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1/4″ HSS Tool Blank
Lathe tools—also known as tool bits—are the cutting tools used for turning, facing, and other operations on a lathe. The most commonly used are high-speed steel (HSS) tools, which are suitable for machining a wide range of materials including wood, plastic, aluminum, brass, and steel. HSS tools maintain their hardness at temperatures up to 1000°F (588°C), making proper depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed rate essential for optimal performance.
One of the key advantages of HSS tools is how easily they can be resharpened using a standard aluminum oxide grinding wheel. Once sharpened, they retain a keen cutting edge through extended use.
Each Sherline lathe comes with a pre-sharpened 1/4″ HSS cutting tool. Pre-ground tool sets—featuring right-hand, left-hand, and boring tools—are also available. However, for long-term savings and flexibility, learning to grind your own tools from blanks is recommended. Custom-shaped tools can be saved for repeat jobs or re-ground for new applications.


55° RH and LH Tool Holders for Inserts w/7° Relief Angle




Carbide Insert LH 55° 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
Sherline’s gang-tooling tool post (P/N 5930) was specifically designed for customers converting their Sherline lathe into a chucker-style or gang-tooling lathe. Since most parts produced on a chucker lathe are 1/2" (13 mm) in diameter or smaller, and the center-to-center spacing on our gang-tooling post is 1.5" (38 mm), we identified a practical opportunity: our boring bars can double as both boring and outside diameter (O.D.) turning tools.
To support this dual use, we modified our standard boring bars by adding a second locating flat. This allows them to be mounted with the insert face up or face down, providing flexibility for front- or back-side operations. For example, right-hand 80° and 55° boring bars can now be used effectively on either side of the part (see Figure 1).
These 3/8" diameter boring bars are designed to hold a 2-sided 55° carbide insert, secured with a Torx® screw. Each holder includes an 55° carbide insert and a Torx driver.
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Each holder is 3-1/4" long and can bore to a depth of just over 2" when secured with two set screws.
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Constructed from 1144 Stressproof® steel with a black oxide finish for strength and corrosion resistance.
See instructions below for additional guidance on using two-flat boring bars with gang tooling setups.
Pro Tip: Consider using the boring bar with the insert face down to help reduce chip buildup on the insert during cutting. This orientation can improve chip evacuation and extend insert life.

FIGURE 1—55° boring bars used as examples. The left-hand tools are used as turning tools, while the right-hand tools are used as boring tools.
Note: The straight-groove chip breaker shown in some older images is no longer available. Current inserts feature the spider web-style chip breaker as shown here


Carbide Insert LH 80° 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
Sherline’s gang-tooling tool post (P/N 5930) was specifically designed for customers converting their Sherline lathe into a chucker-style or gang-tooling lathe. Since most parts produced on a chucker lathe are 1/2" (13 mm) in diameter or smaller, and the center-to-center spacing on our gang-tooling post is 1.5" (38 mm), we identified a practical opportunity: our boring bars can double as both boring and outside diameter (O.D.) turning tools.
To support this dual use, we modified our standard boring bars by adding a second locating flat. This allows them to be mounted with the insert face up or face down, providing flexibility for front- or back-side operations. For example, right-hand 80° and 55° boring bars can now be used effectively on either side of the part (see Figure 1).
These 3/8" diameter boring bars are designed to hold a 2-sided 80° carbide insert, secured with a Torx® screw. Each holder includes an 80° carbide insert and a Torx driver.
-
Each holder is 3-1/4" long and can bore to a depth of just over 2" when secured with two set screws.
-
Constructed from 1144 Stressproof® steel with a black oxide finish for strength and corrosion resistance.
See instructions below for additional guidance on using two-flat boring bars with gang tooling setups.
Pro Tip: Consider using the boring bar with the insert face down to help reduce chip buildup on the insert during cutting. This orientation can improve chip evacuation and extend insert life.

