It's just a case of matching feeds and cuts to the material.

Neil

Some aluminium alloys will want to weld themselves to the tool tip. If this occurs try a very light lubricant such as paraffin.

You don't need high surface speeds to get a good finish with ali.

I only run my Myford in the low range of the motor to the top pulley. I think my fastest speed is in the 600-700 rpm range. Sharp tools is really important and then finding a lubricant that reduces or prevents the ali sticking to the turning tools. Lately I have been using Rice bran oil and seems to be really good. Just make sure you clean up afterwards though. I cheat these days and use the Ali/ plastic turning inserts for most things even on bearing steels.

Have fun and learn what you can. With Ali and plastics and woods, you can not have the tool too sharp, but at the same time, don't make the angles too steep on the top rake if you are grinding your own HSS tools. Honing or polishing the top surface with a Cratex or some other polishing tool before you grind the side clearances is a good thing to do as well. But I now mostly use the nice carbides but that was if you are grinding your own tools.

Neil

Feed is the rate the tool moves at and 'cut' is shorthand for the depth of cut.

Neil

Earlier this week I turned some Aluminium down at 360 rpm because the lathe happened to be set up for threading and I couldn't be bothered to change a belt. Even at that low speed there was no problem at all.

Some materials are sensitive to speed, tool shape and tool material. I find HSS tooling at moderate speeds gives good results provided it's sharp. Most of the speed cutting advice about is aimed at maximising factory efficiency and is faster than needed for ordinary work. It's best to experiment. Likewise depth of cut. After a bit of practice you get a feel for what's reasonable. I would suggest starting with light cuts (say 0.1mm / 2 thou) and working up. Apart from brass and cast-iron lubrication is good: I mostly use CT90 Tapping and Cutting fluid because I'm lazy. Others are more sophisticated!

The only problem with a maximum speed of 900 rpm is that carbide inserts won't shine at that speed. Carbide is capable of outperforming HSS by a mile but needs to be driven fast to do it. Much depends on what you want the lathe for but many people on this forum do excellent work entirely with HSS and prefer it.

Dave

Curtis, I have sent you a private message . Lynne