Cut-Off and Grooving Tools

Grooving or parting off is a lathe operation where a thin cutting tool slices through a workpiece to generate a narrow groove or if cutting all the way through the material separate a finished or semi-finished component from the stock material.

We offer a wide range of tools for grooving, cut-off, and parting operations.

M2 HSS (molybdenum-alloy) is the most widely used high speed steel, offering an excellent balance of wear resistance, hardness, and toughness. That toughness allows it to handle interrupted cuts much better than carbide.

T-15 HSS (tungsten-alloy) is better for wear resistance, toughness, and hardness. T15's higher tungsten content provides superior heat resistance compared to M2, making it more suitable for high-speed applications. Its impact strength, while slightly lower than M2, is sufficient for interrupted cuts and hard materials like stainless. Its ability to maintain a sharp edge makes it ideal for gummy material like aluminum and brass.

Carbide blades are stronger than HSS and can withstand higher temperatures without damage. This means higher cutting speeds and feeds. Carbide can maintain it's cutting edge for a longer time, but its brittleness can lead to chipping long before it dulls.