What is a shank?

[muscleflex]

Ok sorry for this question but I can't find info on google.
Basically I want to know what the best size tool for my mini lathe is.
One company (arceurotrade) I'm potentially going to buy my tool from says 8mm is probably best as I can shim if necessary. (this makes sense I guess)

The shop I bought my mini lathe says 10mm is best. (Amadeal)

so... what is a shank so I can measure it in my toolpost?

 

[chuckorlando]

shank is the portion that mounts in the tool post. on most tools it's more or less everything behind the cutter

 

[muscleflex]

So 'shank' is just the main body of the tool?

 

[JimDawson]

So 'shank' is just the main body of the tool?

That is correct. That term pretty much applies to any cutting tool, it is the part of the tool bit that is held by the tool holder or chuck.

 

[Frank Ford]

Not the body, but the holding portion of the tool that goes into the collet, chuck, tool holder, etc. Lots of tools have big bodies and small shanks, or vice versa.

 

[chainsawd]

Why not take your toolpost into a cutting tool specialist and have the correct size evaluated