The important point is that inserts for aluminium (polished sharp edge, high rake angle) reduce tool pressure which reduces the forces on the machine allowing a small machine to do more than it could before, and they will cut tool steel just fine.
The inserts I'm using are from DASAN official alliexpres store (no affiliation, not sponsored, just who I use) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32917...
$12.50 AUD (~$8USD) for 10
For my friend's mini lathe he got a set of tiny, 8mm shaft, insert tool holders (with Al inserts) from here (no affiliation, not sponsored) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
Watch video Everyone on the internet is wrong about insert tooling in the home machine shop... online, duration hours minute second in high quality that is uploaded to the channel MakeBreakRepair 06 May 2024. Share the link to the video on social media so that your subscribers and friends will also watch this video. This video clip has been viewed 11,037 times and liked it 243 visitors.