Tool post drilling in a small lathe

[Batmanacw]

First, I apologize for the jerkiness in the video, the camera is on a magnetic base clamped to my computer's keyboard/mouse platform, every time I use the mouse the platform jiggles, I'll find a better spot for it.

This is my first time with a 1/2" drill so I kept fiddling with speeds, power feeds, and lube. In the end, I think 400 rpm, medium feed and a shot of tapping fluid worked the best. I also need to wear gloves, those shavings are sharp! Anyway, the 1/2" hole is not critical, it's plenty good enough with a drill, that it's way above my requirements and expectations is delightful .

Here's a link to the video, and a picture of the hole.

Tool Post 0.5" Drilling

View attachment 478926

Don't touch those chips with your hands. A hook or pair of pliers would be much better.

Try to get the feed to around 0.0025" per revolution.

 

[verbotenwhisky]

No gloves around moving equipment! And the swarf will get imbedded into the gloves: get a couple of pairs of extra long, plastic tweezers to handle the swarf (after the chuck stops moving).

Like these:
View attachment 478954

Horror Freight sells a set of long, stainless forceps that I like for this task...

 

[ChazzC]

Horror Freight sells a set of long, stainless forceps that I like for this task...

I like the plastic ones as they’re less likely to do any damage if I forget and reach for something before the chuck is fully stopped.