From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation

Single point methods

From the course: Introduction to Mill and Lathe Operation

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Single point methods

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- The best way to describe single-point cutters is that only a single-cutting edge removes material at a time. Although the cutters may have several cutting edges, only one edge at any time touches the part while the machining is occurring. Some examples of single-point cutter tools are router and shaper bits, planing tools, boring bars, and the tip of the tool that does the cutting is called the principal cutting edge. Some of the advantages of a single-point tool are that the design and fabrication of single-point cutters is typically quite simple. Thus, these tools are comparatively affordable compared to a multi-point tool. Now, on the other hand, the disadvantages of single-point cutters is that since it's a single-cutting edge, it's in constant contact with the part that it's cutting, and the tools tend to wear out quicker. You also have to be very careful that the tool doesn't get too hot. You can very easily ruin a good tool if you do not properly cool as you cut. Since there's only one cutting edge, per se, the edge takes the entire cut, or the chip load as we call it, on a single pass. And that makes a removal rate a bit slower.

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