Ask any operator about the importance of putting tools “on center” and many will say it’s important. Ask that same group how often they actually check for center and most will hesitate, and reply “not often”.
Keep in mind that standard tooling doesn’t guarantee centerline. Using the “flat” on a boring bar is only good to about +/- .005”. Square shank tools, especially with molded inserts, are good to about +/- .003”.
A typical comment echoed is “my parts are not high precision so centerline is not as important.”
Note that tools positioned above centerline wear excessively and inserts can become rather costly.
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