How to put the cutter in the center

Question:

I am a beginner turner and just mastering the intricacies of working on turning equipment. When I install the cutter in the center, as if I'm doing everything right, but I am often corrected by more experienced professionals. He paid attention, that they often use a magnifying glass to set the cutter in the center. Tell me, and whether it is possible to expose a cutter precisely, without using a magnifying glass?

Reply:

Is simple, but a very accurate way, which allows you to correctly place the cutter in the center. It is as follows:

1. perform a clean groove of any rod;
2. measure its diameter;
3. on a support of the machine establish shtangenreismas and with its help measure the highest point of the drilled bar (to do this, place the foot of the tool on top of the rod);
4. subtract half of the diameter of the rod from the readings of the measuring instrument;
5. lower the upper leg of the barbell to the value obtained (half the diameter), now it will be located exactly in the center;
6. write down the value, on which the upper foot of the tool should be located, now you can use it always, when you need to place the cutter in the center.