Alright you guys are awesome and the info given is much appreciated. It looks like a quick change tool post will be the first item I need to gather.
My lathe is a 10" lathe if I'm reading it properly. So what is a decent brand quick change and what size should I buy? I see several options out there. Pickup one that 10" is in the middle of the area covered or 10" at the highest end or 10" at the lowest end of range?
All of my bits should be 1/2" bits since the machine is designed for 1/2" bits?
Geerbangr,
The easiest way to start in my opinion is:
- Buy a reasonable set of preground hss tools (as mentioned before in this thread)
- search for a set of shims to get each tool on centre with your current toolpost. Every reasonably flat piece of metal stock is acceptable, sheet metal, snips of soda can, etc.
- keep the shims with the tool. If you want to use the tool you can simply put it in the toolholder with its appropriate shims.
- locate a pdf of "how to run a lathe" on the internet and read it (a real paper one may be a more comfortable option if you can find one)
This book by south bend is a widely adviced "beginners guide to turning"
- find yourself some scrap metal and make "paper weights". Start using your lathe, it is the best way to find out what you need to know and need to have. The only other tools you really need to start is a bench grinder (and maybe a lapping stone) to sharpen your cutters and a few measuring tools (set of calipers and a good scale)
- read on this and other forums, ask questions if you can't find the info you are looking for.
Look on YouTube, there are some great channels for beginners: that lazy machinist, toms techniques, mrpete222 to name a few. Once you get the hang of it, you will find a lot more channels with good metalworking info on YouTube. It is quite an active community!
Learn!
I am sure in time you will add a lot more to this list, but at least you will know what you want and need most.
Maybe you start grinding your own tool blanks (in my opinion a good skill to have), or maybe you decide to join the people who use carbide inserts tooling.
I see a good quick change toolpost in your future, but read around on the different forums about them. You will spend quite some money before you have a set with a good number of toolholders, so you might as well be sure you buy the one you want.
Also I know a calliper is not the proper measuring tool for precision work. In time you will need at least one accurate micrometer (number depending on the size of your work), but you don't need one to get started. Look around, good brand ones in good condition can be found used for reasonable prices.
Start making chips and have fun, that is probably the best thing you can do to get started!
I hope this will help some,
Peter
