I understand that cutting speeds published in the books are generally used for large machines, and that they are totally inappropriate for our 'toys'. (I have a 7x12). We should go by what feels right.
I am looking for a little guidance here. Say I machine 3/8" or 1/2" 1018 steel. Where should I be approximately? I have an inexpensive indexable toolset from LMS. The surfaces I get are nothing to write home about... Can anyone with some experience steer me in the right direction? Should I always apply cutting oil? How much to remove in a pass? What speed? I am on the low range. What dial setting appr.? It seems easier to take a heftier cut than a small cut... something seems wrong ;-) Is there something like a lower limit for a lathe cut?
I get by, because I don't need a good finish on these simple bushings I make, but I sure would like to do it better eventually.
Thanks for any pointers!
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Regards,
Rich
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Richard Kleinhenz
mailto:woodnpen@...
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