[ATM] re: Cutting threads

["Ellen Mackenzie" <mackenzieconsulting@sympatico.ca>]

I wouldn't recommend using carbide insert tools to any beginner since the
most of them have a negative rake and rely on a different cutting process
which requires speeds beyond the skill of a beginner. They are also a very
large investment for a beginning machinist.Most of the turning work an
amateur astronomer will be doing results in thin walled materials where the
watchword is patience and an extremely sharp cutting edge with the
appropriate rake and clearance. For what it's worth there exists for free a
set of very useful handbooks from Cleveland Twist Drill Co ( I don't know
who owns them now- Kennametal?) that cover the preparation of all metal
cutting tools and their application. Unfortunately Cleveland only supplies
lathe tools in M33 where M42 High Speed Steel (HSS) is far superior if you
are inclined to work in stainless steel. Ackland's Granger was my last
supplier four years ago
    If you are close to a reasonably large urban center you might consider a
few night courses in machine shop. There you will become familiar with the
fundamentals of speeds, feeds, coolants, etc. Somebody in this thread
recommended Machinery's Handbook which I also strongly advise you to get, it
is not cheap new, but if you are lucky you might find an older edition in a
used book store ( editions 8-9-10) I have several copies up to 25 th edition
and with a few exceptions they contain the same basic information you need
plus a lot more. Later editions contain ISO standards and are in
Meter-Gram-Seconds mensuration.
    Tooling up a lathe for optical work is an expensive proposition, but is
also a very rewarding endeavour - - - an exploration in macro-physics.
 
Ellen Mackenzie
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