I need a turning tool made.

Harvey, see above, from BaronJ, that is the ultimate best answer for your problem. If making the toolholder from scratch is too difficult you can get one on mail order, for the actual tool bit, an old center drill with a blunt or broken end makes the perfect cutter, various sizes available. Can also use up old ends of broken, worn out milling cutters as turning tool.

This tool is the most simple to grind, one flat face on the end at around 12 deg. is all you need.

When you order the tool holder, you have the option to order with the tool grinding guide, makes life simple, get the perfect angle every time. The bonus is you also have a great general purpose tool holder for all normal turning, with very simple regrinding,
 
Last edited:
By now you should have an understanding of tool geometry with owning a lathe for seven years. Just think where you would be if you had tried to grind some tools from the get go! It s a skill needed and to be able to manufacture your own tool will save you money, time and allow you to complete jobs in house not depending on your wallet for all your tooling needs. The hss is so cheap!!! even quality stuff is reasonable. Grab a proper grinding wheel while your at it. Grab some HIGH SPEED STEEL ( sounds like you have relied too much on inserts) and a drill bit for the requird radius to compare your grind and have at her! Seven years, Really!
 
Even a badly worn grinder can give decent results with the right wheel. Get a friable white aluminum oxide wheel. Learn to grind your own tools. You will profit by the knowledge. The groove you want do not have to be precise radii. You just need a template to grind to. Radius gauges are really handy for that. You can drill a hole in thin material and use taht as a template. Don't worry about ruining a tool bit. If you mess up on the first attempt, just grind the end back a bit and correct the radius.

The suggestion of making a tangential tool is a good one. A drill blank would make an ideal form tool.
 
If you have a tangential tool holder you can make lots of circular profile tools from worn out / broken taps and center drills etc.
 
Back
Top