Turning tools question

[Rvjimd]

Time for another tool question.

I plan on getting a lathe of some sort eventually, not sure yet what exactly.

Since I seem to need a gouge or something to make pulleys, what and where should I be looking?

Right now I'm only turning wood, but I suspect I really want and need something to turn mild metals.

One question, if I end up with a metal turning rig, wil I also be able to chuck up a dowel and do something like I am doing now on the drill press?

Sorry for the noob questions...

Jim

[pugs]

I made up a wood turning tool rest for my big monarch lathe that fits into the old style lantern toolpost.

For metal tooling, to make a pulley groove, they make carbide insert toolholders that look like grooving tools, but are made to cut in any direction (plunge or turn) called Multidirection turning tool. Can get inserts for them that are either square or full radius.

Or you just custom grind a HSS bit to do what you want for shaping.

[bob barton]

Hi I am a machinist ; please be more clear are you just going to turn wood ? I need too know , what it is your want to do ! From my experience as a machinist for 36 plus years , a solid tool post, on this type of lathe is what you should have !!!!!!! I will be more than willing to help you in this endeavor if I can, as far as info. I need to know more specifics is all ? I don't believe you can just plunge a tool in to wood, and get a perfect profile of a pulley ! But with that said, if it is wood it is worth a try. I do strongly advise not to try it with metal !

[Rvjimd]

Bob,

Thanks for offering to help.

I ended up with a grizzly lathe. I think it is a 0752. It is like the 602 but has the VFD built into it.

I have used it a fair amount by this point, have had it for a bit more than a year.

I will let you know when I get to the next project.

Jim

[bigrigbri]

A good starter guide book would be my first purchase before flying in buying expensive m/c tooling and centre lathes.
Once you have grasped a good basic understanding of the processes involved you can undertake some good simple projects with some prowess and above all SAFETY as sharp tools and high speeds with razor sharp swarf are a recipe for disaster.