another lathe question??

[Dan]

trying to cut off a section of pipe with the cut off tool and am getting a terrible "squeal" is the tool set too high or low?? Speed too high or low?? Thanks-

[Unkl Ian]

The tool should be centered.
The rpm is probably too high.

[sawzall]

dan

put your live center. or dead center in the tailstock.. align the cutting tool with the center of said live center or dead center.

move cutting tool to appropriate location to cut tubing and turn the lathe back on..

if you still have some sort of squeal or chatter the speed is either too high or the speed is too high and you need a cutting fluid

good luck sawzall

[Dan]

cool idea, I've just been "eyeballing" to find the center

[Mart]

If you're turning a cylindrical object you can hold a 12" rule vertically against the object and just touch the tool against it. If it stays vertical it's on center, if it slopes forward you're high, if it slopes back you're low.
Actually parting off tools are a bit tricky, because you can only plunge them in, the swarf clearing is not ideal. best to make sure the tool isn't high, use a slower speed than normal and put coolant on if you can. I remember cutting a propshaft that rang like hell.

Mart.