Carbide Lathe Tooling Advice

[Aur0r4]

Hello Chief Delphi,

Our team is looking to purchase some carbide lathe tooling and I was hoping some team machinists could share recommendations for FIRST-specific work.

I've done extensive research and turned up a few recommendations in a sea of "I like this type of insert" followed by responses detailing why that insert is NOT the right tool despite OP's success with it. Needless to say, going to MSC or other tool suppliers websites just reiterates the fact that the options available are only exceeded in number by the opinions on them .

Our applications are typical to all things FIRST but our machine shop is only manual. Skill level: moderate. We've made some nice parts on our school's well worn machines (ok, they were beat up when I was a student far too many years ago). Not having accurate or square machines at the start of build season will force improvement in skills in a hurry...

Anyway, what are some recommendations for basic, robot-grade carbide lathe tooling? I am most curious about opinions on types and geometry over insert quality (the guys on PM made a great case for avoiding the fifty cent specials).

Thanks for any thoughts!