Dear All,
Any experienced maker could enlighten me on the secrets of parting 316 Stainless Steel?
I usually hate parting big pieces on the lathe, but so far Brass and Steel could be handled. But this 44mm diameter 316 SS piece is challenging me.
Tool has been shaped to 8 degrees of back rake and end relief, has side clearance and is aligned to the centre. Best speed calculated at 115-135 feet/minute equalling 330 RPM.
But the parting tool looses every time.
All I manage to make are extremely dangerous micro stainless steel needles, and dented tools. The chattering is horrible.
Is it possible that I unintentionally hardened the blank while trying to cut, and now it's harder? Should I use a lot of coolant?
Best regards,
Marcos