When i bought an at least second hand Myford ML7 back in the early 80s, I was given a 3/32" wide HSS parting tool in its holder. I am still using it, in a rear toolpost, on my bigger lathe;

On this basis, it probably has another 8 – 10 years life left in it ;and it is by no means near being worn out!.

I usually dribble soluble oil on to it whilst in use, and have become brave enough to use it with a 0.00225"/rev power feed.

I have tried a replaceable 2mm Carbide tip parting tool in the front toolpost, and have given up using it because of the dig ins and the cost of replacing broken tips.

Possibly I have been both careless and unlucky, but the HSS tool has been less trouble and less costly.

Howard

Try swapping the tipped tool to your rear toolpsst position Howard. I've found the tipped tool blades far superior to HSS blades. Tipped ones tend to stay on course and less prone to jam ups, at least for me.

I use the standard Eclipse HSS parting tool on both a Myford 7 and an Emco Super 11, no real tool post and no problems. However I have tried the carbide blade and holder style but did not like them due to the additional overhang, I also tried one of this style **LINK** not from Arc but it works very well, however I still use the HSS tool for almost all of my work.

John

I use one similar to this in most of my parting off; I also use a 10mm HSS for smaller jobs Both have proved to be very hardy in the parting off they've done. Usual disclaimer applies.

**LINK**

George.

What size tool can you fit in your tool post Ross?

I use the Glanze clamp type mostly. Parts like butter on my chipmaster, with a mirror finish.
Only managed to damage one insert when doing something silly.
**LINK**

Depends on the material and its size in my view Ross.

For larger mild steel – I use this rear mounted insert tool (photo below) on my S7 and it will part through 2"+ steel no problem – but the tip is 3mm wide. The only inserts I've broken have been under interrupted cuts – so I revert to HSS for those and move slightly side to side as I go in to ensure clearance. I still use HSS on smaller diameter steel (I have another rear tool post for that) but have purchased a smaller insert tool that I need to make a holder for (another TUIT)

For brass (which is mostly <1" dia) I use HSS (front mounted) tools and they work just fine and are simple to keep sharp. Small diameter work really only needs a thin/short cutting blade which saves on material.

So as usual – the answer depends what you are trying to part – I don't think there is a single 'best' solution (not for my work at least)

IanT

On my WM250 I use the RDG indexable parting tool 3mm x 19mm with 12mm shank. I find it works very well but you do need to ensure that the blade is absolutely square to the axis. Just make sure you lock the carriage and top slide, plenty of revs and then wind the tool in with gusto! Feeding slowly with carbide inserts is just asking for trouble. Also,as far as possible I always part-off as close to the chuck as possible.

500mm???? How big is your lathe. I assume you mean 50mm? There are cutting speed tables online that are worth referring to.

You might find this useful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speeds_and_feeds