4 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

IIRC, one of our resident turners @Steve Krumanakermade several handles using brass compression unions for the collets. Pretty clever idea. Hopefully Steve will check in with some advice.

 

Thanks for the nod Dave!

5 hours ago, User74 said:

I really don't have a way to make a collet for it. I've seen some sets that had the long handle that can be changed out.

 

Any piece of copper pipe or coupling, given it's the right diameter can be used to make a ferrule. There are dozens, if not hundreds of videos on youtube showing this method.
As for handles that can changed out that's pretty easily done with off the shelf plumbing fittings as well and I have made a couple of videos to show how it's done and what to buy. If you're going to use carbide I highly recommend Easy Wood Tools for a few reasons. First, and most importantly,   EWT products are 100% made in America. I also was fortunate enough to be asked to test new products for EWT for a few years. I can honestly say they are committed to  making  as quality a tool as possible and the fit and finish on their tools are second to none.

53 minutes ago, Gerald said:

First welcome to the forums. As to quality of the cheap carbides with handle you will find that those handles are basically just hollow tubes and light weight. I cannot speak for handle longevity. As to making a handle you do not need a collet, just use copper (tubing) Ferrell and drill and tap for set (Allen) screws if you want the bar removable. 

 

Now as to carbide quality there are many types carbide just like there are many formulas for HSS. I understand that Mike Hunter (Hunter Tools) has a special formula for his unique cupped cutters, the best in my opinion. I am sure Easy Wood also has a special formula. Probably the cheap tool carbide would not last.

 

I have one EWT finisher and it cuts end grain very well but not as good for box sides. Hunter will do both very well. 

 

Overall the cheap tools may work until you decide what you want but would not do as well as the finer grades,

I figured it was you get what you pay for. If the ones I ordered are just a lightweight tube I could possibly fill them with something like sand or some sort of weights. I'll have to see when they arrive. Do you know if the cutter tips are all universal or does each brand have a different size? Seems to me like it's the cutter tips where you would want to spend the money not the handle. 

2 hours ago, User74 said:

I figured it was you get what you pay for. If the ones I ordered are just a lightweight tube I could possibly fill them with something like sand or some sort of weights. I'll have to see when they arrive. Do you know if the cutter tips are all universal or does each brand have a different size? Seems to me like it's the cutter tips where you would want to spend the money not the handle. 

There are different bits and screws. In some bits the recess for the screw may be different than the screw on your tool. I think AZ Carbide has a chart.

EWT Carbide Cutters Chart.pdf

 

These are the screw sizes for their cutters-

Mini/Mid/Detailers & All Hollowers Except Mid:
-- Small Wrench 1/16"
-- Screw 4-40 x 5/16"

Full/Pro/Rougher/Finisher:
-- Screw 8-32 x 3/8"
-- Large Wrench 3/32"

Exception (Mid Hollower):
-- Small Wrench 1/16"
-- Screw 4-40 x 1/4"

On 3/25/2024 at 9:44 AM, User74 said:

I ordered a set of three off Amazon from Simply Woodworking

I have the smaller handled set of three. I find that the smaller set works well and the lack of weight in the handles is a non issue.

The carbide has held up well and I have dressed up the edge when necessary. The cutters that I have are not negative rake so dressing them up is a simple task.

CS with Simply was very good & cordial as well.

19 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

I have made a couple of videos to show how it's done and what to buy.

Steve---are those videos in our library or on the "Tube"?

15 hours ago, Gerald said:

 In some bits the recess for the screw may be different than the screw on your tool.

Boy, ain't that the truth.

So long as the screw pitch matches I've not had any problems with the mismatch, but have wondered why the angle of the underside of the head varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It would seem that the screws would be an off the shelf item from the Chinese supplier and be a "standard" value.

I don't know why but if the bit does not fit snugly into position a sudden shock will break it.

22 minutes ago, smitty10101 said:

Steve---are those videos in our library or on the "Tube"?

Steve's YouTube channel-

https://www.youtube.com/@stevekrumanaker4582/videos

12 minutes ago, Gerald said:

I don't know why but if the bit does not fit snugly into position a sudden shock will break it.

I think it is because carbide is very brittle. When changing the cutters, I try to always brush away any built up materials that collects on the tool shaft where the cutter sets.