hello Rod,
here are some helpful links
Page Title Machining & Metrology Unit - Handout (0102)
recommend learn about s.f.m , this will be real helpfull
rigidity is one very key to succesfull machining .
start off easy by making a bushing you probally need for a grinder or something{everyone needs one for some reason}
place some stock in the lathe chuck sticking out about 1.5 longer than bushing with
at least this much in the chuck {more preferred}
#1 center drill stock to about a dia of about the same size as finished hole size
#2 drill thru about .032 under finished hole size
#3 face part off
#4 finish turn part about .1875 past finished length
#5 put chamfer on front of part on turned dia.
#6 finish bore dia about .0625 past finished length and chamfer bore
#7 part off be sure part off blade is perpendicular to part and parrallel to face of chuck
and leave about.032 long for finsh face
#8 remove remnant from chuck , chuck bushing with part off side out finish face
to length put chamfer on od and id of part.