Lathe Tool Holders

On a lathe the workpiece turns in the spindle and the cutting tool is fed into it. On any modern CNC turning centre that tool — insert holder, boring bar, drill or tap — does not sit in the machine directly. It sits in a tool holder for lathe, and the holder sits in the turret. Which turret you have is the first thing to establish; our article on lathe turret types covers the differences.

Why tool holders for lathe turrets are a separate part

It is standardised. The same tool holder lathe block fits any machine with the same turret interface, whatever badge is on the front of it. Change the lathe, keep the tooling.
It comes off the machine. Setting and presetting happen at the bench while the spindle keeps running. That is the whole argument, and it is measured in hours per week.
It is the cheap part that breaks. A tool holder for metal lathe costs a fraction of a turret. In a crash it is usually the holder and the tool that take the damage instead of the machine.
It keeps the turret free. Nothing is committed. Position 1 carries a long boring bar for today's part and a parting blade tomorrow — you are limited by the number of turret stations, not by how the machine was tooled last year.

Types of static tool holders for lathe turrets

A tool holder for metal lathe work is classified by the operation and by the tool it carries. What we stock and can supply:

Radial turning holder (OD)

The most common tool holder lathe block. Takes a square-shank turning tool set perpendicular to the spindle axis for outside-diameter work. A pocket and a clamping plate, nothing more — and nothing to go wrong.

Axial turning holder (OD/FACE)

Built like the radial tool holder for lathe work, but the pocket runs parallel to the spindle axis. Its real job is face grooving, though it will take OD and ID work as well.

Boring bar holder (ID)

For round-shank boring bars working the inside diameter. Usually three clamping screws rather than two, because a bar needs holding over more of its length, and normally two external coolant nozzles aimed at the cutting point.

Indexable drill holder

For indexable drill bodies and U-drills — shanks with a large flat and coolant through the tool. Two screws in line plus a positioning screw from the side. In practice this holder doubles as a boring bar holder, which is why it is the one to buy if you are unsure.

Cut-off blade holder

For flat parting blades. Same idea as the radial holder, but the pocket and clamping plate form a dovetail instead of a square seat.

Morse taper holder

For drills with a Morse taper shank. Some versions have a side window so you can reach the drift or clamping screw without stripping the setup.

Why tool holders for lathe turrets are a separate part

It is standardised. The same tool holder lathe block fits any machine with the same turret interface, whatever badge is on the front of it. Change the lathe, keep the tooling.

It comes off the machine. Setting and presetting happen at the bench while the spindle keeps running. That is the whole argument, and it is measured in hours per week.

It is the cheap part that breaks. A tool holder for metal lathe costs a fraction of a turret. In a crash it is usually the holder and the tool that take the damage instead of the machine.

It keeps the turret free. Nothing is committed. Position 1 carries a long boring bar for today's part and a parting blade tomorrow — you are limited by the number of turret stations, not by how the machine was tooled last year.

Types of static tool holders for lathe turrets

A tool holder for metal lathe work is classified by the operation and by the tool it carries. What we stock and can supply:

Radial turning holder (OD)

Axial turning holder (OD/FACE)

Built like the radial tool holder for lathe work, but the pocket runs parallel to the spindle axis. Its real job is face grooving, though it will take OD and ID work as well.

Boring bar holder (ID)

Indexable drill holder

Cut-off blade holder

For flat parting blades. Same idea as the radial holder, but the pocket and clamping plate form a dovetail instead of a square seat.

Morse taper holder

For drills with a Morse taper shank. Some versions have a side window so you can reach the drift or clamping screw without stripping the setup.

Lathe Tool Holders

Why tool holders for lathe turrets are a separate part

Types of static tool holders for lathe turrets

Radial turning holder (OD)

Axial turning holder (OD/FACE)

Boring bar holder (ID)

Indexable drill holder

Cut-off blade holder

Morse taper holder

Why tool holders for lathe turrets are a separate part

Types of static tool holders for lathe turrets

Radial turning holder (OD)

Axial turning holder (OD/FACE)

Boring bar holder (ID)

Indexable drill holder

Cut-off blade holder

Morse taper holder

Collet chuck holder

Drill chuck holder

Quick-change tapping holder

Blanks, stops and specials

Which turret do you have

How to choose a set of tool holders

The general job shop set

Tooling for a specific part

Before you order

Buying lathe tool holders from CNCmarket

Frequently Asked Questions