Tool holder for the clamping of cutting inserts

A tool holder in combination with a cutting insert having a through-hole, the tool holder comprising:

• a body forming an insert-support surface adapted to support a cutting insert, and a wedge-support surface adapted to support a wedge;
• the wedge-support surface including a front portion disposed adjacent the insert-support surface, and a rear portion extending upwardly at an obtuse angle relative to the front portion;
• a pin projecting upwardly from the insert-support surface and entering the through-hole of the cutting insert, the rear portion of the wedge-support surface facing generally toward the pin;
• and
• a wedge supported by the wedge-support surface and including a through-hole receiving a fastening screw which secures the wedge to the front portion of the wedge-support surface, the wedge including a rear contact surface abutting the rear portion of the wedge-support surface to cause the wedge to be displaced toward the pin when the fastener screw is tightened, the wedge including a front contact surface disposed opposite the rear contact surface, the front contact surface including an insert-engaging portion for abutting and pushing the cutting insert against the pin, the front contact portion also including a supporting heel for abutting the front portion of the wedge-support surface at a location which is disposed closer to an axis of the pin than is the insert-engaging portion;
• the wedge bearing against the insert at a location situated above a location where the insert contacts the pin.