Need a perfect 8mm hole - to ream or bore?

[BillTodd]

I slap in a 6.5mm drill - it bends about like a bendy thing in Bendy Convention.

! in ally???

Are your drills sharp? Is the lathe turning in the correct direction?:rofl:
Is the tail-stock aligned correctly?

Drilling a hole in aluminium should not cause you any problem. Similarly, if your boring tool is sharp, it should easily cut a clean hole.

What depth of cut are you trying?

[HankMcSpank]

! in ally???

Are your drills sharp? Is the lathe turning in the correct direction?:rofl:
Is the tail-stock aligned correctly?

Drilling a hole in aluminium should not cause you any problem. Similarly, if your boring tool is sharp, it should easily cut a clean hole.

What depth of cut are you trying?

Dril bits were brand new (they are jobber bits - cheap as chips, but I figured on throwing them away and starting with a new one very regularly)

Yes the lathe is turning in the right direction (BTW, I'm not offended - it's a valid question with someone new like me!)

Re the tail stock alignment - this (I think) may be the root of my problem - how can I check it's alignment to see if it's within tolerance?

Thanks.

[Robin Hewitt]

Re the tail stock alignment - this (I think) may be the root of my problem - how can I check it's alignment to see if it's within tolerance?

Centres in both stocks then nip a thin piece of metal between them.

If it twists you are misaligned