FAQ

CPM 10V and CPM15V powder metal tool steel are versatile tool and die steels which provide extremely high wear resistance in combination with relatively high impact toughness. A very large volume of hard vanadium carbides provides the high wear resistance.

The good impact toughness is the result of the fine grain size, small carbides, and superior cleanliness of the powder metallurgy (CPM) micro-structure. The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes.

You DO NOT need any special grinding wheels to sharpen this steel!

When I started, before I knew it, I owned about $2500 worth of tools. It would be easy to entice you to buy our high-quality tools, but I STRONGLY suggest that you stick with the basic tools and that you try a bowl first (a salad bowl will make the wife happy and more compliant toward more tools or a lathe).

As you learn you will sense the need to add other tools. Although you might hear that you should not waste your money on a set, you will become more creative if you have the diversity of a nice set.

Cooling our tools to -320degrees can double or triple the time between sharpening. And here’s the real kick: it’s impressive!

There’s a little science here, but it’s easy to digest. When tooling is made, the manufacturer heats it to make it hold an edge. During heat treatment, the structure of the steel changes. As it is heated, the steel has a structure that is called “austenite,” which is softer and has a coarse, irregular grain. When the blade is quenched (reduced quickly in temperature), the austenite changes into “martensite,” which has a finer grain and is more resistant to wear.

The problem is that the transformation from austenite to martensite is never 100%. If a tool is carefully treated, it might end up with 90% martensite and 10% austenite. Commercial heat treating typically results in about 75% martensite.

By carefully cooling the steel to -320degrees F and then thoroughly re-tempering the metal, nearly all of the austenite is transformed into martensite. It has been proven to be 99.9% transformation or more.

For the past few years, the price of tool steel has consistently been going up. CPM10V in plate format is inherently more expensive. At Glaser Hitec, we have already defined the method from which to manufacture our scrapers and skews in order to offer you the best affordable tool in the market today. On top of that, since we sell “tool systems” our scrapers and skews are secured by an aluminum adapter which has two high-tensile stainless steel screws holding the blade. It makes it easy for removal and exchange. Obviously, the system is then complemented by the high quality powder coated lead filled handle.

When you use a Glaser Hitec scraper or skew you will notice right away the easiness of handling and the superb vibration-free feeling you get from its performance.

Bottom line is it that it takes a lot of time and money to produce a high quality tool, and we will spare no effort and money to provide you with the best.

Jerry Glaser has been using the American standard of measuring a tool since its beginning, which is by the diameter of the steel. The European standard measures across the flute. We have provided this simple conversion to make things easier to understand. Here’s a simple chart:

Under proper supervision and guidance, woodturning is an absolute joy with kids. The best way possible to introduce kids to woodturning is signing up for Bonnie Klein’s Youth Turners Program with the American Association of Woodturners.

Glaser Hitec has sponsored that program in the past by donating a substantial amount of tools for Bonnie’s students. Our juniorG tool set is a great start for the future artist. Contact me if you are interested in these tools.