Single point cutting tools for the lathe are ground sharpened for the on center settings. Tilting the cutting
tool to some angle other than the angle for which it was ground will affect the cutting action. A Single
point cutting tool should be set in the position for which it is ground. For a heavy cut, the cutting edge of
a cutting tool should be arranged so that it will deflect under heavy forces away from the work piece
surface instead of into the work piece surface. The cutting force may become great enough to deflect
the cutting tool about the vertical axis of the tool post. For light cuts, the cutting edge may be set ahead
of the tool post in the direction of feeding.
SHARPENING THE BIT
You will need some type of bench grinder to sharpen the tool bits when they get dull. Inmost cases the bit
can be sharpened without a gauge, after you get some experience. When sharpening the bits, be sure
that you have enough clearance so the tool does not rub on the work.
This can be checked with the tool in the holder and the point on the center of the work piece, or it can be
set on the center that is in the tail stock.