Value Collection 460-10104 M42 Cobalt Tool Bit Blank

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION 460-10104 is a square tool bit blank ground from M42 high-speed cobalt steel, intended for use by machinists and tool-and-die professionals who grind their own custom cutting tools. Measuring 1/8 inch wide by 1/8 inch high with a 2-1/2 inch overall length, this blank provides a rigid, uniform starting stock that can be profiled on a bench grinder or surface grinder to the desired cutting geometry. M42 cobalt alloy delivers elevated hot hardness and wear resistance compared to standard M2 high-speed steel, making it well suited for tough or abrasive workpiece materials.

This tool bit blank is used in manual and CNC turning, boring, and threading operations where a custom-ground single-point tool is preferred over an indexable insert setup. The compact 1/8 inch cross section fits small toolpost holders and precision watchmaker or instrument lathes as well as some benchtop lathes. It is appropriate for job shops, maintenance departments, and apprentice training environments where operators grind and dress their own tooling to match specific profiles and rake angles.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt high-speed steel provides superior hot hardness and extended tool life on hard or abrasive materials
• Square cross section — 1/8 inch wide by 1/8 inch high — suits small toolpost holders and precision lathes
• 2-1/2 inch overall length offers sufficient stock for multiple grinds over the life of the blank
• Unground blank format allows the operator to apply any custom cutting geometry at the bench grinder
• Consistent stock dimensions simplify setup and reduce shimming in the toolpost

Compatibility

Designed as a standard square tool bit blank for use in toolpost holders and grinding fixtures that accept 1/8 inch square shank stock.

Installation Notes

Tool bit blanks are ground to shape by a qualified machinist using a bench grinder or surface grinder before installation in a toolpost holder. Dress the grinding wheel before use and grind with adequate coolant or intermittent passes to prevent overheating the cobalt steel and drawing the temper. Secure the finished tool in the toolpost at the correct height and rake angle per the lathe manufacturer and workpiece material requirements before engaging the spindle.