Tool maintenance
Establishing a routine for tool maintenance in the workshop will improve tool life in turning, prevent issues, and save money.
Check the insert seat
It is important to ensure that the insert seat has not been damaged during machining or handling.
Look for:
- Oversized pockets due to wear. The insert does not sit properly in the pocket sides. Use a 0.02 mm (0.0008 inch) gauge to check the gap
- No gaps in the corners between the shim and the bottom of the pocket are allowed
- Damaged shims. Shims should not have chipped corners in the cutting area
- Wear on the shim from the chip breaking and/or impressions from the insert
Clean the insert seat
Make sure that the insert seat is free from dust or chips produced when machining. If necessary, clean the insert seat with compressed air. If boring bars with cutting heads are used, it is also important to check and clean the coupling between the head and the bar when changing the cutting head.
