I thought it would be interesting for people to post short carbide insert reviews in a continuing thread. I've tried a number of them recently -- mostly low cost imported types, or remaindered domestic flea market purchases, and they have been a mix of results, their performance ranges all over the place, as might be expected. I'd like to share what I've found, and I hope others will join in too, here, with their favorite, go to, or most hated inserts.
To get things started how about if we use a rating scale like this:
5 = junk
4 = meh
3 = usable
2 = good
1 = fantastic
Please list materials tried on, for example:
Tool Steel
Mild Steel
Cast Iron (clean)
Cast Iron (rough sandcast)
Aluminum
Brass/Bronze
Zinc//Zamac
And it would be helpful to rate:
Material removal
Material finish
Longevity
Finally of great interest will be:
Cost per insert
and a link, if possible to where you bought yours
Pics would be great!