- Joined
- Jul 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,594
Sometimes it is not so much size as it is speed. If you want to turn a 10" diameter steel cylinder O.D. and the minimum speed of the machine is 250 rpm, that might not work so well. Conversely, if you want to turn a 1/2" O.D. 6061-T6 aluminum rod to a bright, shiny finish, and the maximum speed of the lathe is 500 rpm, then there may be issues with getting the surface finish you want. Just because a lathe can chuck and spin a part does not mean a good result can be obtained. Sometimes chucking the parts becomes the bigger issue. Sure, the lathe can turn the metal, but can it make a nice part?
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