Changing the vertical profile of the tool

Traditionally, engine turning is done with a shallow vee tool, the vertical profile, as seen from the top, being like the very large example shown, lower, 4th from left, here. But many profiles can be used, as illustrated. Rib tools, Spoon or flute tools and many other shapes are often used in our workshop.

Cutting the spoon cuts in a reed pattern (two vee cuts, one spoon cut) on a note pad holder. The two different cut profiles, vee and spoon or flute, can be seen where the tool exits on the edge of the workpiece.

Cutting ribs with a rib profiled tool on a 5mm diameter tube.

Here a carefully shaped tool is used to cut the blank in 18ct gold for the key to a Rolls Royce car. We had to match the profile very closely. The first time we did this was for the key that Margaret Thatcher used to officially open the Thames Flood Barrier. In that instance, it was silver.

When finished from our blank by high street locksmiths, this one worked first time, as did the Thames Flood barrier key, fortunately, also cut this way. Reluctantly we have to admit that with keys we are so far only about 90% successful on the first attempt because we only judge the profile by eye. If we did it regularly, it is certain that we would find a reliable method of getting the profile right.