On Wed, 7 Feb 2018 10:13:10 -0700, Bob La Londe
wrote:

So, who has used one? Seems to me that if the insert and tool holder can
take the cutting force it should be able to give a pretty good finish
even with a pretty aggressive feed.

It does. You just need a pretty solid setup so the tool doesn't skate.
It applies a lot of pressure to the workpiece.

I had a few samples I got from Valenite, I think, in micrograin
carbide amd with a sharp edge. I could cut mild steel with them on my
old SB lathe. But most round inserts aren't so free-cutting.

--
Ed Huntress