At Travers Tool, we know how critical proper tool height is for achieving accuracy, extending tool life, and producing high-quality finishes on the lathe. That’s why we proudly carry Edge Technology Lathe Tool Height Gages—precision instruments designed to make setup simple, fast, and repeatable.

What is a Lathe Tool Height Gage?

A lathe tool height gage is an essential tool that allows machinists to accurately set the cutting edge of their turning, grooving, threading, facing, or boring tools to the spindle centerline. When tools are set too high or too low, it can result in poor workpiece finishes, increased tool wear, or a “nub” left at the center of a facing cut. By using a tool height gage, you can eliminate guesswork and achieve consistent, precise results every time.

COMMON Features and benefits

Every Edge Technology gage is designed with the machinist in mind, offering superior accuracy and ease of use:

Benefits

• Maximum precision for consistent tool setup
  
• Quick cutter height adjustments for less downtime
  
• Eliminates the nub on faced workpieces
  
• Adjustable level housing compensates for slightly out-of-level lathes

Applications

• Perfect for setting turning, grooving, threading, facing, and boring tools to the spindle axis for optimum performance
  
• Uses a bubble level to confirm tool height alignment

Features

• Precision glass vial with 30'/2 mm sensitivity
  
• High-strength aluminum construction for durability
  
• Anodized finish for long-lasting wear resistance

Breakdown of the Three Models

Pro Lathe Gage – 02-000 (Item #99-008-192)

• Hands-free design allows you to keep both hands on the toolholder while the gage is secured in the spindle
• Ground steel shaft mounted on a precision ball bearing ensures smooth, accurate operation
• Installs directly into a chuck or collet before use
• Ideal all-purpose choice for most manual lathe setups
  
  
  

Speedy Lathe Gage – 08-000 (Item #99-008-193)

• Designed for fast tool changes without installation
  
• Can be used while the workpiece remains in the chuck or collet
• Must be held in position by hand during adjustment
• Perfect when frequent cutter height checks are required without removing the workpiece from the chuck or collet

CNC Lathe Gage – 13-000 (Item #99-008-191)

• Hands-free design for efficient setup
• Precision ground steel shaft with ball bearing mount
• Installs in chuck or collet
• Compatible with upward-facing, downward-facing, or angled cutters, making it the most versatile option for modern CNC lathes
  
  
  

Level Calibration

• Place the gage base on a flat surface of the lathe (compound or cross slide), perpendicular to the spindle axis.
• Loosen the adjustment screw, rotate the level housing until the bubble centers in the vial, and tighten the screw.
  

Setup & Use

Pro Lathe Gage 02-000 

• Clamp the gage’s rod into a chuck or a collet.
• Position the tip of the cutter under the gage’s contact face.
• Adjust the toolholder until the bubble in the vial is centered. 

 Lathe Gage 08-000 

• Hold the gage against a round workpiece.
• Position the tip of the cutter under the gage’s contact face.
  
• Adjust the toolholder until the bubble in the vial is centered.
  

CNC Lathe Gage 13-000

• Clamp the gage’s rod into a chuck or a collet.
  
• Position the tip of the cutter under the gage’s contact face.
  
• For upward-facing cutters, use the contact face located opposite the bubble level assembly.
  
• Adjust the toolholder until the bubble in the vial is centered.

WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Pro Lathe Gage (02-000): The best all-around choice for reliability and accuracy on manual lathes.

Speedy Lathe Gage (08-000): Perfect for machinists who need to quickly check tool height without removing the workpiece.

CNC Lathe Gage (13-000): The most versatile option, built for CNC setups and complex tooling arrangements.

At Travers Tool, we’re committed to supplying machinists with the right tools to save time, reduce scrap, and improve precision. Whether you’re working on a manual engine lathe or programming complex CNC operations, Edge Technology Lathe Tool Height Gages are a smart investment for your shop.