When you are attempting to choose the best lathe tool holder for any lathe, you must identify the type of lathe tools or bits that you want to use with the holder. The typical lathe tool holder is designed to fit a certain-sized tool or bit, so if you wish to find a holder to work with tools already in your possession, you will need to match the holder with the shank size of your tools. The type of dial and adjustment or feed regulator of the tool holder is also an area to be considered. The typical metal lathe is used to manufacture parts and tools that must adhere to critical measurements. You will typically want to choose a lathe tool holder that offers you the most precise and exacting adjustment and tool control.
The most common design for a metal lathe tool is for it to be attached onto the end of a piece of square steel stock. The square shank is placed inside of the clamping component of the lathe tool holder. Depending on the size of the lathe, the tool shank and the holder, the best lathe tool holder could conceivably be found in several different sizes. You will want to match the holder to the size tools that you will want to use with your lathe. Smaller tools are less expensive as a rule, however, the smaller the tool, the less strength it typically has.
Once you have decided on the size of the tool that the lathe tool holder will be used with, the next critical decision will be to choose the type of control or adjustment dial that your new holder will incorporate. As a rule, the more finite and slow-moving the lathe tool holder adjuster is designed with, the more accurate and precise the adjuster. Similar to a micrometer, the very slow-moving adjustment mechanism allows for much more precision when making adjustments.
The better tool holders will also have more adjustments designed into the tool holder. Less expensive and lower-quality holders will usually have only an in-and-out and back-and-forth adjustment available to the user. The best lathe tool holder designs, however, will also incorporate an up-and-down adjustment. This adjustment will allow the user to make cuts slightly off of center for a new dynamic when turning steel. It is also common for the best designed lathe tool holder to allow the user to place the tool holder in both a left side as well as a right side tool feed position.