Practice material for a newbie

I've ordered a starter set of both HSS and insert tools. Figured it was worth trying both.

I think the HSS will serve you best. To get the most out of carbide inserts on a mini lathe get those specifically designed for aluminum.

I really like the tangential tools like those from Eccentric Engineering. I don't know if they make a holder small enough for a mini lathe.

Little Machine Shop has excellent reference material like speeds and feeds, angles for grinding HSS tools and a bunvh of other good stuff.

**LINK**

If you are near East Kent, you can have a rummage through my stock. Always pleased to help a beginner

+1 for Tangential Turning Tools.

Made one from a design shown in an article in M E W. This is on the mini lathe.Then made a larger one, and eventually took up a special offer from Eccentric Engineering.

There is an agent in U K.

I had to shorten the tool holder shank, to get rid of chatter. Needing only face to grind, easy to keep sharp.

There have been several articles on modifications made to mini lathes, in M E W to improve their usefulness.

Well worth reading, for future use.

HTH

Howard

Thanks gents.

Al, a very kind offer, I'm in NW London so probably a little too far to travel. Thank you for the offer though.

I just finished making my first part (from EN1A), it's to replace the cap head bolt to lock the slide. The finish isn't great and I managed to drill the hole for the handle part a little wonky, but it works and I'm really pleased with it.

Another vote for the Tangential Tool. I have bought and home made versions. They are not only easy to sharpen but have built in height adjustment so no need for shims.

Like the handle for the Saddle lock!

Having a mini produced by a different factory. had to lock mine in a different way, and then modified it for use as a Cross Slide lock also. Not incredibly neat, but where needs must! And it does the job!

Keep at it, experience brings confidence.

Howard