I had the exact same results as you using that cheapie carbide set.
I'm new to the lathe, so I'm far from an expert, but from my limited
experience and everything I've read, the others are on the right
track. You can buy a bench grinder from a company like Homier or
Cummins for as little as $15, and it will do the job just fine.
Varmint Al has examples of ground bits that you can follow at
(). Don't stress
out about getting it just right. It's a forgiving process. If the
angles are even close to those in the picture, you'll be just fine.
Don't worry if you don't have a diamond hone. I haven't honed my bits
& I've been getting great results. I have no doubt that when I get
around to buying a hone, the results will get even better, but for
now, I'm perfectly happy.
One more big advantage of learning to grind bits is when you need a
custom profile. Want a curved transition between surfaces? just carve
a bit in the appropriate shape. You probably won't be able to find a
premade bit with just the right profile...
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On 3/23/07, harleyknall <knall@...> wrote:
It came with 5 bits.... I am unsure what each one is for.... But
I am sure I destroyed 2 of em learning to use the lathe on some scrap.
Ruined 1 by running the lathe in reverse....ruined the other
having it set to low in relation to the tailstock hight.
ANYWHO...... I think I know how to operate the thing now.
I need to get a "parting tool" a tool to thread with, and a "turning
tool"
Where to get ? what size to get? what style to get? as I
mentioned i have 5 difrant bits in front of me and I am oblivious as to
which is for what operation. Should the tool be mounted 90 degrees to
the workpiece for all these operations?
Thanks guys, I got enough of a "feel" for the machine tonight that I
know it is MORE than enough machine for the task I need to complete.
Just need to know what bits to use for what operation, the bits I have
seen MOSTLY come labeled with stock #'s not USES labeled on em.
Be sure to check out for small mills and lathes.
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