So can this thing hold at least 7 tenths on .5" ID or even a .375" ID bore. I'm machining aluminum at the moment and would like machine stainless as well-I'm guessing no on the stainless with this machine. What kind of surface finish are you guys achieving?
I'm prototyping right now on a manual lathe. These are small parts, and I have bearing seats to deal with, and I'm currently using a roller burnishing tool on the seats to get within 0 to .0003". I may investigate honing as well, but there are benefits to roller burnishing such as finish and cold hardening the seats. It takes me a little while to make these parts by hand. I eventually want to produce parts. I have been looking at used 20 year old big CNC iron. Only problem is finding one local at a good price and fitting it in at my house until I can get an industrial space--about 1.5 years away. Just moving 10K lb lathes cost about $1500.
My hope would be to use this lathe to speed up my prototyping at home and do some small productions runs eventually in 6061 and 7075. I have been looking for a good used gt27, but they are fetching pretty high premiums at the moment. I live in No. California.