Lathe Tool Holders

It is essential that the insert be supported in a strong, rigid manner to minimize deflection and possible vibration. Consequently, turning tools are supported in various types of heavy, forged steel tool holders.
The turning tool body generally does not feature quite so much engineering as the insert, but even here there are a range of choices for fine-tuning the process. Quick-change tools involve modular bodies that allow replacement tool bodies to be swapped in and out and locked in place quickly to minimize setup time. The turning tool body can also channel high-pressure coolant more effectively to the cutting edge of the tool.
The ANSI numbering system for turning tool holders has assigned letters to specific geometries in terms of lead angle and end cutting edge angle. The primary lathe machining operations of turning, facing, grooving, threading and cutoff are covered by one of the seven basic tool styles outlined by the ANSI system.
The designations for the seven primary tool styles are A, B, C, D, E, F and G.