Machining Grade 8 Bolt

[60 acre hillside]

I needed some pointed set screws. The store did not have them. I have a 6" Jet lathe and am considering making them from grade 8 cap screws. I have limited experience with carbide tools but get along pretty well shapening HS tool bits. Is grade 8 too hard to turn?
 

[Dal in MO]

Grade 8 bolts are fairly soft, about 20 - 25 RC hardness and can be turned very eazly with HSS tool bits, grind your tool bit with about a 7 degree relief angle and a 3 - 5 degree positive rake angle on the top of tool,and run about 300 - 500 RPM, with a small cut on your Jet lathe.
 

[Ultradog MN]

I agree.
They will cut easily with HSS.
 

[Eric in IL]

If you are ever in doubt about being able to cut something with HSS, try filing it first. If you can cut it with a file, you can cut it with HSS.
 

[Bernie/MA]

I have a hand-held bandsaw. A friend was using it to cut bolts, brought it to me because it stopped cutting. I don't know how many he cut but I looked at the heads and they were grade 8s. There were no teeth left on the good bi-metal blade.
 

[BOBM25]

HSS will cut alot more stuff than most people give it credit. You just have to take it slow. Most people get in a hurry and that is what smokes their tooling
 

[60 acre hillside]

Thanks to all of you. I plan to make them this morning
 

[cannonball]

put them in a drill and bench grind them to what point you want..