FIGURE 1—55° boring bars used as examples. The left-hand tools are used as turning tools, while the right-hand tools are used as boring tools.
Note: The straight-groove chip breaker shown in some older images is no longer available. Current inserts feature the spider web-style chip breaker as shown here


Carbide Insert RH 55° 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
Sherline’s gang-tooling tool post (P/N 5930) was specifically designed for customers converting their Sherline lathe into a chucker-style or gang-tooling lathe. Since most parts produced on a chucker lathe are 1/2" (13 mm) in diameter or smaller, and the center-to-center spacing on our gang-tooling post is 1.5" (38 mm), we identified a practical opportunity: our boring bars can double as both boring and outside diameter (O.D.) turning tools.
To support this dual use, we modified our standard boring bars by adding a second locating flat. This allows them to be mounted with the insert face up or face down, providing flexibility for front- or back-side operations. For example, right-hand 80° and 55° boring bars can now be used effectively on either side of the part (see Figure 1).
These 3/8" diameter boring bars are designed to hold a 2-sided 55° carbide insert, secured with a Torx® screw. Each holder includes an 55° carbide insert and a Torx driver.
-
Each holder is 3-1/4" long and can bore to a depth of just over 2" when secured with two set screws.
-
Constructed from 1144 Stressproof® steel with a black oxide finish for strength and corrosion resistance.
See instructions below for additional guidance on using two-flat boring bars with gang tooling setups.
Pro Tip: Consider using the boring bar with the insert face down to help reduce chip buildup on the insert during cutting. This orientation can improve chip evacuation and extend insert life.

FIGURE 1—55° boring bars used as examples. The left-hand tools are used as turning tools, while the right-hand tools are used as boring tools.
Note: The straight-groove chip breaker shown in some older images is no longer available. Current inserts feature the spider web-style chip breaker as shown here


Carbide Insert RH 80° 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
Sherline’s gang-tooling tool post (P/N 5930) was specifically designed for customers converting their Sherline lathe into a chucker-style or gang-tooling lathe. Since most parts produced on a chucker lathe are 1/2" (13 mm) in diameter or smaller, and the center-to-center spacing on our gang-tooling post is 1.5" (38 mm), we identified a practical opportunity: our boring bars can double as both boring and outside diameter (O.D.) turning tools.
To support this dual use, we modified our standard boring bars by adding a second locating flat. This allows them to be mounted with the insert face up or face down, providing flexibility for front- or back-side operations. For example, right-hand 80° and 55° boring bars can now be used effectively on either side of the part (see Figure 1).
These 3/8" diameter boring bars are designed to hold a 2-sided 80° carbide insert, secured with a Torx® screw. Each holder includes an 80° carbide insert and a Torx driver.
-
Each holder is 3-1/4" long and can bore to a depth of just over 2" when secured with two set screws.
-
Constructed from 1144 Stressproof® steel with a black oxide finish for strength and corrosion resistance.
See instructions below for additional guidance on using two-flat boring bars with gang tooling setups.
Pro Tip: Consider using the boring bar with the insert face down to help reduce chip buildup on the insert during cutting. This orientation can improve chip evacuation and extend insert life.

FIGURE 1—55° boring bars used as examples. The left-hand tools are used as turning tools, while the right-hand tools are used as boring tools.
Note: The straight-groove chip breaker shown in some older images is no longer available. Current inserts feature the spider web-style chip breaker as shown here


Interchangeable Jaws
Certain delicate parts require gripping with softer jaw materials. Other operations require chuck jaws that do not transmit particles of rust to the part being held. To accommodate these special circumstances, Sherline now offers 2-piece chuck jaws with interchangeable top jaws made from special materials, and bottom master jaws*. In place of the standard hardened or optional unhardened (“soft”) steel 1-piece jaws, these new top jaws are .600” tall and come in soft materials like Delrin, Teflon, and Nylon, plus harder but non-rusting materials like brass and aluminum. The replaceable top jaws are fastened to the hardened steel bottom jaws with two countersunk socket head screws. They are not stepped so the customer can machine them for custom holding applications. Other materials are available by request.
*Please note that you must purchase the bottom master jaws before you can use the top jaws.
Tall Top JawsWe also offer taller jaws with heights of 1” and 1-1/2”. The tall jaws are made of aluminum and mild steel. These taller jaws were developed for a customer who uses our lathe for custom jewelry design and can be machined to hold custom work, as seen in the photo to the right.
About Top-Jaw Custom Orders See the Top-Jaw Custom Orders tab below to design your own chuck jaws.NOTE: To customers who are buying these jaws for an existing chuck, please measure the width of your current chuck jaws with a pair of mics so we can grind your master jaws to match. State your current jaw width in the comments box below. For first-time buyers who are buying a new chuck with these Master jaws, your jaws will be ground to match your chuck. The prices shown are for the jaws only (new chuck is not included).


