Lathe Set-up

[frayedknot]

Anyone know of a decent source of info for setting up a lathe? I am turning/tapering beryllium copper rods (~3/8" OD); however, I am having problem setting the cutting tip so that it cuts cleanly. Any suggestions?

Thanks...

 

[funnelguy]

BeCu is a gummy, grabby kind of material to work with. Keep the work as close to your collet or jaws as possible. Use very high positive rake tooling with small corner radii to keep cutting forces to a minimum. Cutting wet will help with BUE problems, but avoid chlorinated oils. Lead angles on turning tools will help to avoid creating the "rolling burr". Pretty basic stuff. Do you have a more specific question? What is the unsupported L/D ratio?

Please consult with the material manufacturer about possible health hazards when machining this material. Do NOT grind dry.

 

[FTCOLL]

DEPENDS ON LENGTH, USE A COLLET OR CENTRE OF COURSE AND CROMATAP OR EQUIV. FOR LUB TO PREVENT TOOL BUILD UP, MAYBE VARSOL, ITS CHEAPER, BUT NOT AS HEAVY FOR STICK ON TOOLS, THE STUFF IS LIKE PUTTY, SO KEEP COOL TO PREVENT WORK MELTING ON TOOL