I have to agree with Kad. A lathe can put a hurtin on ya real quick. I've got a lathe and a milling machine. First thing I'll tell you is to not wear any loose clothing around them. They can get caught in the machinery and at least get ripped of worse they can grab it and break your bones. Wear safety goggles as they both throw metal chips and if they get into your eye you won't like how they have to come out.
By learning from someone you get to know feed rates and how far and deep and fast you can cut. These all vary with different metals.
A lathe has to be set on a level surface. A precision level must be used to level it not some level you get at a hardware store.
By befriending a guy at a machine shop he can help you with all these and many more questions you'll have.
Good luck
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Gene Barr
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