US (North America actually) terminology is probably best illustrated by the entry in Machinery's Handbook …. there are differences from both David's and Len's definitions. For instance, "Top Rake" is called "Back Rake" and "Side Relief" is what in David's illustration is called "Side Clearance".

I have the 28th Edition of MH (desk edition now to go with the eyesight). However, I also have the facsimile copy of the original (1914) edition which uses such terms as "back slope" and "side slope"

Hi David,

That would be correct as far as the UK is concerned and would be understood by any engineer. This is the terminology from my venerable Chapman, 'Workshop Technology' Vol 1:

Regards

Terry

Edited By Terryd on 29/05/2012 10:49:36

Due to laziness I often use the same knife tool for turning and facing. Should I keep swapping the names of the faces?

Russell.

I agree with Terry and the Chapman version but would like to add "cutting edge" for clarity to beginners. Colin