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I sharpened the tools for my Taig lathe with the help of an experienced machinist. One question I have is should I be getting shaving from the metal I turn or is it okay if the metal crumbles? It does the same thing on brass and steel even after adjusting the speed for each metal.

I own a Taig mini lathe that I'm just learning to use. The headstock on my lathe states that it's hermetically sealed. There are two nuts on the headstock: one on the front side and one on the back. First, what do the nuts hold in place? I noticed that when I turned the chuck, the nut on the...

I have a Taig mini lathe, and I want to purchase a dial indicator and stand. As I've never purchased one before, I would like to know which dial indicators are accurate and sturdy. I try to buy tools (metal or woodworking) that are well made. That's what I'm looking for in a dial indicator.

I'm getting the hang of cutting brass on my Taig lathe; however, steel is proving problematic. I've sharpened the tools so that I can see my own reflection in the face (as I do with my wood chisels). The question I have is "which way is up?" I'm pretty sure that the angles of the rake are the...

I'm new to the world of mini lathes (or any lathe). Last evening (and the evening before that) I sat down to practice cutting steel and brass. Everything went well so long as I didn't put too much pressure on the graver. The slightest pressure on the metal being cut by moving the graver and...

I want to practice cutting steel on my new lathe. Home Depot (and Lowe's) carry various sizes of steel rod. The one thing I can't find out is the composition of the steel rod they sell. Has anyone used these rod for machining? If yes, can you tell me the best cutting speed for the rods...

Greetings, I'm a clock repairer, and I'm about to purchase my first mini lathe. I've been reading what's available on the web re: the various mini lathes. After reading a comparison by the Little Machine Shop, I've decided to go with the Harbor Freight 7" x 10" lathe. Everything I've read...