Product Description
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55° Carbide Insert-10 Pack
While not inexpensive, carbide inserts offer excellent value—each insert provides four cutting edges, significantly reducing the need for frequent sharpening and saving valuable time.
Carbide cutters perform well on hard-to-machine materials like cold-rolled steel and are also effective on aluminum, brass, and leaded steels, offering exceptional durability. However, for the finest finishes on softer metals, a well-sharpened high-speed steel tool still delivers superior results.
This is the 10-pack of replacement carbide inserts for the following tool holders:
- Straight Insert Tool Holder
- 55° Carbide Tool Holders
- 55° RH Boring Bar
- 55° LH Boring Bar
- 55° RH 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
- 55° LH 3/8″ Boring Bar w/2 Flats
- Quick-Change Carbide Insert Tool Holder
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Always wear safety glasses when operating machine tools. |
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Download PDF Carbide Tip Tools Instructions
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| INSCRIBED CIRCLE | 0.250″ (6.35 MM) |
| CUTTING EDGE LENGTH | 0.254″ (6.45 MM) |
| INSERT THICKNESS | 0.094″ (2.38 MM) |
| CLEARANCE ANGLE MAJOR | 11° |
| INCLUDED ANGLE | 55° |
| ISO INSERT DESIGNATION | DPMT 21.51 |
| CORNER RADIUS | 0.016″ (0.4 MM) |
| MINIMUM FEED PER REVOLUTION | 0.002″ (0.05 MM) |
| MAXIMUM FEED PER REVOLUTION | 0.006″ (0.16 MM) |
| DEPTH OF CUT MINIMUM | 0.004″ (0.1 MM) |
| MAX DEPTH OF CUT | 0.059″ (1.5 MM) |
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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.
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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.
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° Carbide Insert-10 Pack
While carbide inserts may have a higher upfront cost, they offer excellent value by providing four usable cutting edges per insert and significantly reducing time spent on tool sharpening.
Carbide cutters excel at machining difficult materials such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, and bronze, delivering consistent performance and long tool life. They are also compatible with aluminum, brass, and leaded steels—though for these softer materials, a finely honed high-speed steel tool may still yield the best surface finish.
This is the 10-pack of replacement carbide inserts for the following tool holders:
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.
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.
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