I can't speak from experience, my 8x12 is on order too, but there are
different grades of bits for different metals. C5/C6 is for ferrous
metals and C2 for nonferrous metals. Were you using the appropriate
grade? That being said most people do indicate that HSS does seem to
work better for softer metals and finishing cuts. I bought a C5
carbide set and some HSS blanks. I haven't done much work on a lathe
before so I don't know much about this. I'll mainly be working with
1018 steel and occasionally with some aluminum (probably 6061). What
do you think?
--- In 7x12minilathe@..., "Mike Payson" <mike@...> wrote:
I'm convinced that the HF extended warranty is an even bigger
rip-off then
most of them, at least where the lathes & mills are concerned. If
the item
you purchased was less then $500 (not certain, but I assume that is
purchase
price, not normal price) then the warranty is good for one -replacement
only-. So if something goes wrong, they will replace the entire
unit, one
time only. Considering the hassle with hauling the entire unit in to the
store, and considering that most repairs are likely something that
you can
fairly easily do yourself (or pay Uncle Rabid $25 to do for you in
the case
of electrical repairs), and considering that most people will end up
making
some modifications to their lathe that will at best be lost and at worst
void the warranty, it seems like it's not a very good investment.
I believe you need a tool holder for the parting tool, something
like #1551,
though I could be wrong (I've only had my lathe a week, & just got
my LMS
"goodie box" in the mail today).
One thing that I can already suggest is that you avoid the carbide
bits & go
with HSS. You'll need to buy a grinder (~$30), but you'll get far better
results, especially if you are working with Aluminum. I bought the
equivalent of 2412 from HF when I got my lathe, and the results I
got were
lousy. When I was able to locate some lathe blanks from a local tool
supplier & grind my own, I immediately saw a -huge- improvement in the
results from the very first tool I'd ever ground. I'm sure that as my
grinding skills improve, the results will get even better. Not sure
that the
results would be as pronounced on steel or not, but they don't work
well for
aluminum at all (although, to be fair, I'm sure that someone who had
used a
lathe before could get at least a bit better results then I did). If you
need to learn how to grind the bits, the Jose Rodriguez video on the
subject
(LMS 2396) is good (though his other videos are even better).
Mike
On 3/17/07, rancerupp <rupps@...> wrote:
Well, I OFFICIALLY went down to HF today and ordered my 8x12. Prices
in the mags are now $529, and in-store prices show $549. Well, I had
made previous arrangements to use the 30% off coupon so even though
it expired on Monday I was able to use it today. TTL out the door, it
cost $380.09. I think I'm gonna be happy with it. I did NOT get the
extended warranty, but I DO have a great big grin on my face. :D
I'm putting together what I want to order for accessories and other
bits. I'm currently looking at:
(LMS ____) 1 Sync Tooth belt (550m)
(LMS ____) 1 V belt (0-720)
(LMS ____) Steady Rest
(LMS 1198) Follower Rest
(LMS ____) Face Plate
(LMS 2346) 5" 4-jaw chuck
(LMS 2925) Dial Ind. Test Ind., Mag. base
(LMS ____) Knurling Tool
(LMS 1189) Live Center
(LMS 1246) Boring Bar Set
(LMS 1261) Accessory set
(LMS ____) Cut off tool (parting tool)
Do I need extras:
Extra Center Drills (LMS 1230)
Turning Tool Set (LMS 2412)
Any suggestions or missing LMS part #s would be appreciated. Thanks.
Rance
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