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One important add-on to any lathe is a quick-change turret. That way, you can mount all the tools used fequently and just swap them as needed. Nothing better for improved productivity. You can buy as many tool holders on the cheap and this is a good idea. This virtually eliminates setup times and onerous shiming with a regular turret.

One great source for tooling is McMaster, it seems that that brazed-on carbides have great properties especially when machining my favorite ss. They seem to have highly thermally conductive alloys for the shank which do a good job. They come in left and right handed versions and just about every shape desirable. The brazed-on carbides are quite tough and can take a lot of punishment.

Although the rotatable carbide inserts are great conceptually, they are best for the large CNC machines. Unless working in softer metals or plastics of course.

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