Lathe Tool Bits

Lathe Tool Bits

AIMS Industrial stocks HSS lathe tool bits — both blank and ground profiles — for manual and light CNC turning operations. Our range from Sutton Tools, Bordo and Maxigear includes turning, facing, boring, knurling and parting profiles in all standard sizes from 6 mm to 25 mm square.

Types of Lathe Tool Bits

• HSS blanks: Flat-ground square and rectangular HSS blanks for grinding custom tool profiles — the most flexible and cost-effective manual lathe tooling option.
• Left and right-hand turning tools: Pre-ground turning profiles for external OD reduction — left-hand faces towards chuck; right-hand faces towards tailstock.
• Facing tools: Ground for perpendicular facing passes on workpiece ends — right-hand facing is the standard for positive cross-slide feed direction.
• Parting tools: Narrow blade profiles for part-off operations — blade width from 2 mm to 4 mm for clean separation close to the chuck.
• Boring tools: Angled-nose profiles mounted in boring bars for enlarging and finishing internal bores — essential complement to external turning tools.

HSS Grade and Application

• M2 general-purpose HSS: The standard lathe tool material for most workshop steels, aluminium and brass at conventional cutting speeds.
• M42 cobalt HSS: 8% cobalt-enhanced HSS for stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys and hardened steel up to 45 HRC where M2 wears too quickly.
• Grinding technique: Grind clearance angles first, then rake, then hone the cutting edge with an oilstone — a razor-sharp edge dramatically improves finish and tool life.
• Coolant: Soluble cutting oil or neat cutting oil is recommended for HSS turning in steel — dry turning is acceptable for aluminium and brass.

Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.

Expert Support: Need help buying the right product for your application? Contact our team for application-specific advice or request a quote.

Also see our Hand Tools and Power Tool Accessories for complementary products.