Honing TiN inserts? And triangular insert question...

I was looking around for a small toolbit and inserts that I could use for
multi-directional turning (profiling) with my almost-completed CNC lathe
conversion (Sherline) and found Century Tool & Design
(http://www.centtool.com)

They make tools for screw machines, but their little stick holders are only
5/16" square and would fit nicely in the Sherline. The appropriate toolbit
seemed to be their CWPR style (plunge and turn) since it has parallel sides
and clearance on both sides and front. They have a neat deal--with your
first $50 order of inserts from their website they will throw in a free
toolholder.

Sooo, I ordered three inserts which are TiN-coated carbide, and got a free
holder... The quality is very nice, but there is no radius on the insert
nose. I'd like to hone in a small radius (.005" max), and in general have
read that inserts should be honed anyway for smoothest cutting (examining
the inserts under a microscope shows grinding marks).

Is there a "proper" way to hone inserts, and will honing through the TiN
coating hurt things more than it helps?

My other insert question is: what insert do I get for the cheap Harbor
Freight 1/4" indexible tool holders? (Gotta use 'em since I already have
'em!) Is it a TCMM-221? From what I can tell, the cheap TPG-221 inserts
don't have a center hole.

Thanks from an insert newbie!

Randy

Randy Gordon-Gilmore ,----.___________ ______________ _________________
ProtoTrains // = = === == || == == == = || == == == = == =|
Rio Vista, CA, USA /-O==O------------o==o------------o==o-----------o==o-'
zephyrus@... http://www.rickadee.net/~zephyrus