Grant,
Large cutoff tools work better than thin ones, but they waste more material
and require a stiff, heavy machine. All light lathes have difficulty with
that operation. Your 16" should have no trouble with the larger blade.
Steve
"Grant Erwin" wrote in message
...
Why don't people always use the thinnest parting tool blades made?
On my little lathe I have found that I simply can not use 1/8" HSS
blades but the 1/16" ones work OK. I'm getting ready to tool up my
16" lathe and I'm wondering ..

Grant Erwin
Kirkland, Washington