to be performed than can be accomplished when the work is held between centers; Two basic types of
chucks are used. The tail stock center, I have found over the years work better if it is carbide. If you are
careful, you can use the standard high-speed center. Put a little grease on it that contains MolyKote Z
before setting it up.
I have tried to use live centers off and on, but I have found that I get to much chatter, and that will cause
stress to build in the barrel, and thus warp the barrel.
It is very important to keep any stress from build up in the barrel (Live centers, to tight centers, dull tool
bit, improperly sharpened tool bit, etc.) Now for the tool bit. I have used carbide most all the time in
turning barrels. I prefer a good grade of high-speed steel as they are sharper and cut better, but require
sharpening every pass, to keep a good edge. I had to use carbide due to the time saved.
LATHE TOOLS
Most lathe operations are done with relatively simple, single point cutting tools. On right-hand and
left-hand turning and facing tools the cutting takes place on the side of the tool so that the side rake
angle is of primary importance and deeper cuts can be made. On the round-nose turning tools, cutoff
tools, finishing tools, and some threading tools, cutting takes place on or near the end of the tool, so that
the back rake is of importance. Such tools are used with relatively light depths of cut.
Most lathe work is done with high-speed steel, carbide, or ceramic tools. For mass-production work, the
throwaway types of carbide or ceramic tips are used, with either integral chip breakers or the adjustable
type.