Running a Metal lathe

there are a number of inexpensive books on the market describing how the various pieces work. check out "abebooks.com" for a second hand copy.
The only thing that I don't see in the ebay add, is a scale on the compound rest which allows you to set the compound to 30 degrees for threading. I also don't see a depth scale on the cross feed handle, which you also need for thread cutting. Basically in threading, you use a thread counter (left side of the cross feed) to start cutting each pass, on the same part of the thread, and start it at the same depth on the cross feed while advancing the cutter in at 30 degrees (ok 29. 5 degrees ) using the compound. The threads per inch are governed by the gear ratios found on the brass plate at the head of the lathe. You change gears to get these ratios.

cheers mooncoon
 
Lathe

The best way is to take your time and learn by trail and error I watched my grandpa and old man run lathe's for years. My Grandpa let me learn on his old lathe, I made a few projects and then the old man let me run his big lathe after a while, to make some bigger more accurate projects. I'm no machinest by far but like running lathes. Like I said before take your time and watch what's going on, it's easy to run the tooling into the chuck or run the tooling into the stock if your not careful. I found I rushed things and took to much of a cut remember you ned only cut 1/2 of your measurement. There is ton's of books I have a stack that my Grandpa left me on machining. Check out old book stores and such. I wish I had a milling machine as well!

Good luck.....FullDraw
 
Tip, don't run it wearing a tie, wearing gloves, or a shop apron with strings tied up front. Happily (for me) this was not leaned by personal experience, but by watching other's personal experience
 
That Southbend book "How to run metal lathe" is a great reference and reading for someone getting into running a metal lathe and gunsmithing. I got it when I bought my Southbend about a year and a half ago and I read parts of it again every month or so. It's easy to understand for a beginner and you'll find yourself going back to it constantly as you learn more and seeing more in it. I highly recommend it.
This new maching hobby is as addictive as guns though, you'll find yourself reading about it and buying tooling all the time. It's another level again of the gun fascination.
Have fun and keep track of your chuck key!
 
running a lathe

You should check with the local school or extension people, community collage, etc.. They some times will run a class in the evenings if there is enough interest in a topic. Also, Atlas has a good manual, should be on e-bay. good luck.
 
rpm=4 x sfpm/diameter. With hss you wana run it at about 100 surface feet per minute, and if you have power feed at about .001-.008" per rev depending on the finish you want and what works well.
 
mouse said:
rpm=4 x sfpm/diameter. With hss you wana run it at about 100 surface feet per minute, and if you have power feed at about .001-.008" per rev depending on the finish you want and what works well.
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for high speed steel tooling, way to slow for carbide......
 
Rotaxpower said:
Are there any websites that show the proper way to use a metal lathe? My dad just gave me a little 6" lathe and I want to learn how to use it! Thanks! :dancingbanana:

Oh its exactly like this one http://cgi.ebay.ca/Atlas-Craftsman-Dunlop-6-Metal-Lathe-Model-109-21270_W0QQitemZ230050278736QQihZ013QQcategoryZ43998QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

but its got a 4 jaw chuck
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Metal lathes are awesome. Shop class is the one thing I truly miss about high school. Ebay is a great source for older books and hard to find manuals. I find that the newer tool books aren't as good as the older ones printed 15 years ago. Just remember to keep the running speed in mind, don't be afraid to use lubrication and always take that damned key out of the chuck.
 
Cocked&Locked said:
for high speed steel tooling, way to slow for carbide......
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I said with hss if you read the second sentance . For carbide your going to want to refer to the manufacturer specs, but that forumal is quick and dirty and works for any tooling. I usually feed at .010" per rev for carbide but there is no guidline, and I dont think that lathe can turn fast enough for carbide by the tool holder, and chuck size. Generaly I use 400-800sfpm with carbide, but I wouldnt push 400 unless your using lots of coolant and have a ridig set up (CNC machine).
 
FullDraw said:
The best way is to take your time and learn by trail and error....
Good luck.....FullDraw
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Trial and error, is not the way to learn the lathe... the error could be your finger or worst... Take some classes at your local community college. Safety should be the first topic covered.

Cocked&Locked said:
Tip, don't run it wearing a tie, wearing gloves, or a shop apron with strings tied up front. Happily (for me) this was not leaned by personal experience, but by watching other's personal experience...
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Also, roll up your sleeves, or wear a short sleeve shirt... don't use a rag near a moving chuck.
 
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