On Jul 7, 7:19*am, Jim Wilkins wrote:
On Jul 7, 1:36*am, "DoN. Nichols" wrote:

On 2010-07-07, Searcher7 wrote:
...
(Like I mentioned, the ability to flip the work around, center, and
machine it seamlessly to match the opposite half is what I'm after).

* * * * Then you want to turn between centers. *I don't think that you
will get seamless with *any* collet system.
...

If I pull a part out of the collet to test the fit and then put it
back in the same way to shave off a few more ten-thousandths there is
always a high spot where the bit rubs first. The new cutting pattern
is visible as a fresh cut part way around.

Reversing the work is the same, I can always see where the two cuts
come together, even if the difference in diameter is barely
measureable. This is on a good South Bend lathe whose spindle
indicates less than 0.0001" of runout.

A file quickly erases the pattern, at the risk of distorting the
cylindrical geometry. When that matters I use a good-quality pillar or
hand file and watch the disappearing tool marks as a guide.

I haven't found sets, so I'll have to order *******, second cut, and
smooth files separately.(I assume you use a smooth long angle file for
this).

Turning between centers works best for appearance, though the
tailstock on my lathe is difficult to keep aligned. It came from a
trade school where it received relatively little use but much abuse.

jsw

It seems like I'll have to turn between centers a lot, so I'll
concentrate on learning to best find and mark the centers before
drilling.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.