CUTIING
SPEED -LATHE TURNING
Approximate values using high speed tool bits -Type M2
Work piece Diameter Mild Steel Brass Alum.
1/8" 3100 6000 12000
1/4" 1550 3000 6000
1/2" 775 1500 3000
1"
387 750 1500
2"
193
375 750
Acutting fluid (coolant) should be used on all materials. This will provide longertool life
and abetter finish. Water based coolants are not recommended unless lathe is cleaned
thoroughly after each use.
Water
based coolants
may
cause severe corrosion on metal
parts
if
machine is not cleaned well
and
re-oiled.
Carbide tipped tool bits may be used at approximately 3times the speed of high speed
tool bits.
In sharpening tool bits white
or
gray wheels are used for high speed tools.
Carbide tools require the use of adiamond wheel or agreen (silicon carbide) wheel. Do
Not cool tools by immersing in water. This may cause cracks on the carbide surface.
High speed tool bits should not change color (over heat) while sharpening. This will
anneal cutting edge and shorten useful tool life.
Setting tool bits in tool post may require shimming so that cutting edge will
be
exactly on
center. This is Very Important. One method to determine cutting edge is to machine
across the face of awork piece and notice if the tool bit cutting edge is traversing across
the center of the
work
piece. Tool bit cutting edge may be compared to the point on the
tailstock.
When using steady rest slide steady rest next to the chuck and adjust the brass jaws to
the work piece,
then
slide steady rest to the working position. This procedure allows the
steady rest center
to
match centerline of the lathe spindle.
