LATHE

TOOLING
GUIDE
A reference guide to understanding how cutting
tools work and which inserts they pair with.

©Tormach® 2017. All rights reserved.

Specifications subject to change without notice.
DS10524_Lathe_Tooling_0717A TORMACH.COM
Tormach® CNC Lathe Tooling

REFERENCE GUIDE
To make the most of a machine purchase, it’s important to understand
how cutting tools work and which inserts they pair with. Here is some
background on lathe cutting tool and insert terminology:
• ISO/ANSI Inserts: Like metric and imperial measurements Table of
standards, the U.S. has its own tool insert classification system; they Contents
are called American National Standards Institute (ANSI) designations.
All of these ANSI classifications can be converted to the International 3 Turning Tools
Organization for Standardization (ISO) classifications, but this guide
includes both for easier selection.
• Cutting Tool Designations: Cutting tools are easily identified by 5 Boring Bars
their designation, which is universal between ISO and ANSI, and, in
the machine shop, tool slang often refers to the insert shape, which
is also available in the tool designation. Examples and explanations of 6 Turning/ Boring
designations are available at the start of each section. Inserts
• Right-Hand vs. Left-Hand vs. Neutral: Right-hand tools are the
most commonly used, because they can be used for most turning
applications, including making shoulders on the front of the workpiece. 9 Grooving/
Left-handed tools are typically chosen for back turning and making Parting Tools
sharp shoulders on the back of the workpiece. Neutral tools are ideal
for complex profiling, thanks to their narrow tips.
• Insert Shapes: There are a variety of insert shapes available, but the 10 Grooving/
general note is use wider inserts for simple geometry and roughing Parting Tool
passes, since they have more durability than a more narrow cutting Inserts
tool, which is needed for complicated or intricate parts.
• Chip Load: Chip load refers to how far the cutter moves with each
rotation of the spindle. All of the relevant information for this can be 10 Threading Tools
found in the insert’s designation with the workpiece’s material in mind.

We understand how confusing cutting tool selection can be for beginners, 11 Threading Tool
and our Wisconsin-based technical support team is ready to answer any Inserts
lathe-related questions. For more information about these products or to
view lathe tooling packages, visit: Tormach.com.

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TURNING TOOLS
Turning Tools

Turning tools are one of the most commonly used tools, and can be used
for roughing, facing, profiling, and finishing work on the exterior of a part.

T C L N R 16 4 D
Clearance - -
Clamping System Insert Shape Insert Rake Angle Hand Shank Height Insert I.C. Tool Length
Angle
Straight
S Screw Clamp C B B 5° R Right 2 0.25”
15°1
Straight
M Multi-Lock D D C 7° N Neutral 3 0.375”
45°1
Offset 0.375
R F N 0° L Left 06 4 0.5” A 4 Inches
0°2 Inch
Offset 4.9
S G 08 0.5 Inch 6 0.75” B
0°1 Inches
Offset 0.75
T J 12 C 5 Inches
-3°1 Inch
Offset 3.5
V K J
15°2 Inches
Offset
W L
-5°1, 2
Straight
M
50°1
Offset
S
45°1
Straight
V
17.5°1
1
Side Cutting Edge
2
End Cutting Edge

3/8-Inch Tools

The 3/8-inch tools are designed for use with the Tormach® RapidTurn®,
since the tool holders require a tool with a 3/8-inch shank.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Insert Screw Size Screw PN Wrench Size Wrench PN
35634 SCLCR 06-2J Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35635 SCLCL 06-2J Left CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35636 SCKCR 06-2J Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35637 SCSCR 06-2J Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35638 SCMCN 06-2J Neutral CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35639 SCBCR 06-2J Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36055 SDJCR-06-2J Right DC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36056 SDJCL-06-2J Left DC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36061 SRDCN-06-6J Neutral RC _ _ 0602 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36057 SDNCN-06-2J Neutral DC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239

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 1/2-Inch Tools

The 1/2-inch tools are ideal for turning on a lathe with a gang toolholding
system, since the tool holders are designed for 1/2-inch tools.

PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Insert Screw Size Screw PN Wrench Size Wrench PN
35180 SDJCR 08-3A Right DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35642 SCLCR 08-2A Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35643 SCLCL 08-2A Left CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35644 SCKCR 08-2A Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35645 SCSCR 08-2A Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35646 SCMCN 08-2A Neutral CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35647 SCBCR 08-2A Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36017 SSDCN-08-3A Neutral SC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36021 SDJCR-08-3A Right DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36022 SDJCL-08-3A Left DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36023 SDNCN-08-3A Neutral DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36024 SVJBR-08-2A Right VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36025 SVJBL-08-2A Left VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36026 SVVBN-08-2A Neutral VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36062 SRDCN-08-6A Neutral RC _ _ 0602 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239

1/2-Inch Tools with Clamp

The 1/2-inch tools are ideal for turning on a lathe with a gang
toolholding system, since the tool holders are designed for 1/2-inch tools.
With a clamp insert holding system, the insert has more support for high
horsepower machines, because there is more force holding it in place than
with a screw clamping system.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Screw Desc. Screw PN Clamp PN Clamp Wrench Clamp Screw PN
35181 MTGNR 08-2A Right TN _ _ 22 _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
35182 MTFNR 08-2A Right TN _ _ 22 _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
35183 MSDNN 08-3B Neut. SN _ _ 32 _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415

3/4-Inch Tools

The 3/4-inch tools are ideal for lathes, including the 15L Slant-PRO™
Lathe by Tormach®, with 3/4-inch Quick-Change Tool Holders and 3/4-
inch turret systems because of their size. Other tools, including 3/8-inch
and 1/2-inch tools, require shims to properly fit, impacting tool rigidity.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Insert Screw Size Screw PN Wrench Size Wrench PN
35420 SCLCR 12-3C Right CC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35421 STFCR 12-3C Right TC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
35650 SCLCR 12-4B Right CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243
35651 SCLCL 12-4B Left CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243
35652 SCKCR 12-4B Right CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243
35653 SCSCR 12-4B Right CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243
35654 SCMCN 12-4B Neutral CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243
35655 SCBCR 12-4B Right CC _ _ 43_ M5 35660 T20 31243

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 PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Insert Screw Size Screw PN Wrench Size Wrench PN
36018 SSDCN-12-4C Neutral SC _ _ 43 _ M5 35660 T20 31243
36052 SDJCR-12-3C Right DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36053 SDJCL-12-3C Left DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36054 SDNCN-12-3C Neutral DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ M4 x 10 mm 35189 T15 31251
36058 SVJBN-12-2C Neutral VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36059 SVJBL-12-2C Left VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36060 SVVBN-12-2C Neutral VB _ _ 22 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239
36063 SRDCN-12-6C Neutral RC _ _ 0602 _ M2.5 35658 T8 31239

3/4-Inch Tools with Clamp

With a clamp insert holding system, the insert has more support for high
horsepower machines, because there is more force holding it in place than
with a screw clamping system.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Screw Desc. Screw PN Clamp PN Clamp Wrench Clamp Screw PN
33130 MCLNR 12-4C Right CN _ _ 43 _ M6 x 17 mm 34339 34409 M4 Hex 34414
33131 MWLNR 12-4C Right WN _ _ 43 _ M6 x 17 mm 34339 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
33132 MTFNR 12-3C Right TN _ _ 33 _ M4 x 15 mm 34400 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
33133 MVJNR 12-3C Right VN _ _ 33 _ M4 x 15 mm 34400 34411 M2.5 Hex 34414
33338 MCLNL 12-4C Left CN _ _ 43 _ M6 x 17 mm 34339 34409 M4 Hex 34414
33339 MWLNL 12-4C Left WN _ _ 43 _ M6 x 17 mm 34339 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
33340 MTFNL 12-3C Left TN _ _ 33 _ M4 x 15 mm 34400 34410 M2.5 Hex 34415
33341 MVJNL 12-3C Left VN _ _ 33 _ M4 x 15 mm 34400 34411 M4 Hex 34414
33342 MVVNN 12-3C Neut. VN _ _ 33 _ M4 x 15 mm 34400 34411 M4 Hex 34414

BORING BARS
S 06 H - S C L C R - 2
Shank Bar Diameter Tool Length Clamping System Shape Clearance Angle Rake Angle Hand Insert I.C.
Offset 0.25
S Steel 05 0.3125 Inch H 4 Inches D Double Clamp C L N 0° L Left 2
-5°1,2 Inch
Offset 0.375
06 0.375 Inch M 6 Inches S Screw Clamp T F B 5° R Right 3
0°2 Inch
08 0.5 Inch Q 7 Inches 1
Side Cutting Edge C 7° 4 0.5 Inch
2
End Cutting Edge
10 0.625 Inch R 8 Inches
12 0.75 Inch S 10 Inches

