to the required position.
• Once it is set into the correct position re-tighten the locking collar with the wrench to secure the head into place.
• To assist with the tightening of the collar, the included small Tommy bar can be placed in the hole situated in the shank to give additional purchase, but please do not over tighten.
• The tool is now in standard scraping mode.
• There are three positive stop positions to lock the head for standard scraping, shear scraping to the left and shear scraping to the right.
• To remove the waste material and to create an initial shape, use either the square or round cutter depending on the shape of the project being turned.
• Once the required shape has been created, turn the head of the tool to the left or right following the instructions as above.
• Now the TurnMaster is in shear scraping mode and a more refined shape and finish can be achieved.
• To ensure the best available finish, always cut with the grain using a freshly sharpened HSS cutter. This will ensure that the grain is sliced to produce a clean surface finish.