What is tool reading and why is it important? It is a skill which seems to be all but forgotten about, but it was an important part of my training towards the machinist I am today.
Reading a tool is the ability to look at any cutting tool and see the small wear patterns and tool damage caused from being used. Seeing how a tool is failing can tell a machinist what problems the tool is having. Maybe your speed is too high, of your feed is too low. Maybe your depth of cut is wrong, or the material is harder or softer than expected. Reading a tool is a useful skill to practice to help increase your ability to machine materials in any condition without any information. Also a useful skill to properly tune-in a tool for best productivity.
I was going to insert pictures here with explanation, but SECO has done a great job, and I’m giving them credit for their work. SECO nailed it and here is a link for their article. Remember, their article is showing lathe style tools, but the wear pattens are the same for all tools. Tool Wear SECO