Tool length overview

The diagram shows a cutting tool, made up of a tip (yellow) and shank (green), mounted in a holder (red). The tool is mounted in the spindle of a machine (grey).

The colours used here correspond to those used in the PowerMill Tool dialogs.

Spindle

Holder length

Gauge face

Overhang

Cutting length

Gauge length

The Cutting length represents the part of the cutter that removes material. This is the Tip length.

The Overhang is the amount by which the cutter protrudes from the tool holder. This typically includes part of the Shank length. The Overhang is fixed when the cutter is mounted in the holder.

Tip: To obtain maximum tool life, keep the Overhang to the minimum length necessary to prevent the holder from hitting the part or unmachined stock.

The Holder length is the total length of all parts of the holder assembly that protrude from the spindle when the holder is mounted in the machine.

The Gauge length is the total length of the cutter and holder assembly when it is mounted in the machine. It is measured from the tip of the tool to the Gauge face, which is the ground face of the spindle.