What tooling do I need to get started with a lathe

Harleyscooter

Harleyscooter

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Hi totally new this, my plan is to buy a Grizzly G0602 lathe. I ordered a Phase II AXA wedge type QCTP yesterday, what tooling do I need to get started? I see 3/8" and 1/2", carbite/ HSS, but I do not know what I should be using to turn with?
Thanks Frank
 
a few things you'd want to have:

  1. Chuck of some sort (3 jar, 4 jaw)
  2. live/dead center (to support the work piece on the tailstock). live center will not require lubrication whereas dead center will as there will be friction producing heat there during work
  3. tool holders (seems like you ordered the axa type - did you get a full set with holders or just the toolpost?)
  4. test dial indicator and magnetic base holder (for checking and dialing in parts in the chuck as well as testing chuck and spindle for concentric)
  5. cutting blanks - either HSS, or brazed carbide, or carbide insert holders +inserts. Of these, HSS are the most versatile as you can grind them to your requirements, but that means you'd have to get a grinder (#6) and get proficient with it whereas brazed carbide will give you a chance to start turning (almost) right away - you should still hone their edges (diamond stones).
  6. grinder to grind HSS cutters and diamond stones to hone the edges
  7. safety glasses
  8. caliper/micrometer for checking parts for size
 
#7 should be #1. Good starting list Sharon.

"Billy G" :thinking:
 
Except for the grinder, most of that stuff (like the chucks and centers) come with that lathe. I might be wrong (it's been at least 10 minutes so I'm overdue) but I think the OP's question was mostly focused on the bits - does he buy 3/8 or 1/2, in HSS or carbide....

I have BXA, not AXA so I don't know what the max size bit the holders will hold.
I agree HSS is the way to start - in whatever the largest size that those AXA holders will take. And if you want to cheat a bit I think some places (LMS maybe?) sell a small pre-ground set of bits to get you going. I'll add in that a cutoff bit is needed - where's the fun if you have to pull out the hacksaw after all that fancy turning and threading?

Good luck with the new lathe
Joe
 
Last edited:
PurpLev said:
a few things you'd want to have:

  1. Chuck of some sort (3 jar, 4 jaw)
  2. live/dead center (to support the work piece on the tailstock). live center will not require lubrication whereas dead center will as there will be friction producing heat there during work
  3. tool holders (seems like you ordered the axa type - did you get a full set with holders or just the toolpost?)
  4. test dial indicator and magnetic base holder (for checking and dialing in parts in the chuck as well as testing chuck and spindle for concentric)
  5. cutting blanks - either HSS, or brazed carbide, or carbide insert holders +inserts. Of these, HSS are the most versatile as you can grind them to your requirements, but that means you'd have to get a grinder (#6) and get proficient with it whereas brazed carbide will give you a chance to start turning (almost) right away - you should still hone their edges (diamond stones).
  6. grinder to grind HSS cutters and diamond stones to hone the edges
  7. safety glasses
  8. caliper/micrometer for checking parts for size
Click to expand...

1. I will be buying the lathe new and it comes with both chucks.
2. Will put this on the list
3. I purchased the complete set.
4. This is covered I have a couple of Starret's already
5. This is the place I am really lost, HSS vs carbide? I will get small sets of both to start with.
6. This is covered too, I have a 6" with a 3/4" wide fine wheel and wire wheel, and a 8" only used to sharpen drill bits. What are diamond stones?
7. I ware glasses so I have goggles and safety glasses that fit over.
8. I also have digital and dial 6" calipers and mic's up to 5"


Good info thanks purpLev, it looks like I have to concentrate on cutting tooling.
Thanks Frank
 
joe_m said:
Except for the grinder, most of that stuff (like the chucks and centers) come with that lathe. I might be wrong (it's been at least 10 minutes so I'm overdue) but I think the OP's question was mostly focused on the bits - does he buy 3/8 or 1/2, in HSS or carbide....

I have BXA, not AXA so I don't know what the max size bit the holders will hold.
I agree HSS is the way to start - in whatever the largest size that those AXA holders will take. And if you want to cheat a bit I think some places (LMS maybe?) sell a small pre-ground set of bits to get you going. I'll add in that a cutoff bit is needed - where's the fun if you have to pull out the hacksaw after all that fancy turning and threading?

Good luck with the new lathe
Joe
Click to expand...
Thanks Joe, The AXA says 1/2" max I have read where some 1/2" tools are a little thick and need maching. I was not sure if you just go with the biggest that will fit or is there a reason to use smaller tools? What thickness in a 1/2" cutoff tool would be best to use on a 10X22 machine?
Thanks again Frank
 
Take a good look at the Tubalcain instructional videos posted (stickey) at the top of this forum
They are a huge help to me, & I often go back & take another look
 
The only downside of an AXA QCTP on the G0602 is that it actually sits above the spindle center line, even with the tool holders bottomed out. You need to grind the holders down a bit. Not a big deal, but something to consider is all. Other than that, its a good lathe for the money. Using mine as we speak!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk.
 

Those quick changes that grizzly sells are softer metal
compared to the phase II that enco and others sell.

It was easy for me to mill the grizzly holders, tool post.

Charl

 
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