Quick-Change Carbide Insert Tool Holder
This holder is not included with the Quick-Change Tool Post System (P/N 2250) but is available separately for users who want to take advantage of the enhanced cutting performance offered by carbide tools. The holder includes one 55° carbide insert with two cutting edges, secured by a small screw. A Torx wrench for tightening the screw is also provided.
Like the Quick-Change Tool Post and other dovetailed holders in the system, this inserted tip holder is made from case-hardened steel with a black oxide finish for durability and corrosion resistance.
To learn more about the benefits of using inserted tip carbide tools, CLICK HERE to download a detailed PDF guide.


55° RH and LH Tool Holders w/Carbide Inserts
These tool holders are available individually in right-hand or left-hand configurations, or as a matched pair. Each holder includes a 55° carbide insert, a hold-down screw, and a Torx® key for installation. Designed with a 3/8" square shank, they fit standard 3/8" tool posts, and the insert tip is precisely 0.375" from the base of the holder—an industry-standard dimension.
The 5° offset angle of the cutting tip provides added versatility for certain operations. For example, when the holder is squared with the crosslide, it allows you to turn an outside diameter (O.D.) up to a shoulder and then finish the shoulder by backing the tool out—while maintaining proper tool clearance.
Constructed from case-hardened steel with a durable black oxide finish, these holders are built for long-lasting performance.
Although carbide insert tools are more costly than high-speed steel (HSS) tools, they offer an advantage: when the cutting edge becomes dull or chipped, you can simply rotate the insert 180° to use the second edge—essentially giving you two tools in one.
While HSS tools remain the primary choice for miniature machining due to their low cost, resharpenability, and adaptability for custom form tools, carbide insert tools are invaluable for specific applications. They maintain a sharp edge when cutting hard or abrasive materials, reduce tool wear, and allow for faster machining—reasons why they're widely used in professional machine shops.
Note: Tool orientation is named by the direction the chip exits the tool. A right-hand tool has its cutting edge on the left, and the chip peels off to the right.
Updated Note: The previously used straight-groove chip breaker insert shown in some images is no longer available. All current inserts now come with the spider web-style chip breaker as shown here.


80° RH and LH Tool Holders w/Carbide Inserts
These holders are available individually in right-hand and left-hand configurations, or as a matched pair. Each includes an 80° carbide insert, a hold-down screw, and a Torx® key for installation.
Specifications & Features:
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3/8" square shank, compatible with standard 3/8" insert tool posts
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5° offset angle provides better tool clearance for complex operations
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Tip height is 0.375" from the base, meeting industry standards
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Constructed from case-hardened steel with a durable black oxide finish
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80° inserts are ideal for roughing cuts
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55° insert holders are also available for sharper corner access
For example, when the holder is squared with the crosslide, it allows you to turn an O.D. up to a shoulder, then finish the shoulder by backing the tool out—while maintaining proper clearance throughout the cut.
Advantages of Inserted Tip Carbide Tools
Although more expensive than high-speed steel (HSS), carbide inserts offer key benefits:
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Each insert can be rotated 180°, giving you two cutting edges per insert
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Maintain a sharp edge when cutting exotic alloys or abrasive materials
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Enable faster cutting speeds and improved surface finishes
While HSS tools are ideal for general use due to their affordability and ease of resharpening, carbide tools are essential for challenging jobs, which is why they're widely used in professional machine shops.
Note: Tool orientation is based on the direction of chip flow. A right-hand tool has its cutting edge on the left, with chips exiting to the right.
Chip Breaker Update: The previously used straight-groove chip breaker is no longer available. Current inserts now come with the improved spider web-style chip breaker, as shown in the updated product images.


