On Nov 10, 10:23*am, "Bob La Londe" wrote:
...
Hmmm... *Would it not lend itself then to the thought that even on a lathe
you should first spot drill and then center drill?

In my experience a #2 center drill is stiff enough to start a hole at
the spindle axis even if the punch mark is off, while a 1/8" spotting
drill will shift slightly into the punch dimple. Which one is better
varies with the job and the layout accuracy.

My personal preference is a #3 center drill 4" long, to avoid cranking
the table up to spot and and down to drill.

jsw