Lathes and CNC machines are used for everything from machining high-precision automotive parts to reproducing vintage chairs and table legs. And while it’s easy to be impressed by the detail and consistency that’s possible with the various types of rotary cutting equipment, it’s even easier to forget that they’re little more than oversized drills unless you have the proper tool insert tips and tool holders to do the actual cutting.
Turning tips are the edged, variable-shaped inserts that are used to perform the full range of boring, cutting, and parting activities that lathes are used for; however, it’s actually the tool holders that determine the precision, alignment, and even how quickly the material on the lathe can be worked. The full cutting pressure of the lathe is transferred through the shanks and flanks of the holders, and they have to be sturdy enough to perform thousands of cutting operations without distorting, breaking, or potentially ruining your working pieces.
High-Quality Lathe Tool Holders That Guarantee the Best Cuts
No matter if you’re a professional machinist, or just a hobbyist who enjoys turning, if you own, or regularly use a lathe, you understand how crucial having the highest quality lathe tools is to produce the best finished products. Results don’t depend exclusively on intricate tool tips though, and experienced lathe operators know that it takes the combination of tips and tool holders working together to produce the most effective cut.
Knowledgeable operators understand that hardening is only one of the characteristics of a superior holder. They’re more than just casual lathe attachments, and operators have to be cognizant of an array of holder considerations and design specs when they buy lathe cutting tools, including:
- How the holder is supported. The type of tool post holder a lathe has, and whether it allows for quick holder changes or adjustments is a critical factor in deciding which style of holder is going to be the most appropriate.
- The style of the holder. Tool insert holders are shaped to perform either straight-, left-, or right-handed cuts, and operators have to be sure that they’re using the correct style holder for the operations they need to perform.
- The geometry of the tool insert tips. With such a wide range of diamond-, round-, square-, and triangle-shaped cutting tips and clearance angles available, operators have to buy lathe tool holders that allow the inserts to seat properly to prevent either damaging the lathe, or injuring themselves.
But while the most prominent features of tip holders are their design specs, the single most important feature is actually material. No other attribute has a greater impact on cutter performance, and premium-grade insert tip holders come in a variety of materials that are suitable for every job.
Tool Holder Materials that are Built for the Job
Make no mistake: when it comes to materials, the demands on both CNC and rotary lathe cutting tools can be as tough as the cutting jobs they’re expected to perform. Some materials are better suited for certain operations than others though, and the tool holder selections can vary widely, including:
- High-speed steel holders. High-speed steel (HSS) lathe tool holders contain varying amounts of carbon, vanadium, and chromium, and are known for their hardness, as well as their resistance to the heat and fatigue that can build up during high speed-turning activities.
- Carbide holders. Carbide composite tool holders made from tungsten particles can be used with all type of cutting inserts, and are known for their extreme hardness, broad compatibility with other types of materials, and fair compromise between cost and sturdiness.
- Aluminium holders. Although these lightweight, corrosion-resistant holders are mostly used with CNC machines, their easy machining attributes make them ideal for all kinds of light-duty rotary jobs, especially when a low-profile tool holder is preferable.
- Titanium holders. Titanium holders are also easily manufactured and corrosion resistant, and are preferred for higher speed turning works where their light weight and strength are more advantageous.
- Cubic boron nitride holders. Excluding diamond cutting tools for lathe and CNC machines, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) holders are among the hardest and most durable, and are used almost exclusively for rough machining and intermittent cutting.
Everything from a holder’s weight and rigidity to the type of application it can be used for is determined by its material composition. And these factors aren’t just crucial for the performance and longevity of the holder, but also for the state and performance of the insert tips.
Holder Locking Systems that Keep Your Cutting Insert Tips Secure
The indexable (rotating) quality of tip inserts is one of the biggest advantages of working with metal lathe tools, and profiled tool holders are what make it possible. Indexable tips are designed to be easily rotated to expose fresh cutting edges, eliminating the need to perform difficult tool changes in the middle of an operation; and premium grade holders come in an array of insert holder systems to support them, including:
- Cam lock tool holders. These triangular insert holders boast either negative (<90°) or positive (>90°) clearance angles, and feature one-action locks for quick insert swaps or indexing.
- Multi-lock tool holders. These maximum rigidity holders utilize a locking pin and clamp to seat inserts, and are less prone to problems due to vibration than most holder systems.
- Wedge lock tool holders. These holders are also easy to swap or index, and allow for the installation of chip breakers for improved tool insert performance.
- Profile lock tool holders. These holders use a specialized clamp to apply more locking force to the insert, but still allow for easy indexing.
- Screw lock tool holders. These holders utilize a Torx screw to securing the insert, and also allow for easy indexing while supplying secure locking force.
The fact is, regardless of the type of locking system your holders have, secure seating is the priority. Each locking system offers its own advantages; and just like the holders themselves, choosing the right locking system is going to depend on the type of work that needs to be done.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that no matter which type of insert tip you use with your lathe, the effectiveness of the cut is ultimately going to be determined by the holder. And with so much resting on the holder’s strength and stability to produce the best working pieces, you can’t afford to risk taking shortcuts with inadequate parts.
That’s why when it’s time to invest in lathe tools, you want the highest quality insert holders you can afford. No other piece of cutting equipment plays a bigger role in the working process, and you’ll instantly recognize the difference in turning quality.