Is it the 3phase or single phase lathe motor ?
3phase is cake to screw cut with as the motor can go into almost instant reverse.
If it is single phase, I would recommend putting a 3 phase motor on and then run a VFD. That way you can program the start acceleration and stop deceleration rates. Another advantage of the VFD is you can have a normal closed micro switch on the forward wire circuit, and have it as a carriage stop. So when the carriage sets the micro switch, the spindle stops.In my case I have the decel to stop at 0.2 seconds. It is great for internal screw cutting.
Take your time getting it correctly leveled and the twist out of the bed.
From another lathe thread, I posted this advice.
For insert tools, I chose the 16mm triangle format like TNMG160404 =0.4 Radius .
For the 55 deg diamond tools I went for the DCMT11T304 =0.4radius
I chose these because they are very common in industry, a good price point, and most importantly there is a huge range of tip radius, and cutting geometry. So you can by inserts for ali,plastics,wood, right through to CBN and ceramics for turning very hard steels, like HSS.
Another thing I did was modified the steady rest,and made up some plates with 40X52X7 bearings. So I have a Taig chuck to use as a steady rest, either the 3jaw ,4 jaw or the 4 independent. I also made a ER40 collet chuck as well .That has been used the most with delrin collets. Then I went mad and also made some delrin sleeves, but have only used one of the sleeves once. lol
In your case, it is really advantageous to make an Ali steady rest, way lighter than the Cast one, and for what you are making more than rigid enough.
If you have not used bigger and more powerful lathes before, 2 things, if you have any doubt about doing anything, stop and really think about it.
Second, do not have any loose clothing that can get caught and rolled up in the lead screw or feed bar. Loose clothing and long hair can be very dangerous.
A last thing, learn what the controls do , ie forward reverse saddle feed, crossslide feed
etc. The settings for saddle feed rates versus screw cutting feed rates etc. There is nothing worse than seeing someone engage the cross feed only to have it going the wrong way from not being familiar with it's direction. Little arrows stickers by the controls help until you get familiar with it.
Neil
