CNC Turning: tool and insert selection

Written By Dasarathi

Edited By Ashish

November 10, 2025

8 mins Read

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CNC – Tool and insert selection for Turning

How do you select the tool holder style, insert clamping type, insert clearance angle, insert shape and a dozen more parameters, so that you can cut your part in minimal time and get it to pass inspection ?

On most shop floors the tool used is a single ‘favourite’ tool, with no scientific basis for selecting the holder and insert. Just understanding the science behind the selection can improve your machining productivity hugely.

These documents will help you select turning tools and inserts:
CNC turning insert nomenclature
Boring holders iso nomenclature

If some of the terms in the document are unfamiliar to you, just read these earlier posts:

Text and pics. source: CADEM NCyclopedia multimedia CNC training software.

Author

Dasarathi G V

cadem

Dasarathi has extensive experience in CNC programming, tooling, and managing shop floors. His expertise extends to the architecture, testing, and support of CAD/CAM, DNC, and Industry 4.0 systems.

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