Guides

Buying guides for cutting tools

Short, plain answers to the questions buyers ask before they order: which type fits, what the codes mean, and what to check on the machine.

  1. How to read a turning holder code

    Turning holder codes follow ISO 5608. Each letter or number tells you one thing about the holder. Once you can read it, you can match a holder to an insert...

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  2. ER collet sizes: ER11 to ER40 clamping ranges

    ER is the most widely used collet system and is standardised as DIN 6499. The number after ER is the size of the collet series. A bigger ER number means...

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  3. BT40 and BBT40 tool holders: the difference

    BT40 and BBT40 holders look almost the same and share the same 7:24 taper. The difference is how they sit in the spindle.

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  4. A type, M type and UM type ER nuts: which one fits

    An ER collet chuck holds the tool with a collet and a nut. The ER nuts and chucks we sell come in three types: A, M and UM. These letters...

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  5. U drills: what 2D, 3D and 4D mean

    A U drill is an indexable-insert drill. It uses replaceable inserts instead of a ground cutting edge. The D in 2D, 3D and 4D stands for the drill diameter.

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