Information Sheet No.

06

Cutting Tools Set-Up

Learning Objective:

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the procedure in setting up a cutting tool.

1.0 Cutting Tools Set-up

1.1 Types of Cutting Tool Holders

The cutting tool holder is used to hold the tool bits which are small as it would be
costly to have a tool which is completely made from tool steel.

Tool Holder Purpose

Straight Tool Holder General purpose machining and for thread cutting.

For facing operations and for machining work close

Right Hand Tool Holder
to the tailstock.
For facing operations and for machining work close
Left Hand Tool Holder
to the headstock.

Holder for Carbide

Used for holding carbide inserts, the inserts are
Inserts
held by clamping.

Parting Tool Holder For parting-off operations.

The direction of the tool holder is checked by holding the head and observe where
the shank points. If it points to the right, it is then a right hand tool holder.
 Left Hand Tool Holder Right Hand Tool Holder

Straight Tool Holder Parting Tool Holder

Figures 1.1 Types of Tool Holders

H o l d e r f o r
Holder for Carbide Inserts
Figure 1.1 – Types of Cutting Tool Holders

1.2 Setting-Up the Lathe Tool to Centre Height

It is important that the lathe tool be set up properly so that it can cut the work properly
and effectively. The tool held in the toolpost must be set to the correct centre height.
 Figure 1.2 – Mounting of Lathe Tool
Packing pieces are used to raise the tool to centre height. The tool must be supported
correctly so that the cutter cuts properly.

Figure 1.2 – Proper Support of the Tool Holder

1.3 Minimum Tool Overhang
When setting-up the tool holder, it is essential that the overhang be kept to a minimum. A
tool with too much overhang will cause chattering which can cause a poor finished
workpiece. Too much overhang will also cause the tool to break.

Figure 1.3 – Tool Overhang

1.4 Setting the Lathe Tool to Centre Height

There are four methods used to set the lathe tool to the machine centre height:
 Use markings on the tailstock spindle
 Using the tailstock centre
 Using a steel rule (Height from centre to cross slide must be known)
 Using a scribing block
 Figure 1.4 – Methods to Set Tool to Centre Height

1.5 Effects of Tool Centre Height

When setting the lathe tool height, there are three scenarios that could occur :

1.5.1 Tool Set at Centre Height

If the tool is set to the correct centre height, the correct cutting action will take
place.
 The top rake and the front clearance angles will not be affected.
 The tool cuts properly.
 A flat surface is produce at the end of the workpiece.

Figure 1.5.1 – Tool Set at Centre Height

1.5.2 Tool Set Above Centre Height
When the tool bit is set above centre height, it would rub on the work surface and
wear away the cutting edge of the tool.
  The top rake angle increases.
 The front clearance angle decreases.
 The flank of the tool rubs against the work and makes cutting difficult.
 A sharp point is left at the centre.

Figure 1.5.2 – Tool Set Above Centre Height

1.5.3Tool Set Below Centre Height

When the tool is set below centre height it is weakened due to its increased front
clearance angle and the tool tends to dig into the workpiece.
 The top rake angle decreases.
 The front clearance angle increases.
 The tool may dig into the work.
 A flat point (stub) is left at the centre.

Figure 1.5.3 Tool Set Below Centre Height