Posted by Sherman in Idaho [24.32.249.108] on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 03:02:22 :
In Reply to: OT question - Lathe Turning Cast Steel - Tips? posted by Alex J [216.54.94.2] on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 12:11:31 :
I'm not sure I understand what you're doing. You just want to cut off the flange? In that case the finish doesn't matter. You can use whatever tool you have, and fool with feed rates until it's cutting reasonably well. Centering doesn't much matter either, so the 3-jaw chuck will be fine. It will be a good practice lathe project. That's not something to use a tool post grinder on. The trouble with tool post grinders is they spew grit all over your lathe, which will get into all the places it shouldn't, and wear things out faster. Don't use it unless you have to.
On the other hand, if you're trying to turn down the polished seal surface, that's a whole 'nother story and you'll need that tool post grinder.
For cutting the flange off, I would cut it to close to the final size with metal-cutting band saw if you have such a thing, to reduce the amount of lathe work needed, but you can do it all on the lathe. If you're going to chuck it with the chuck jaws against the sealing surface, be sure to protect the surface with some heavy paper, copper or aluminum shim stock, or even thin leather, so that even if it slips in the jaws it won't tear up the polished surface.
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