"I got a better look at your pics, first things you need to do is make yourself a new compound rest mounting I think you maybe even be able to buy them through LMS now."
Yes I completely agree. Here are a few pics that show exactly why I would need one. I can't understand why they would sell the machine this way. Only 2 hex bolts to hold it down, what a crock of sh*t. 
"Second you need bring your tool into the post as close a possible the more ridgid the better, the chip breaker on the tool you are using indicates that you are using a facing and not a turning tool(its odd either way), lookin down onto the tool you should have a narrow steep left shoulder and broader shallower right the chip breaker should be near parallel to the work piece, although it may not have one at all. "
Yes that's what I have been reading. What if it can't reach, like when parting. Speaking of which my parting tool isn't working to great, well not really working at all. In the pictures below, you'll see a really chopping surface. I'm guessing it's the compound rest that I need to upgraded.
BTW I'm only seeing the 7 x 10 compound rest, not 9 x 20 over at LMS. I really don't have any time right now to make a Compound Rest as I have a critical deadline for the products I sell. However I might have to make some room for it, I can't have a finish that looks like this. Do you know of any other stores that sell any?
It's too bad that know didn't upload there Gcode file for a micro/mini CNC mill, but that would be to easy.
"As for when you have the autofeed engaged(and not the screw cutting) that entirely depends upon your feed rate per revolution typically the slower you go the better the finish. Also with a finishing tool, you dish out the tip more then a roughing tool, I don't concern myself with finish on any alum I do, but cast iron I do, there I provide a very braod radius on the tip maybe near half of the tool bit but that is a different animal. So I can't help you much with fine finish on alum I just use a regular turning tool.
Also how are are your chips breaking off? you might need to touch up the tool with some grinding wheel on the top to provide better chip clearance. "
I read all night after I posted, and found that my speed was to high, and my feed was to fast. I didn't know that if you have a feed of .005" the tool needs to be in at the same distance. Very helpful, thank you!!!
I've read on finishing tools, looks like a really round edge (almost ballnose). I have a blank, so maybe I'll try to make one. "Also how are are your chips breaking off?" Well with the parting tool, they break off into little 2mm - 3mm chips, but it chatters like hell as I move in. With the facing and turning tool, long spirals, not chips.
"I suspect there is a problem with your clutch, can you provide a pic? with the lever towards you the clutch is disengaged, with it away the clutch is engaged. There is not any question when its in and when its out, mine stops and does not turn, as it should. The grizzly manual is decent try downloading that and see if gives a clearer picture, I would have to actually look at mine to determine which way the wheels bind up, if memory serves the belt is engaged from the bottom but don't hold it to me. Sorry I have not made it home yet to look, I had to babysit a friends forklift today."
Yes, below. In the one picture below you'll see the clutch disengaged, is the belt suppose to be that loose? I'm turing the material at 600 rpms, but with the clutch engaged. Now when I have it at 1000rpms, no slack at all. In the picture I'm pushing on the belt with my finger to tighten the slack, I'm pushing in about 2 inches or so.
"Variable speed yes and no, the lathe I have at work which is a piece of scrap iron with a chuck, has a variable speed motor. My 9x20(same lathe as yours) is still stock but I do have the motor and control(90 VDC 1 HP) to put on, when I get some time I will it should be straigh forward as the motors are nearly the same size maybe a mounting or belt issue, if its not possible with the DC I have a metric 3 phase I will through on instead which is the same frame size(DC would be more fitting for this application). At this point use the machine untill you are comfortable then worry about upgrading, I have not used mine at home all that much( I got it third hand about 3 months ago) I currently use my shaper more then anything, so I have be careful about my HSS tool statements as they are ground different, I still refer to drawings when I have to grind new tools esp the lathe. "
Keep me updated on this, I'm very interested!!!!