[JohnJW]

Thanks to the cncone wisdom I'm almost settled on the TL-2. However, I wonder if I need the higher rpm spindle. I plan on turning some 1/8" parts, but according to the rpm formula, SFM = PI x D x RPM / 12, the rpm for 1/8" aluminum rod with sfm of 200 will be ~6111rpm and that's 3x the maximum rpm of the standard TL-2 spindle.

The TL-2 will be a general purpose lathe so in addition to the 1/8" rods I also want to turn 2~3" tubes and may even go up 12". Is 1/8" to 12" too much of a range for the TL-2?

Should I upgrade to the 3600rpm spindle? Will the 3600rpm spindle have the same spindle bore as the 2000rpm spindle and can the standard 8" or 10" chuck hold 1/8" rods? Should I go with the 8" or 10" chuck or neither because there's a better after market solution to accommodate smaller diameter and/or higher rpm? What's the effect of 2000 rpm vs 3600 rpm for smaller diameter parts? Will slower feed compensate for the lack of rpm, and what do people usually use the 3600rpm spindle for?

Thanks again,

John