- Joined
- Mar 29, 2017
- Messages
- 746
I owe a debt to those here who have said, in essence- "Do not be scared, feed it as fast as it will go". Or words along those lines. Much of my parting experience has been, uh, sorrowful. Much chatter, breakage and anxiety. In the last few days, I have come to realize that there were no upside down holders, carbide slivers of parting Nirvana, etc., in the good old days. There were only skilled men, with a number to hit and a deadline to meet.
Acting on this bit of nerve, I resolved to push the envelope a smidge. I will not bore you all with details of the setup, for I don't feel it is relevant. What IS relevant, I believe, is this- I had a sharp tool, set at centerline, and fed it by hand THROUGH the initial chatter to the sweet spot of feed rate. The results were GLORIOUS. No drama, no chatter, no breakage. The FEEL of the feed rate was my guide. Plunge fast enough to stay out of the chatter, and no more. Be ready, for the rate is FAR faster than I would have thought possible, given my floppy old lathe.
Again, I offer my thanks, and appreciation, for this site and all those who offer their sage advice.
Acting on this bit of nerve, I resolved to push the envelope a smidge. I will not bore you all with details of the setup, for I don't feel it is relevant. What IS relevant, I believe, is this- I had a sharp tool, set at centerline, and fed it by hand THROUGH the initial chatter to the sweet spot of feed rate. The results were GLORIOUS. No drama, no chatter, no breakage. The FEEL of the feed rate was my guide. Plunge fast enough to stay out of the chatter, and no more. Be ready, for the rate is FAR faster than I would have thought possible, given my floppy old lathe.
Again, I offer my thanks, and appreciation, for this site and all those who offer their sage advice.