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Can anyone ID this insert?

David

Scrap maker
Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
I saw this insert in a Hersh Tools video and was struck by the finish it produced and how well the chipbreaker worked.
Does anyone know what it might be?

This is the top view
1743043683118.png
Side view
1743043840623.png
 
I have recently been trying to learn more about inserts in general, and have downloaded a few charts to decode the numbering systems. They all agree that the first character is the shape, but all the inserts shown are more or less "flat". This one looks sort of pyramidal. Also, it appears to mount from the side rather than the top? I know less about inserts than most, but I've certainly never seen anything like it. I suggest asking Hersh Tools.
 
I have recently been trying to learn more about inserts in general, and have downloaded a few charts to decode the numbering systems. They all agree that the first character is the shape, but all the inserts shown are more or less "flat". This one looks sort of pyramidal. Also, it appears to mount from the side rather than the top? I know less about inserts than most, but I've certainly never seen anything like it. I suggest asking Hersh Tools.
I do have a question in to him. He’s pretty good at replying.
 
In the comments :

"Swiss style front turning tool"
"the holder is made by ntk cutting tools. It’s a TFX insert"

But clearly there's a bit more to it than that...
Well that’s a start, thanks!
IMG_2234.png
 
I saw this insert in a Hersh Tools video and was struck by the finish it produced and how well the chipbreaker worked.
Does anyone know what it might be?

I have several insert holders for HSS Inserts that look like that. Typically, they are threading inserts, but not always.

In North America, they are specialty inserts made by the likes of AR Warner and Mesa Tools. Here is an example.

20250327_144353.jpg


They seem to be VERY popular on Ali Express in all different forms.

I am particularly fond of the fact that you can get HSS inserts in this format.
 
I have several insert holders for HSS Inserts that look like that. Typically, they are threading inserts, but not always.

In North America, they are specialty inserts made by the likes of AR Warner and Mesa Tools. Here is an example.

View attachment 62292


They seem to be VERY popular on Ali Express in all different forms.

I am particularly fond of the fact that you can get HSS inserts in this format.
Thanks John, what is the model of the holder for those?
 
I should add that I've also been able to hand grind a decent chip breaker into them. I really don't like long curly swarf. If I can avoid them, I do.
 
Ouch. At those prices - and US$ at that - for me that holder looks like a "make your own". But maybe theirs provides for internal coolant like the NTK one? But his site says he's all about hobbyists? This hobbyist has no internal coolant.
 
Ouch. At those prices - and US$ at that - for me that holder looks like a "make your own". But maybe theirs provides for internal coolant like the NTK one? But his site says he's all about hobbyists? This hobbyist has no internal coolant.

No internal coolant on that unit.

Yes, it is expensive. But it's main advantage is the HSS Inserts. It combines the convenient replaceability of inserts with the advantages of HSS (low speed cutting, interrupted cuts, razor sharp, very shallow cuts, can be sharpened with a regular grinder, etc etc.)

Yes, it cost me an arm and a leg, but I feel that it was totally worth it.
 
@David

Depending on which of his videos you watched he may have been using "unknownium" from the scrap bin (my own favorite!), so the cutting tool alone is not going to guarantee a great finish, whatever other advantages it may have.
 
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