Cutting Tools
This multi-fluted rotating cutting tool is primarily used on a milling machine to cut flat surfaces, slots, and keyways.
End Mill
Mounted on the spindle, this workholding device uses three or four movable jaws to clamp raw cylindrical stock.
What is a chuck?
Utilizing a calibrated internal screw thread, this precision instrument measures thicknesses to within 0.0001 inches.
What is a micrometer?
This hand tool is turned into a pre-drilled hole using a wrench to cut internal screw threads.
What is a tap?
Abbreviated SFM, this term measures the speed at which the material surface moves past the cutting edge in feet per minute.
What is Surface Feet per Minute?
This tool is used after drilling to enlarge a hole to a precise diameter and produce a smooth surface finish.
Reamer
This turning operation cuts across the end of a workpiece to produce a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
What is facing?
Featuring sliding jaws and digital, dial, or vernier scales, this handheld tool measures inside, outside, and depth dimensions.
What is a caliper?
This tool is used on the outside of a round rod to cut external screw threads.
What is a thread die (or die)?
This liquid is directed at the cutting zone during machining to lubricate the cut, absorb heat, and flush chips.
What is cutting fluid (or coolant)?
These replaceable, heat-resistant cutting tips typically made of tungsten _______ are clamped directly onto toolholders.
Carbide Inserts
Positioned on the right side of the lathe bed, this component supports long stock or holds drill chucks and reamers.
What is the tailstock?
These ultra-precise ground steel blocks serve as dimensional reference standards to calibrate shop measuring equipment.
What are gauge blocks (or Jo blocks)?
Mounted directly to a workbench, this heavy clamping device holds workpieces securely during filing, sawing, or tapping.
What is a bench vise?
Expressed as IPM or IPR, this variable defines how fast the cutting tool advances relative to the workpiece.
What is the feed rate?
This tool angle, measured in degrees, represents the slope of the cutting face relative to a line perpendicular to the work surface.
What is the rake angle?
This process involves pressing hardened pattern wheels into a revolving workpiece to form a diamond or straight grip texture.
What is knurling?
This measuring tool uses a spring-loaded lever or plunger to display minute surface deviations or shaft runout.
What is a dial test indicator (DTI)?
This lightweight, non-magnetic, silvery metal is one of the easiest and most common materials to machine in a shop.
What is aluminum?
In the simplified shop formula:
RPM = (SFM * 4) / D
The letter D represents this measurement of the stock or cutter.
What is diameter (in inches)?
This disk-shaped cutter with straight or staggered teeth is designed specifically to cut rounded keyseats into shafts.
What is a Woodruff keyseat cutter?
This tapered steel device fits directly into the lathe spindle or tailstock to support workpieces between centers without jaws.
What is a lathe center (or live/dead center)?
Abbreviated CMM, this machine uses a tactile touch probe or laser to measure complex part geometries in 3D space.
What is a Coordinate Measuring Machine?
In the Unified Thread Standard, external thread classes 1A and 2A include a built-in safety gap called an "allowance" between the maximum material condition and basic size. For ultra-precision Class 3A external threads, this allowance is set to exactly this numerical value.
What is zero?
This unwanted thin ridge or raised edge of metal left behind after machining must be deburred before final inspection.
What is a burr?