mickyd wrote:This may violate one or more OSHA / common sense rules but......I cut bolts by chucking them up, going to slowest speed, and cutting it with a hand held hacksaw as the rotates. Works fine for me.
Mike,
There is nothing wrong with using this method. I use a hacksaw, or a jewelers saw for smaller items, to part off work on my lathe all the time.
Troy
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charlese wrote:Thanks Mike and Troy!:D Would never have thought of this myself:( But now I will remember your methods and apply!!
A couple of details....
1. Let the saw and the turning work piece do the work, if you get carried away the saw can drop suddenly when you finish the cut and damage the ways of the lathe. Just move the saw slightly to keep the teeth from loading up. When cutting metal I usually saw until there is a tiny nub of material left (cutting gets a little awkward at this point anyway) and then with the power off, bend the part back an forth a few times until it drops off. This also saves time searching the floor for your part when making small items.
2. Cut a shallow groove to start the cut. Any sort of cutting tool or even a file will work. Without the groove the saw blade can go skipping all along your workpiece. Usually the more time you spent shaping and polishing your part the more likely this is to occur.
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