Only use chuck key when securing or loosening workpiece, NEVER leave chuck key in chuck and walk away !
Remember when you are removing metal on the outside diameters, you are removing twice the amount of material eg 1/4" cut makes bar 1/2" smaller
Small diameters, need a higher speed than large diameters.
Make sure cutting tool is on a level with centre line of chuck to tailstock
Make sure cutting tool is held securely, and that the cutting point is ground to allow tool to cut, not rub.
Use heavier cuts and coarse feed to rough down to near size then lighter cuts and finer feeds to finish.
Use cutting fluids if you are not using carbide tipped tools if possible
Enjoy playing with it, its amazing what you can produce on a lathe, use your imagination, one of the pieces we used to make for fun was a cube in a cube in a cube in alloy, easy when you know how, and eassy to figure out how to, when you are conversant with the versatility of the machine.
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