Can you offer us a bit more detail on the tooling you have which seems to be a problem. Where did you get it, is there anything like a toolbit number code, that sort of thing.

There are many causes of 'rubbish' results, too, so perhaps you could explain a bit more? Was the surface rough, or grooved, was the turning coming off in powder, or long strings, or what – that sort of thing.

Finally, what sort of lathe speed were you using, and was it the same for HSS as for the indexed tooling?

Regards, Tim

As said increase speed 150%, then try not to use shallow cuts as tips are only able to cut when a substantial depth of cut is applied. Initially use them to remove materiel and then revert to HSS tooling for a fine finish. Tips are made for different types of metal, steel, hard steel and aluminium but the criteria is that the machine has enough power to use them. Smaller lathes do not have the power to use them efficiently hence the poor finish at standard speeds. To reiterate, up the speed and a good D of Cut will give you what you want. Match the tip to the type of materiel and away you go!

Clive

Arceuro do a range of Sumitomo inserts and tool holders, much more expensive than the Far East ones but cut very well. I use them and would recommend to anyone.

Michael

how have you set the tool height? If you did not have a tip in one of them I can't see how you could have set it up accurately?

J