Choose these premium carbide inserts to turn a variety of materials without changing out your tool. They’re made of higher-quality carbide than economy inserts, so they last longer and create a smoother finish. Install them into a matching holder. For the best performance, choose an insert designed for the material of your workpiece.

Inserts with a larger nose angle and tip radius remove more material with each pass, but they cut less precisely than smaller inserts. Select the insert with the largest nose angle and tip radius that will turn your workpiece to the shape you want.

Inserts for semi-interrupted cutting conditions are used to machine imperfectly round workpieces, such as shafts with a keyway. They’re the most common type of insert. Inserts for interrupted cutting conditions are best for workpieces that will come in and out of contact with the insert, such as hex bars.

Negative-rake inserts are the first choice for most turning applications. With strong cutting edges on two faces, they last longer than comparable positive-rake inserts. When all the edges on one face are worn, flip the insert over. Positive-rake inserts stick out in front of the holder to reach tight spaces on the workpiece. However, they only have cutting edges on one side.

Roughing inserts are used for removing material quickly when surface finish isn’t a concern. Medium inserts remove a moderate amount of material for a semi-smooth surface finish. Use finishing inserts at the end of your turning process to remove minimal material for a smooth surface finish.

Inserts with a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating dissipate heat well, especially at high speeds. The coating reacts to high temperatures by forming a layer of aluminum oxide. This layer transfers heat to the chips, so the tool stays cool even without lubrication. Titanium nitride (TiN) coated inserts create less friction than uncoated inserts, so they last longer when run at similar speeds. Uncoated inserts are sharper than coated inserts, so they leave a better finish on softer metals, such as aluminum. They’re good for general purpose cutting and short production runs.

Inserts with chip breakers prevent long chips from forming, so they won’t block the flow of coolant or damage your tool. Inserts without chip breakers are best for making shallow cuts or for finishing surfaces.

Inserts sold in packs come factory sealed from the manufacturer for maximum traceability. Inserts sold individually come packed in a clear plastic case to protect cutting edges during shipment.