RH 55° and 80° 3/8″ Boring Bars w/Carbide Inserts
These 3/8" diameter boring bars feature a carbide insert secured with a Torx® screw and come complete with a Torx wrench. Choose between:
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A 55° right-hand insert, suitable for starting holes as small as 3/4", ideal for reaching sharp internal corners
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An 80° insert, which fits into a smaller 1/2" hole and offers added strength for roughing operations
Each holder measures 3-1/4" long and can bore to a depth of just over 2" when properly secured with two set screws. Manufactured from durable 1144 Stressproof® steel with a black oxide finish, these tools are available individually or as a discounted set.
Why Choose Carbide Insert Tools?
While high-speed steel (HSS) remains common for small machine tools due to its low cost and resharpenability, carbide inserts offer significant advantages in demanding applications:
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Longer-lasting edges when cutting hard metals like stainless steel, titanium, or abrasive materials such as carbon fiber
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Faster cutting speeds and greater efficiency
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Each insert can be rotated 180°, effectively giving you two cutting edges per insert
Although carbide inserts can't be resharpened, their durability and versatility make them a preferred choice in professional machine shops.
Note: The older straight-groove chip breaker insert is no longer available. Current inserts include the spider web-style chip breaker, as shown in the updated images here & here


LH 55° & 80° 3/8″ Boring Bars w/Carbide Inserts
These 3/8" diameter boring bars hold a carbide insert secured with a Torx screw. Each comes with either a 2-sided 55° or 80° carbide insert and Torx wrench. The 55° LH boring tool will fit into a 3/4" starting hole. The 80° holder will fit into a smaller 1/2" hole. The 80° holder offers a little more strength for roughing cuts while the 55° insert will cut into sharper corners. The 3-1/4" long holder can bore a hole a little over 2" deep with two fastening screws tightened on it. The holders are made from 1144 Stress-proof steel with a black oxide finish. Available individually.
Left Hand Boring Bars
These LH boring bars are not intended to be used for boring on a standard Sherline lathe, as the spindle is not reversible without electronic modifications. They were developed for a Sherline tool that is now in development where they will be used as a turning tool from the backside with the bit upside down. Watch for the introduction of this new “chucker” lathe soon.
Advantages of Using Carbide Insert Tools
Though relatively expensive, if a cutting edge of a carbide insert becomes dull or chipped, the insert can be removed and rotated 180° to expose two new cutting surfaces, providing, in effect, two tools for the price of one.
The primary method of cutting metal on miniature machine tools is usually with high-speed steel tools as they are inexpensive, easily resharpened and can be ground into "form" tools for special jobs. However, inserted tip carbide tools can be lifesavers for some jobs. Though more expensive and not able to be resharpened, carbide tools hold their cutting edge when cutting exotic metals like stainless steel or titanium or abrasive materials like carbon fiber and can speed up the cutting process. This is why they are used for most cutting tasks in the modern professional machine shop.
NOTE: A tool is named by the direction from which the chip leaves the tool; so a right-hand tool has its cutting edge on the left and the chip peels off to the right.

X-Axis Backlash Nut


Y-Axis Backlash Nut


Saddle Nut Assembly with Ball


70° 50TPI Left Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 50 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 50 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


70° 50TPI Right Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 50 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 50 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


70° 80TPI Left Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 80 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 80 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


70° 80TPI Right Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 80 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 80 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


90º 20TPI Left Hand Spiral Knurl
STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 20 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC LEFT HAND Yes NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 20 SERIES EP … Continued


90º 20TPI Right Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 20 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 20 RIGHT HAND … Continued


90° 25TPI Left Hand Sprial Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 25 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 25 WHEEL DIAMETER 3/16″ … Continued


90° 25TPI Right Hand Sprial Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 25 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 25 WHEEL DIAMETER 3/16″ … Continued


90° 35TPI Left Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 35 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 35 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


90° 35TPI Right Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 35 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 35 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


90° 40TPI Left Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Left Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 40 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 40 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


90° 40TPI Right Hand Spiral Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN Right Hand TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 40 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 40 WHEEL DIAMETER … Continued


70° 35TPI Straight Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN STRAIGHT TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 35 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 35 SERIES EP WHEEL … Continued


70° 50TPI Straight Knurl
BRAND FORM ROLL STYLE Circular Pitch TOOTH PATTERN STRAIGHT TOOL MATERIAL High Speed Steel DIAMETER 1/2″ PITCH 50 WIDTH 3/16″ HOLE SIZE 3/16″ FINISH COATING Lapped Tooth Finish HARDNESS 58 to 60 RC NORMAL CIRCULAR TPI 50 SERIES EP WHEEL … Continued