Centre Lathe Tools

The Centre Lathe can be used to perform a wide range of cutting tasks and as such a there are a number of different tools that can be used on the Lathe. You should know about the different tools and be able to identify them both for your workshop activities and exam questions. You also need to be able to set the tool to the correct height

Roughing Tool

This is a chunky tool capable of taking large cuts, because it is not very pointed it won't make sharp internal corners. This tool is used at the start of the machining process so that material can be removed quickly to rough out the basic shape before finer cuts are taken.

Side Finishing Tool

This is good for making clean cuts across a face.

Fine Finishing Tool

This tool is good for making very fine cuts towards the end of the process. Because it is pointed it will get into sharp corners. However, the point will get hot and blunt quickly if large cuts are made.

Chamfering Tool

The cutting surface has been ground to 45 degrees so that small chamfering cuts can be made quickly.

Parting Tool

This tool is ground to cut right through the work when it is finished. The sides of the tool are tapered so that only the end of the tool is rubbing on the work.