Since the carbon content of A2 and M2 is identical, either is a "carbon steel". The big difference between them is the tungsten content.
Rather than speculating, the _facts_ on the two can be found at
and .
And the facts are that A2 does temper at the temperatures that typically cause blue discoloration on steel, while M2 does not.
Unless I miss my guess, the origin of this post dealt with grinding speeds for sharpening woodturning tools. I use a standard aluminum oxide wheel on a high speed (3470 rpm) grinder. The white wheels wear too fast for me. On the other hand I use jigs to sharpen. Yes I can free hand and yes I free hand and the jigs are as fast and better for a lot of tools and grinds. Besides, if you are going to use wheels over 60 or maybe 80 grit, it is murder to feel the wheel and jigs are almost a necessity.
Thank you, Cindy, for the bit about the balancing kit from Oneway. I've been looking at it for a few months but have read very little commentary on their effectiveness. I have a very heavy Delta grinder with Camel wheels but it's just not as smooth as I'd like and I'm hoping that wheel balancing will smooth it out.
"no name given" wrote in news:mlQ0d.397076$gE.198586@pd7tw3no:
The Harbor Fright [sic] carbon steel tools are well worth the money, if you are just learning to grind.
You got it.
Peter Teubel Milford, MA
Sorby turning tools sold in the US are M2 HSS. I own a lot of them as well as several other brands. It is easy to tell the difference between M2 and carbon steel by their edge holding ability, the sparks off the grinder, and what effect bluing has on the edge. Nearly all turning tools currently sold in the US by reputable dealers are M2 or better.
-mike paulson, fort collins, co
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