SINGLE POINT TOOL BITS

Single point tool bits can be one end of a high-speed steel tool bit or one edge of a carbide or ceramic cutting tool or insert. Basically, a single point cutter bit is a tool that has only one cutting action proceeding at a time. A machinist or machine operator should know the various terms applied to the single point tool bit to properly identify and grind different tool bits (Figure).

1. The shank is the main body of the tool bit.
2. The nose is the part of the tool bit which is shaped to a point and forms the corner between the side cutting edge and the end cutting edge. The nose radius is the rounded end of the tool bit.
3. The face is the top surface of the tool bit upon which the chips slide as they separate from the work piece.
4. The side or flank of the tool bit is the surface just below and adjacent to the cutting edge.
5. The cutting edge is the part of the tool bit that actually cuts into the workpiece, located behind the nose and adjacent to the side and face.
6. The base is the bottom surface of the tool bit, which usually is ground flat during tool bit manufacturing.
7. The end of the tool bit is the near-vertical surface which, with the side of the bit, forms the profile of the bit. The end is the trailing surface of the tool bit when cutting.
8. The heel is the portion of the tool bit base immediately below and supporting the face.