machining ceramic

Have some prototype ceramic fixturing to make. Machinable alumina bisque
and machinable alumina silicate. The difference between them is the
bisque can be cut with HSS, and silicate requires carbide. At least
according to McMaster-Carr.
Anyone have some advice they would like to share? Turning & milling. Is
this going to screw the with ways on my cnc lathe? Coolant? Cutting
geometry?
ca