Tooling & Workholding

Turning Tools

Turning involves a fixed and non-rotating cutter, because in turning, the workpiece spins instead of the tool. Turning tools typically consist of a replaceable insert in a turning tool body. The insert can be distinctive in a number of ways, including shape, material, coating and geometry. The shape can be round to maximize edge strength, diamond-shaped to allow a sharp point to cut fine features, square, or even octagonal to increase the number of separate edges that can be applied as one edge after another wears out. The material is typically carbide, though ceramic, cermet or diamond inserts can be applied to more demanding applications. A variety of protective coatings also help these insert materials cut faster and last longer. The geometry of the insert generally relates to its cutting angles, though the tool may also include a complex chipbreaker pattern that prevents long unbroken chips from becoming entangled in the cut. The turning tool body generally does not feature quite so much engineering, but even here there are a range of choices for fine-tuning the process. Quick-change tools involve modular bodies that allow replacement tool bodies to be swapped in and out and locked in place quickly to minimize setup time. The turning tool body can also channel high-pressure coolant more effectively to the cutting edge of the tool.


Featured Zone Content

June 2009
Custom step drill

See The Tool's Value Instead Of Its Cost


This company is embracing high-performance tooling on its turning centers. The "sticker shock" is no reason not to do this. In one case, though, the shop found a way to limit the cost of the tool and increase productivity at the same time.

July 2009
form tool

Video: Form Tools On CNC Lathes


Form tools are traditionally associated with non-CNC machines, but in certain applications they make sense on modern machines as well.



September 2011

Why Y?

By: Derek Korn
This toolholder takes advantage of a Swiss-type’s Y-axis motion to approach and engage the barstock from the side, which helps prevent “bird nesting.”

September 2011

Tooling up for Micromachining

By: John Dotday
Choosing the right tools and matching them to the correct operations and process techniques for micromachining applications is critical to success in this burgeoning market.

July 2011

Precision Lathe Operations on a CNC Mill

By: Chris Felix
Sometimes a shop doesn’t do enough turning work to justify the purchase of a CNC lathe. But when it needs to produce precision turned parts, even if for a very small lot size, the shop needs a solution.

April 2011

Swiss Tools for Micro Grooving, Turning

By: Modern Machine Shop
Designed for micro turning and grooving applications in Swiss-type machines, the Multidec 1600 series tools use inserts ranging from 0.0019" to 0.108" thick with cutting edge repeatability of 0.004".

April 2011

Custom Form Tools for Complex Profiles

By: Modern Machine Shop
The company’s Form-A-Groove tooling can generate complex profiles in a single plunge.

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