Cutter Types (Lathe)

Lathe Cutting Tool Types
This is a Facing tool. This tool should be used if you need to shorten the length of your stock or make the diameter smaller. Its main function is to face the stock so you have a nice smooth surface to work with.

This is the Boring tool. This tool should be used if you need to make a hole in the stock bigger in diameter. Before using this tool, there must already be a hole in the stock.

This is the Chamfering tool. This tool should be used if you need to make a chamfer on the edge of a stock. Or to break an edge.

This is the Knurling tool. This tool should be used if you need to put a knurling on your stock. This is normally used on knobs where better grip is needed.

This is the Parting tool. This tool should be used if you need to cut some of the stock off to shorten it.

This is the Channeling tool. This tool should be used if you need to cut a channel into the stock. Such as O-ring groves or any other small depth groove.

Cutter Material Identification / Selection:
High Speed Steel (HSS) tooling is Shiny in color, and relatively light in weight. Carbide tooling is dull in color and relatively heavy compared to high speed steel. HSS is used for general purpose milling of both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Carbide provides the user with the ability to run faster with less tool wear