03-26-2015, 04:23 PM
David,
While the grade and "extra sharp" geometry was developed for aluminum alloys. the fact that it's a Titanium Carbo-Nitride coating allows it to work on other materials. I would run the barrel at 250 to 300 surface feet per minute. This will be a good test because with a tapered gun barrel it's a long, unsupported cut and subject to chatter. The sharp edge should eliminate that completely.
A gun barrel taper should be low enough angle to use the offset tailstock method rather than waiting to find a lathe with a taper attachment. You should find one of the "bell mouth" style center drills to drill center holes in plugs you make for the ends of the barrel, offset the tailstock and set taper by checking the "per side" taper with a long travel indicator mounted on your carriage. It's easier than it may sound.
Best of luck.
Ken
While the grade and "extra sharp" geometry was developed for aluminum alloys. the fact that it's a Titanium Carbo-Nitride coating allows it to work on other materials. I would run the barrel at 250 to 300 surface feet per minute. This will be a good test because with a tapered gun barrel it's a long, unsupported cut and subject to chatter. The sharp edge should eliminate that completely.
A gun barrel taper should be low enough angle to use the offset tailstock method rather than waiting to find a lathe with a taper attachment. You should find one of the "bell mouth" style center drills to drill center holes in plugs you make for the ends of the barrel, offset the tailstock and set taper by checking the "per side" taper with a long travel indicator mounted on your carriage. It's easier than it may sound.
Best of luck.
Ken