1st metal lathe....basic beginner cutters carbide or hss?

[3 Gun Shooter]

I picked up this lathe with tooling for $650 on Craigslist. If you really want one just put the money aside and be ready to buy when a deal comes along. You live in PA, you should be able to score a good deal on a lathe and mill.



When I talked to they guy on the phone he said he also has a mill sitting next to it for $650. Jumped on that too. His dad died and he was cleaning out the garage.

I bet his dad is smiling down from Heaven knowing his equipment found a good home!

 

[Shadowdog500]

I bet his dad is smiling down from Heaven knowing his equipment found a good home!

Thanks!

Actually, The head machinist at work knew his dad but didn’t know who’s equipment I bought until he showed up at the dads old house to help me move it. He told me that there was also a surface grinder In the garage at one time.

The dad was a retired machinist and had the equipment In his garage to putter with in his retirement. He also made parts for the animated Christmas display at his church on this equipment.

Chris

 

[1982fxr]

I have a chance to buy a small drawer of stuff, about 20-30 hss bits all different grinds.

They look like 1/4", or maybe 5/16" stock but just guessing. I asked what size and he said .395 and .460

This confused me, are those common metric stick sizes? I've only seen stock in standard fractional sizes...