Taig Lathe cutting problem/question (Video)

[MychesterCNC]

I have a Taig, I've just been using it for fun, cutting different pieces and so on- now all of a sudden I can't get a smooth cut no matter what- new cutters (same as before, but sharp) different speeds, and I've researched every "chatter" and "cutter" (types, hardness, cutting angles) related video and article I could find online. Here's the Youtube video (sorry about the poor quality, but I figured eyes-on by someone who knows their stuff is the best way...) and you can see first hand what a horrible pass I'm getting.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRnxZgvI2a0"]YouTube - REDNIKON TAIG PROBLEM.MOV[/nomedia]

[gmfoster]

Copper is tough to machine because it is soft and gummy. I you can use brass I find it machines much easier..

Milk is often recommended as a cutting "oil" for copper..

Here is a site about machining copper..

http://www.gearloose.com/CU.html

Also your tools don't really look ground correct for hardly any material. But I find that grinds less than optimal often work fine for me.

Good Luck and I hope you get more and better answers.

[MychesterCNC]

Thanks for the help, gmfoster! I am new to the whole lathe thing, so I dont even know how to sharpen a bit beyond common sense, but after doing what I could to copy the details in the link you sent me, I got a nice QUIET cut, 90% CLEAN, even, no chattering, and the chips came off as tiny coils. WOW what a difference! Then I tried with oil, that didnt help or make any difference, but I am shocked what a difference there is between copper and brass! Thanks so much for the help, I'm going to work on a better "hook" and sharpening my sharpening skills. Thanks again!

Here's how I used the hook- and then by cutting with the corner of it, not the flat edge. What a difference! The surface was a nice clean even cut, like a record. (By the way, the bits I were using were factory new, and worked great for everything I've done so far- just not the copper).

[gmfoster]

You said you tried oil, did you try milk or condensed milk.


That seems to be the cutting "oil" for copper..

Not joking!

Garry

[gmfoster]

Also a rounder nose on that bit should help out quite a bit...

Garry