Tips

Picking the right tooling insert for machining metal isn’t always easy—there are so many shapes, coatings, and materials to choose from. The wrong choice can lead to rough finishes, worn-out tools, or even scrapped parts. Tooling inserts are essential in machining, offering versatility and efficiency for various applications.

Metalworking lathes are versatile machines used primarily for shaping metal and other solid materials. They are essential in various industries for machining parts using techniques such as: Turning, Facing, Drilling, Knurling, Parting, Taper Turning and Thread Cutting.

Minimizing downtime is crucial for metalworking machinist to keep operations running smoothly and meet production targets. However, maintenance-related downtime remains a significant pain point, impacting productivity, timelines and costs. Here are some of the key solutions machinists use to minimize downtime.

Keeping your tools sharp and effective is the key to a clean, efficient cut. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist or just getting your hands dirty in the shop, understanding the right machine tool inserts and coatings can make all the difference.

Producing a quality part on a lathe means knowing the end results needed and applying appropriate application of the tool.

Do you have what it takes to ace our machinist terms quiz? Test your lathe knowledge.

A place for everything and everything in its place. In the machine shop, it couldn’t ring truer. Here are four ways metalworking machinists can better organize their workspaces for improved efficiency and productivity: