When it comes to grooving, the focus at Scientific Cutting Tools Inc. For a 102 mm (4') tool length, the measurement should be off by no more than about 0.1 mm (0.004'), he said.Ĭommon grooving options today include solid-carbide tools and indexables. He recommends running an indicator along the length of the tool to check perpendicularity. If the tool isn’t, “the edge of your tool is going to be tilted, so you could potentially be running scrap parts,” said Clay East, national product manager for grip systems at Iscar Metals Inc. Shops can get off to a good start with grooving by making sure the tool in the lathe turret is perpendicular to the workpiece surface. Time spent upfront on these important topics can pay off in longer tool life, faster cycle times and better grooving results. Specific items that should be considered include proper preparation, tool and process options and what the latest technology has to offer. When a grooving operation is required, don’t plunge in without giving careful thought to what you’ll be using and how to go about the task.