Lathe tools, or tool bits as they are sometimes called, are the cutting tools that are used for turning and facing work on the lathe. The most popular lathe tools are those made of high-speed tool steel (HSS). They can be used for machining most materials including wood, plastic, aluminum, brass and steel, the tool blanks are relatively inexpensive. These tools will retain their hardness at temperatures up to 1000° F. (588° C.). For this reason, depth of cut, cutting speed and feed rates are important. The big advantage of high-speed steel tools is the ease with which they can be sharpened. A standard aluminum oxide grinding wheel can be used. Once shaped and sharpened, they will retain their cutting edge for a long time.
High Speed Steel Boring Tool
-
Related products
Left Hand HSS Tool
Lathe tools—often referred to as tool bits—are the primary cutting tools used for turning and facing operations on a lathe. The most common type is made from high-speed steel (HSS), which is suitable for machining a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, aluminum, brass, and steel. HSS tool blanks are relatively inexpensive and can maintain their hardness at temperatures up to 1000°F (588°C), making proper control of depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed rate essential.
A major advantage of HSS tools is how easily they can be sharpened. They can be shaped and resharpened using a standard aluminum oxide grinding wheel and, once sharpened, will hold their edge for a long time.
NOTE: A lathe tool is named for the direction the chip exits the tool. A right-hand tool has its cutting edge on the left, causing the chip to peel off to the right.
Right Hand HSS Tool
Lathe tools—often referred to as tool bits—are the primary cutting tools used for turning and facing operations on a lathe. The most common type is made from high-speed steel (HSS), which is suitable for machining a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, aluminum, brass, and steel. HSS tool blanks are relatively inexpensive and can maintain their hardness at temperatures up to 1000°F (588°C), making proper control of depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed rate essential.
A major advantage of HSS tools is how easily they can be sharpened. They can be shaped and resharpened using a standard aluminum oxide grinding wheel and, once sharpened, will hold their edge for a long time.
NOTE: A lathe tool is named for the direction the chip exits the tool. A right-hand tool has its cutting edge on the left, causing the chip to peel off to the right.
