Which boring bar set

[Chuck in E. TN]

 I'm putting together an order for LMS ( got my tax refund, which included a $300 energy credit on a new heat pump) which will include a boring bar set. I'm wondering for hobby use, which would serve better, HSS or carbide? Materials would be the usual Aluminum, Brass, mild steel, and cast iron. What would be your choice and why?
Also, being an old retired fart, I'm always looking for better ways to grind tool bits. Does anyone know of a source for the Baldor Grinder clone like HF used to sell (46727 I think)? Can't seem to find one anywhere. I had a chance on the display model at my local HF when they clearanced it, but they wouldn't let me use a 20% coupon so I passed.  At the time the store manager assured me it wasn't being discontinued... I haven't been back since.
 Chuck

[Lew_Merrick_PE]

I'm putting together an order for LMS ( got my tax refund, which included a $300 energy credit on a new heat pump) which will include a boring bar set. I'm wondering for hobby use, which would serve better, HSS or carbide? Materials would be the usual Aluminum, Brass, mild steel, and cast iron. What would be your choice and why?

Chuck -- HSS boring bars are generally made to higher standards than el-cheapo carbide ones.  HSS will take a better edge than carbide (el-cheapo or otherwise) which is often important in the softer materials.  I probably have pieces from 3-4 carbide boring bar sets that have survived by being worthless filling holes in cutter stands around my shop right now.  I may have as many as 3 pieces from HSS boring bar sets filling holes in cutter stands right now.  What does that tell you?