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How to Pick Your Tool Steel

  Reynolda Cutting Tools manufactures it cutting tools in a variety of high-speed steels and carbides. To make your selection process simpler, the following information will give you a good idea of what is available and its applications.

Properties of tool steels

                                                  There are three basic properties to high speed steel:

  1. Hardness: The resistance to deforming and flattening

  2. Toughness: The resistance to breakage and chipping 

  3. Wear resistance: The resistance to abrasion & erosion 

 

 

M-2 High Speed Steel

Hardness 64-66

The least wear resistance and a high toughness. Low Hardness. We do not recommend this material for any applications. M-42 is better material and its tool life will offset the cost difference.

 

M-42 High Speed Steel

Hardness 65-67

Low wear resistance and toughness but a high hardness. Recommended as a substitute for M-2 material. Great for short run jobs or if you cutting a soft material like brass.

T-15PM High Speed Steel

Hardness 66-68

The wear resistance is high. Grinding and sharpening is a little harder then M-42 or Rex-76. Works well on all materials and best used on high abrasive materials. Tool life is good

Rex-76 (M48) High Speed Steel

Hardness 67-69

The best of the high-speed steels on the market. Great wear resistance and high hardness. The grinding and sharpening is similar to lower hardness materials. Recommended for any long jobs and tougher materials.