14 Types of Lathe Cutting Tools and Their Uses [Complete Guide]

14 Types Lathe of Cutting Tools and Their Uses:- In machine work, various processes require various types of lathe cutting tools.

Types of Lathe Cutting Tools

According to use, the lathe cutting tools are basically divided into two types –

A) According to the method of using the tools.
B) According to the method of applying feed.

A) According to the Method of Using the Tools:

There are 11 types of tools –

1. Thread Cutting Tools

Thread Cutting Tool is also known as carbide threading tool. These tools are used for metal cutting in mechanical shops for various types of materials.

These are of two types –

• External threading tool – External threading tools are also called as screw thread tools. They are defined as the tools which are used for external threading of the work piece.
• Internal treading tool – Internal threading tools are defined as those tools which are used for internal threading in a work piece.

2. Chamfering Tools

Chamfering tool may be defined as the tool which is used to design bevel or furrow on the bolt. These tools are used for beveling the corner of the work piece. When a large number of chamfer works are to be performed, then a specific chamfering tool is used with side cutting angle edge.

3. Turning Tools

Turning tool may be defined as a tool which is used in lathe machine for finishing or cutting the external diameter of an object. This is basically used to generate cylindrical parts.

There are generally two types of turning tools –

• Rough turning tool – Rough turning tools are used to remove huge amount of metal in minimum time. And the cutting angle is so clear that it can withstand maximum cutting pressure.

• Finish turning tool – Finish turning tool serves to remove small amount of metal. And the cutting angle is also ground to produce a very smooth and exact surface.

4. Grooving Tools

Grooving tool is basically defined as the tool used for making a narrow cavity of a certain depth, on a cone, cylinder, or a face of the part. In this the groove to be cut according to the edges is square, rounded etc.

5. Facing Tools

Facing tools may be defined as the tools which are used to cut the plane surface which is perpendicular to rotational axis of the work piece. This facing tool is carried by a tool holder that is fixed on the carriage of the machine. It is used for reducing the length of the work piece by providing perpendicular to the axis of lathe. The cutting edge of the tool should set to the same height to the centre of the work piece.

6. Counter Boring Tool

Counter boring tool may be defined as the tool which is used for the enlargement and positioning of the head of a screw or bolt with a socket head. This tool has two radii –

• Create the pre drilled hole
• Create the hole in the work piece

In this tool the cutting corner is so clear so that it can leave a shoulder after twisting.

7. Forming Tools

Forming tools may be defined as the tools which are used for making different types of shapes of the work piece. In this a special type of cover or holder is used for holding the forming tool. From this we do many types of operations like making internal radius, outer radius etc.

8. Boring Tools

Enlarging the diameter of the hole is known as boring. The boring tool is nearly the same as the left hand external turning tool. Boring tool is just like a bit which is inserted in a boring cover. The bar is made up of mild steel with holes in it to carry the tool bit which is fixed with the help of Allen screw. In this the amount of enlargement of the cutting corner of the tool from the centre of the bar is considered the finished hole diameter of the work. The bit is inserted perpendicularly to the centre line of bar for continuous hole passing from one end to another end.

9. Reaming Tool

Reaming tool is defined as the tool which is used for finishing and sizing of the hole which is already drilled or bored.

10. Under Cutting Tool

Under cutting tool is similar to grooving tool. In this the under cutting tool is used for boring large holes at a fixed distance from the end of the hole. Under cutting is mainly performed at internal end thread for the clearance.

11. Drilling Tool

Drilling tool is also very important tool in the lathe machine. Drilling tool is basically used for making cylindrical holes in the given work piece. In this the work piece is fixed in faceplate and drill is held in tailstock drill holder and hole should be done by movement of tailstock spindle. This is used for regular shaped work piece.

B) According to the Method of Applying Feed:

These are of three types –

12. Round Nose Tool

Round nose cutting may be defined as the tool which is used for the finish turning operation. Round nose cutting tool has no side or back rake to allow cutting in other direction.

13. Right Hand Tool

Right hand cutting tool may be defined as the tool which is used for removing metal when moving from right to left.

14. Left Hand Tool 

Left hand cutting tool may be defined as the tool which is used for removing metal when moving from left to right.

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