1. Rigidity: Avoid overhang as much as possible unless some sort of outboard support can be used. Pilot the tool if practicable.

2. Arrangement of tools: They should be perpendicular to the plane in which the turret rotates when indexing, because variations in diameters are less likely to take place when tools are arranged in this way. Unequal indexing of the turret has very little effect on the radial position of the tools under these conditions, so that sizes can be held much closer than if they are placed in a plane parallel to the turret rotation. Use standard rectangular stock for the cutting tools so that the upkeep will be inexpensive and reforging be avoided.

3. Try to make the block containing the tools removable so that it can be replaced easily by another block with tools arranged differently to handle other work.

4. Make the tool-block adjustable if possible.

5. Back up the tools with adjusting screws.

6. See that provision is made so that cutting lubricant can be directed on the faces of the tools when forgings or steel castings are to be machined.

7. Arrange the tool-block in such a way that the thrust of the cut does not come against it; it is much better to have the thrust come on the body of the tool.