Types of Cutting Tools

 All cutting tools may be divided into two groups:

1.    1. Single point cutting tools

2.    2.  Multi point cutting tools

A single point cutting tool has a single cutting edge at the meeting point of three surfaces of the tool namely face, end flank and side flank. Single point tools are used in Lathe, shaper, Planer and Slotter. The chisel is a single point hand cutting tool.

Multi-point cutting tools have two or more cutting edges arranged together as a unit. File, saw, tap and die are examples for multi-point cutting tools. Milling cutter, Drill and Broach are multi-point cutting tools used in machines.

Single point cutting tool may be ground type, forged type, tipped type or bit type. In ground tool the cutting edge is formed by grinding the end of a piece of tool steel. In a forged tool the cutting edge is formed by rough forging before hardening and grinding. In a tipped tool the cutting edge is in the form of a small tip made of high grade material which is welded, brazed or screwed to a shank of low grade material. In the case of a bit tool, a high grade material of square, rectangular or some other shape is held mechanically in a tool holder.