There are endless posts and discussions, and well meaning attempts to test (with many posts and discussions), concerning the various tool steels for wood turning. Even the best attempts at tests fall short of being scientifically significant. Interestingly there has only been one scientifically significant test of some of the tool steels, by Jim Staley at North Caroline State Univ some 15+ yrs ago (I have previously posted this study in the forum, and it's attached). The predictive model developed in the study, using Vickers Hardness and Volume Fraction of Carbides, allows for predicting performance of steels not included in the test.
With the advent of AI, I thought it would be interesting to see what AI had to say about the subject (I chose to use GROK 4.1, latest version, use other AI models to check results if desired). I've used this AI model to help research a lot of various subjects - one thing I've found is that for the most part it is extremely objective. Occasionally I've caught it making a conclusion based on bad data input/assumptions, which when asked to use correct information, it finds that supporting data (doesn't just believe me) and reworks the result. I've been pretty impressed with what and how quickly it can do the work. One does have to be careful using it for subjects you know absolutely nothing about, but usually asking for the references etc leads to some quick education on a subject which then allows you to ask better questions. So far it is a heck of a lot more efficient vs doing all the searching/research yourself - my experience is that is what it does, ie a very expansive search of the same stuff you might have found plus more, done very quickly.
If you are interested in the tool steel subject, I encourage you to read through ALL of the attached documents and giving all of it time to "cook" between the ears. The results may not agree with your personal experience. Well, that's the point of a scientifically significant test - it takes the subjective individual aspects out of the results - that can be a hard pill to swallow. I've been there done that a few times in life.
Attached are the original Staley test, and then the questions I asked: 1) eval of that info, 2) effect of edge type, 3) predictive model for Crown Pro-PM, 10V, M42, 4) effect of wet wood with bark/inclusions. In short, the better tool steels maintain an edge longer, just not to the level advertised, and there are some interesting twists and turns depending on type of cut, dry or wet wood, and bark and other inclusions. This info may better inform you for your next tool purchase. Happy reading!
With the advent of AI, I thought it would be interesting to see what AI had to say about the subject (I chose to use GROK 4.1, latest version, use other AI models to check results if desired). I've used this AI model to help research a lot of various subjects - one thing I've found is that for the most part it is extremely objective. Occasionally I've caught it making a conclusion based on bad data input/assumptions, which when asked to use correct information, it finds that supporting data (doesn't just believe me) and reworks the result. I've been pretty impressed with what and how quickly it can do the work. One does have to be careful using it for subjects you know absolutely nothing about, but usually asking for the references etc leads to some quick education on a subject which then allows you to ask better questions. So far it is a heck of a lot more efficient vs doing all the searching/research yourself - my experience is that is what it does, ie a very expansive search of the same stuff you might have found plus more, done very quickly.
If you are interested in the tool steel subject, I encourage you to read through ALL of the attached documents and giving all of it time to "cook" between the ears. The results may not agree with your personal experience. Well, that's the point of a scientifically significant test - it takes the subjective individual aspects out of the results - that can be a hard pill to swallow. I've been there done that a few times in life.
Attached are the original Staley test, and then the questions I asked: 1) eval of that info, 2) effect of edge type, 3) predictive model for Crown Pro-PM, 10V, M42, 4) effect of wet wood with bark/inclusions. In short, the better tool steels maintain an edge longer, just not to the level advertised, and there are some interesting twists and turns depending on type of cut, dry or wet wood, and bark and other inclusions. This info may better inform you for your next tool purchase. Happy reading!