Boring Bars

Boring bars are easily recognized by their circular, bar design. They come
in a variety of sizes, and help make an already existing hole bigger or to
refine the finish of hole. All 3/4-inch boring bars are compatible with 15L
Slant-PRO™ gang tool holders. Smaller boring bars require a gang block
bushing, which Tormach® sells in 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and
5/8-inch sizes.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Wrench Size Wrench PN Screw Desc. Screw PN
35632 S06H-SCLCR-2 Right CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
35633 S06H-SCLCL-2 Left CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658

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 PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Wrench Size Wrench PN Screw Desc. Screw PN
35640 S08M-SCLCR-2 Right CC _ _ 3(2.5) _ T15 31251 M4 x 10 mm 35189
35641 S08M-SCLCL-2 Left CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
35648 S12S-SCLCR-4 Right CC _ _ 43_ T20 31243 M5 35660
35649 S12S-SCLCL-4 Left CC _ _ 43_ T20 31243 M5 35660
36036 S12S-STFCR-3 Right TC _ _ 3(2.5) _ T15 31251 M4 x 10 mm 35189
36037 S10R-STFCR-2 Right TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
36038 S08Q-STFCR-2 Right TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
36039 S06M-STFCR-2 Right TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
36040 S05H-STFCR-2 Right TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
37121 S12S-STFCL-3 Left TC _ _ 3(2.5) _ T15 31251 M4 x 10 mm 35189
37122 S10R-STFCL-2 Left TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
37123 S08Q-STFCL-2 Left TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
37124 S06M-STFCL-2 Left TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658
37125 S05H-STFCL-2 Left TC _ _ 22 _ T8 31239 M2.5 35658

Boring Bars, with Clamp

With a clamp insert holding system, the insert has more support for high
horsepower machines, because there is more force holding it in place than
with a screw clamping system.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Screw Desc. Screw PN Clamp PN Clamp Wrench Clamp Screw PN
33135 S12S-DCLNR-3 Right CN _ _ 32 _ M5 x 8 mm 34401 34413 M3 Hex 34417
33356 S12S-DCLNL-3 Left CN _ _ 32 _ M5 x 8 mm 34401 34413 M3 Hex 34417

TURNING/ BORING INSERTS

C C M T 2 (1.5) 1
Insert Shape Clearance Angle Tolerance Chip Breaker Cutting Edge I.C./ Length Thickness Corner Radius
0.094
C B 5° m t d G 2 0.25 Inch 1.5 0 0.004
Inch
0.125
D C 7° G +- 0.001 +- 0.005 +- 0.001 T 3 0.375 Inch 2 1 0.016
Inch
+- 0.003- +- 0.002- 0.156
S N 0° M +- 0.005 4 0.5 Inch 2.5 2 0.031
0.007 0.005 Inch
0.187
T 3
Inch

CC _ _ 2(1.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
32419 CCMT 2(1.5)1 60204 General Purpose
34666 CCMT 2(1.5)1 60204 Steel
36065 CCGT 2(1.5)1 60204 Aluminum

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 CC _ _ 3(2.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
35004 CCGX 3(2.5)2 09T308 Aluminum
35023 CCGT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Aluminum
36064 CCMT 3(2.5)1 09T304 Steel

CC _ _ 43 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
35026 CCGT 431 120404 Aluminum
35027 CCGT 433 120412 Aluminum
35657 CCMT 431 120404 Steel

CN _ _ 32 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33136 CNMG 322 160608 Steel

CN _ _ 43 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33137 CNMG 432 120408 Steel

DC _ _ 2(1.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
32420 DCMT 2(1.5)0 60201 General Purpose
36066 DCMT 2(1.5)1 60204 Steel, Stainless
36068 DCGT 2(1.5)1 60204 Aluminum

DC _ _ 3(2.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
36067 DCMT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Steel
36069 DCGT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Aluminum

RC _ _ 0602 _ Inserts

Round inserts, compatible with certain toolholders, offer extra strength

and are ideal for profiling large contours.
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
36072 RCMT 0602M0 - General Purpose Steel
36073 RCMT 0602M0 - Aluminum

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 SC _ _ 3 (2.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
36074 SCMT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Steel
36076 SCGT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Aluminum

SC _ _ 43 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
36075 SCMT 431 120404 Steel
36077 SCGT 431 120404 Aluminum

SN _ _ 32 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
35187 SNMG 322 90608 Steel

TC _ _ 22 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
31073 TCMT 221 60604 High temperature alloys
31074 TCMT 221 60604 Steel
31075 TCMT 222 60606 High temperature alloys
31076 TCMT 222 60606 Steel
36080 TCMT 221 60304 Steel
36084 TCGT 221 60604 Aluminum

