and I have a question. Today I was using a carbide tool to hollow out a practice bowl; this one is an old piece of really (really) dry walnut. The dust is causing me coughing problems so I'm wearing a dust mask under my glasses and shield. Anyway, here's my question: do the carbide tools create more dust than the edged tools? I cut on it for just a few minutes with a bowl gouge and it didn't seem to be as dusty. But this exercise is to try out the carbide so I'm sticking with it at the moment. Maybe one more question: could the dust be saing I need to rotate the cutter on the tool (it really hasn't been used all that much)?

Edited December 10, 20232 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

I think they (carbide tools) do create more dust than traditional tools.  That said, really old wood is going to throw dust no matter what tool you use. 

 

.40

Fred,

Which carbide too are you using, a hollower or a finisher? Old dry walnut will be dusty. What speed are you turning? The cutter could be dull, depending on what you has used it on.

I'm using a finisher, and the speed is somewhere near 900 RPM. I may try rotating the cutter just to see if it makes a difference. I'm throwing a lot of shavings...but also a lot of dust.

Edited December 10, 20232 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

I usually start with the hollower and smooth out with the finisher. I think it's mostly the dry wood but rotating the cutter couldn't hurt.

Also try drilling a hole to the depth you want to go and then start at the edge of the hole out to the sides.  I often get better cuts when I do it this way producing more shavings than dust especially if I'm cutting into the end grain.  Set your dust collector hose up right at the hole.  99% of the dust should get sucked up.  Dry wood is always dusty.

Carbide is a scraper and will produce more dust. That said in dry wood you do get more dust than shavings. Another thing that affects all this is if you are turning end grain or side grain. More dust with end grain. Then all that said dust mask is the best way to go with dry wood.

It's already been said but yes, carbide does make more dust and turning dry wood will always be dustier. You might also be sensitive  to walnut dust. I cannot turn catalpa because it makes me itch. It affects me even if someone in our club is doing a demo with catalpa and I'm several feet away

Yes the flat carbide tools will make more dust when using. They will also make more dust do to the fact you will have to sand more.