The cutting process in a lathe is carried out by rotating the workpiece in the spindle and feeding the lathe carriage, in which the cutting tool is securely fixed. In most modern lathes, all types of lathe tools like cutters, drills, and taps are mounted through tool holders for lathe, which in turn are mounted in the turret. You can read about the types of turrets in our article on this lathe turret types.
Why Tool Holders for Metal Lathe Have Undeniable Advantages:
- Global standardization and versatility. The same tool holder lathe can be used on any other CNC machine with the same type of turret.
- Time-saving setup capability. The ability to set up and preset outside the machine = saving auxiliary time = saving your money.
- Cost-effective protection. A tool holder for lathe is relatively inexpensive (compared to the cost of the lathe turret), and in the event of tool and holder collisions with the workpiece, it is often only these elements that get damaged, rather than the expensive components of the CNC machine.
- Maximum flexibility. The ability to configure the lathe turret for each specific job. Engineers are not limited by previous setup or pre-engineered positions in the lathe turret, but only by the number of positions/posts in the revolver of the CNC machine. For example, for part X today, you need a long boring bar mounted in position No. 1, and tomorrow, due to the geometric constraints of part Y, you can place a parting tool or any other turning cutting tool in the same position.
Types of Static Tool Holders for Metal Lathe
CNC tool holder for metal lathe is classified by the type of machining and/or the type of tool to be mounted in the fixture and size. The main types of lathe tools holders include:
Radial Turning Tool Holder (OD)
The most common type of tool holder lathe for mounting tools with a square shank for machining the outer diameter of the workpiece. The tool in such holders is positioned perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the part (radially). The holder design always includes a slot for the tool and a clamping plate for fixation.
Axial Turning Tool Holder (OD/FACE)
Structurally identical to radial tool holders for lathe, except that the tool is positioned parallel to the axis of the spindle rotation (axially). Mainly used for holding tools for face grooving. They can also be used for external and internal turning operations.
Boring Bar Tool Holders (ID)
Used for mounting round shank boring bars for inside diameter (ID) machining. The bar is positioned against the face of the workpiece. Usually they have three clamping screws because the tool often needs to be clamped along a longer length. Typically, two nozzles for coolant supply are located externally on these lathe tools holders.
Indexable Drill Bodies Tool Holders
Used for mounting indexable drill bodies including U drills with interchangeable inserts or heads. They usually have two screws in a row and an additional positioning screw on another side. Designed for shanks with a large flat and internal coolant supply through the drill. This tool holder for metal lathe can be universal and also hold boring bars.
Cut-off Blade Tool Holders
Used for mounting flat parting blades. They replicate the design of radial tool holders for lathe, except for the square cross-section. The slot and clamping plate form a "dovetail" type mount for secure blade positioning.
Morse Taper Tool Holders
Used for mounting lathe static tools, mainly drills with a Morse taper shank. The hole in the tool holder lathe matches the Morse taper standard. There are Morse taper holders with side windows for access to the clamping screws of the adapter.
Tool Holders with Collet Chuck
Used in lathes for mounting small diameter drills and taps. Collet chucks typically range from ER16 to ER32 standards. The precision of lathe tools clamping and positioning highly depends on the runout of the collets used.
Tool Holders with Drill Chuck
Used for mounting drills in a classic jaw chuck. When the tail part rotates, the screw moves axially, giving the chuck jaws radial-axial movement. The jaws slide within the body and along the collar, securing or releasing the tool from the clamping force.
Tool Holders with Quick Change Tapping Chuck
Used for mounting taps and provide compression and tension compensation. A reliable mechanism compensates for possible misalignment between spindle rotation speed and feed movement (especially important during reverse operations).
Special Fixtures and Accessories
This category includes bar pullers, stop blocks, plugs, and blank blocks for custom manufacturing applications with your tool holder for metal lathe.
How to Choose the Right Tool Holders for Your CNC Metal Lathe?
We mentioned in the first paragraph that it is essential to know the type of turret your lathe has before selecting lathe tools and holders.
Next, there are two proven approaches to select tool holder lathe systems: purchasing a universal set of holders if you work in a general job shop or selecting tooling for a specific technology, i.e., a part or group of parts.
Universal Approach for Tool Holder Selection
If you are unsure what orders you will receive tomorrow, simply choose the most common tool holders for lathe from the latest catalogue. For example, if your CNC lathe has 10 positions for BMT65 holders, we recommend starting with the following lathe tools setup:
- 4 pcs radial turning tool holders (OD) – the primary function of a lathe is OD turning, threading, and external grooving, so this type of tool holder for metal lathe will certainly be used.
- 2 pcs axial turning tool holders (OD/FACE) – for additional universality in OD turning and must have for face grooving operations.
- 4 pcs universal tool holders for boring bars (ID) and indexable drills – you can't perform lathe machining without internal diameter turning, drilling, and other ID operations. Additionally, you can insert a wide range of accessories (collet chucks, bar pullers, tap holders, etc.) into the cylindrical holes of these tool holders for lathe.
Selecting Tool Holders for Specific Technology/Part
This method simplifies the selection of tool holder lathe systems to some extent. After receiving the process map from the technologist, you only need to ensure that each cutting tool has the corresponding tool holder for metal lathe. An important aspect of this selection is the correct placement of lathe tools in the lathe turret. For example, a long boring bar might interfere with OD turning, so these types of holders are better positioned in opposite locations in the turret, and so on.
Expert Tip: Keep monitoring suppliers' newsletters to get the latest tool holders for lathe innovations, and please always remember, if this is not your first CNC machine, first check your existing stock of lathe tools and holders. It is quite common for shops to purchase new tool holder for metal lathe that they already have. This will save you money and make your operations more sustainable.
