Lathe Cutting Tools

Lathe cutting tools or also known as toolbits are generally made of four materials: high speed
steel, cast alloys, cemented carbides, and ceramics. The properties possessed by each of these
materials are different and the application of each depends on the material being machined
and the condition of the machine. Lathe cutting tools should possess the following properties.

1. They should be hard.

2. They should be wear resistant.
3. They should be capable of standing up to high temperature.
4. They should be able to withstand shock during the cutting operation.

 High Speed Steel Toolbits

Probably the toolbit most commonly used in schools for lathe operations. High speed steels
may contain combinations of tungsten, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and cobalt.
They are capable of taking heavy cuts, withstanding shocks, and maintaining a sharp
cutting edge under red heat.

 Cast Alloy Toolbits

Cast alloy toolbits usually contain 25 to 35 percent chromium, 4 to 25 percent tungsten, 1

to 3 percent carbon; and the remainder is cobalt. These toolbits have high hardness, high
resistant to wear, and excellent red hardness qualities. Since they are cast, they are weaker
and more brittle than the high speed toolbits. They may be operated about to two time the
speed of a high speed toolbits.

 Cemented Carbide Toolbits

Cemented carbide toolbits have low toughness but high hardness and excellent red-
hardness qualities. Carbides are available in different grades to suit the material being
machined. Tungsten carbide toolbits are generally used for cutting cast iron and non-
ferrous metals, whereas titanium and tantalum carbides are used for machining various
types of steel. Cemented carbide toolbits are capable of speeds three to four times greater
than the high-speed steel toolbits.

 Ceramic and Diamond Toolbits

The most recent development in lathe cutting tools is the application of ceramic and
diamond cutting tools. These tools are capable of much higher cutting tools than those of
any other cutting tools.
 High-speed Steel (HSS) Toolbits

Cast Alloy Toolbits

Brazed Type and

Insert Type Carbides

Ceramic / Diamond
Tool bits
Cutting Tool Nomenclature
Cutting tools used on a lathe are generally single-pointed, and although the shape of the tool is
hanged for various applications, the same nomenclature applies to all cutting tools.

 The base is the bottom surface of the tool shank.

 The cutting edge is the leading edge of the

toolbit that does the cutting.

 The face is the surface against which the chip

bears as it is separated from the work.

 The flank is the surface of the tool which is

adjacent to and below the cutting edge.

 The nose is the tip of the cutting tool formed by the junction of the cutting edge and the
front face.

 The nose radius is the radius to which the nose is ground. The size of the radius will affect
the finish.
Cutting Tool Angles and Clearances

Proper performance of a toolbit depends on the clearance and rake angles which must be
ground on the toolbit. Although these angles vary for different materials, the nomenclature is
the same for all toolbits.

 Side Cutting Edge Angle :

The angle which the cutting edge forms with the side of the tool shank. Side cutting angles
for general purpose lathe cutting tools may be from 10 to 20 . Over 30, the tool will tend
to chatter.

 End Cutting Edge Angle :

The angle formed by the end cutting edge and a line at right angles to the center line of the
toolbit. This angle may vary from 5 to 30 depending on the type of cut and finish desired.

 Side Relief (Clearance) Angle :

The angle ground on the flank of the tool below the cutting edge. This angle is generally 6
to 10. The side clearance on the toolbit permits the cutting tool to advance lengthwise into
the rotating work and prevents the flank from rubbing against the work.

 End Relief (Clearance) Angle :

The angle ground below the nose of the toolbit which permits the cutting tool to be fed into
the work. It is generally 10 to 15 for general purpose tools. The end relief angle is smaller
for harder materials, to provide support under the cutting edge.

 Side Rake Angle :

The angle at which the face is ground away from the cutting edge. For general purpose
toolbits the side rake is generally 14. Side rake creates a keener cutting edge and allows
the chips to flow away quickly. For softer materials, the side rake angle is increased.

 Back (Top) Rake :

The backward slope the tool face away from the nose. The back rake angle is generally
about 20 and is provided for in the toolholder. Back rake permits the chips to flow away
from the point of the cutting tool.