TC _ _ 3(2.5) _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33353 TCMT 3(2.5)2 16T308 General Purpose
35019 TCGT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Aluminum
36081 TCMT 3(2.5)1 16T304 Steel

TN _ _ 22 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
35186 TNMG 222 110608 Steel

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 TN _ _ 33 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33139 TNMG 332 160408 Steel

VB _ _ 22 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
36070 VBMT 221 60604 Steel

VN _ _ 33 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33140 VNMG 332 160408 Steel

WN _ _ 43 _ Inserts
PN Designation ANSI ISO Materials
33138 WNMG 432 80402 Steel

GROOVING/ PARTING TOOLS

R 12.7 3
SGTH -
Hand Shank Size Tool Width
L Left 9.5 9.5 mm 3 3 mm
R Right 12.7 12.7 mm 4 4 mm
19 19 mm

Grooving Tools

Grooving tools can part, groove, and cut off workpieces while offering a
consistent, smooth finish. Grooving tools are ideal for detailed exterior
operations that turning tools do not have the clearance to perform.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts
33347 SGTHR 19-4 Right GTN-4
33348 SGTHL 19-4 Left GTN-4
37128 SGTHR 9.5-3 Right GTN-3
37129 SGTHL 9.5-3 Left GTN-3

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 37130 SGTHR 12.7-3 Right GTN-3
37131 SGTHL 12.7-3 Left GTN-3
37132 SGTHR 19-3 Right GTN-3
37133 SGTHL 19-3 Left GTN-3

Parting Tool Kit

PN 33134

The Parting Tool Kit is ideal for parting workpieces with a large
diameter. The kit includes one SLTBN19-5 toolholder, two GTN-3 inserts
(PN 34420), one NCIH26-3 blade, and wrenches.

GROOVING TOOL INSERTS

GTN-3 Inserts
PN Designation Materials
34420 GTN-3 Steel

GTN-4 Inserts
PN Designation Materials
32841 GTN-4 Steel

THREADING TOOLS
S I R 0375 H 11
Clamping System Application Hand Shank Size Tool Length Insert Size
C Clamp E External R Right 11 1/4 Inch
S Screw I Internal L Left 16 3/8 Inch
N
0750 0.75 Inch H 4 Inches
0375 0.375 Inch K 5 Inches
0500 0.5 Inch P 7 Inches

Threading Tools

Threading tools form threads on the outer or inner diameters of a part

using a single-point tool. The relationship between the spindle speed and
feed rate of the threading tool is critical to form good threads.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Insert Screw Desc. Screw PN Wrench Size Wrench PN
33349 SIR0375H11 ID 11IRA60 M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35210 SER0500H11 OD 11ERAG60 M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35213 SEL0500H11 OD 11ELAG60 M2.5 35658 T8 31239
35214 SIL0375H11 ID 11ILAG60 M2.5 35658 T8 31239

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 Threading Tools, with Clamp

With a clamp insert holding system, the insert has more support for high
horsepower machines, because there is more force holding it in place than
with a screw clamping system.
PN Designation Hand Compatible Inserts Screw Desc. Screw PN Clamp PN Clamp Wrench Clamp Screw PN
33144 CER0750K16 OD 16ELAG60 M5 x 8 mm 34401 34412 M3 Hex 34416
33145 CNR0750P16 ID 16ILAG60 M5 x 8 mm 34401 34412 M3 Hex 34416
34418 CEL0750K16 OD 16ELAG60 M5 x 8 mm 34401 34412 M3 Hex 34416
34419 CNL0750P16 ID 16ILAG60 M5 x 8 mm 34401 34412 M3 Hex 34416

THREADING TOOL INSERTS

16 E R AG 60
Insert Shape Application Hand of Tool Pitch Thread Standard
Length (Inches) I.C. E External L Left Partial
AG 0.5-3 mm/ 48-8 TPI 60
16 3/8 Inch I Internal R Right Profile 60°

16 _ _ AG50 Inserts
PN Designation Materials
34421 16ELAG60 General Purpose
33158 16ERAG60 General Purpose
34422 16ILAG60 General Purpose
33159 16IRAG60 General Purpose

11 _ _ A60 Inserts
PN Designation Materials
37288 11ELAG60 General Purpose
37287 11ERAG60 General Purpose
35582 11ILAG60 General Purpose
33346 11IRA60 General Purpose

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