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55° RH and LH Tool Holders for Inserts w/7° Relief Angle
These holders are identical to our standard 55° Insert Tool Holders, with one key distinction.
While our original 55° holders are designed for DPMT inserts with an 11° relief angle, these updated holders are configured for DCMT inserts, which feature a 7° relief angle.
Over time, insert availability and design options evolve. The DPMT insert, once standard in our 55° holders, has become increasingly scarce and offers fewer chip breaker variations. In contrast, the DCMT insert is widely available and comes in a broad range of styles, making it a more versatile and accessible option.
Note: Many customers machining brass found excellent results with our uncoated 11° DPMT insert featuring a straight-groove chip breaker. Unfortunately, this insert is no longer available. That’s why we introduced these updated holders to accommodate 7° DCMT inserts.
For those working with brass, insert P/N 7613 is an ideal replacement. It cuts cleanly and delivers a high-quality surface finish.
Coated inserts with various chip breaker designs are still available for both DPMT and DCMT styles.
Holders & Inserts sold separately
Related products
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.
