Every Job a Small Lathe Faces Seven indexable holders and fourteen CVD-coated carbide inserts turn one box into a full tool rack: turning and chamfering with SCLCR/SDJCR/SDNCN, grooving and parting with MGEHR, external 60° threads with SER, internal threads with SNR, and boring with the S10K-SCLCR06 bar. Each holder uses standard ISO insert styles, so replacement inserts stay easy to source.
Matched for Home-Workshop Metals The insert geometry favors the three metals most hobby machining touches: 6061 aluminum, 360 brass, and 12L14 free-cutting steel, with low-carbon steel handled comfortably at moderate speeds. Positive rake keeps the cut free and the finish smooth on light bench lathes. 304/316 stainless is possible only with conservative speeds, feeds, and depth of cut. The working window covers metals up to 40 HRC (Rockwell C) — aluminum, brass, free-cutting and low-carbon steels, plus many annealed or pre-hardened alloy steels on light passes. Hardened tool steel, titanium, and nickel-based alloys sit above 40 HRC and are outside this kit's design range.
Honest Steel: AISI 1045 Bodies Each of the seven holder bodies is machined from AISI 1045 medium carbon steel (45#), quenched and tempered for strength and toughness, then finished with black oxide to resist shop rust. The body never does the cutting itself — its job is to hold the carbide insert rigidly and on center — so a properly hardened 1045 body delivers the stiffness this kit needs without exotic-material claims. The CVD-coated carbide inserts carry the cutting edge; the steel shank carries the load.
A Threading Pair That Covers Both Sides External threading needs a right-hand 60° holder; internal threading needs its own bar and a workpiece bore that clears it. This kit includes both — SER for outside threads and SNR for inside threads — which is the combination most entry kits omit.
The 10mm Shank Question, The shank is metric 10mm square (0.394"). It fits metric 10mm tool posts and metric quick-change holders, and most QC posts with interchangeable shims. A standard 3/8" English tool post opening is 0.375" — smaller than the shank — so measure your post before ordering. When in doubt, this listing's holders work best where a 10mm or 3/8"-nominal metric seat is available.
What's in the Box Seven indexable holders (SCLCR1010H06, SDJCR1010H07, SDNCN1010H07, SER1010H11, SNR0010K11, MGEHR1010-2, S10K-SCLCR06), fourteen CVD-coated carbide inserts, and a matching wrench for every holder. Inserts ship loose and mount in seconds with the included wrench.