Muster pilot, From a couple of decades use of small lathes, I simply suggest you take it slowly and carefully. The simple biggest problem of small lathes is not power, but stiffness. I.E. when cutting, the lathe distorts very slightly, affecting the accuracy and consistency of the cut. The heavier the cut the more distortion that happens. Industrial machines are built for very powerful motors and heavy cuts and feed rates. Hobby lathes simply cannot do the metal removal speeds. (SPEED AND FEED RATE). So work within the limits of the machine, reducing the cuts when you are getting close to size. Set up tools accurately on centre. Take care. Wear suitable protection. Flying swarf can blind you, cut fingers etc. And the machine will grab any fabric, sleeves etc, that is nearby and drag you into the moving bits. Many have scars from machines, sharp edges, etc. So try and do better than we did!
K2
