My next step but have a question

Barry , where are you at , have you checked for a local metalworkers group in your area ?
might also consider getting a bunch of home shop machinist and machinist workshop magazines
as well as a copy of Southbends How To Run A Lathe , you can find all of the above on ebay , and abes books

Hi Barry,
I can't recommend any particular books, but you'll be pleased to machine any of three grades of aluminum. 2024, 6061 and 7075. Buying them in the aged condition makes them all the nicer to machine. T351 or T4 for 2024 and T6 for both 6061 and 7075 are good choices. You can weld on 6061, but it loses it's heat treated (or aged) properties and is very soft after welding. It can be restored, but must be solution annealed before it can once again be aged. . Neither 2024 or 7075 are considered to be weldable.
It's a real broad world where ferrous alloys are concerned, and heat treat tends to spell the difference between machining, or not. If you're interested in simply taking some cuts to familiarize yourself with your lathe, it's hard to beat any of the free machining steel grades. Included in that category would be 1213, 1215,12L14, and 11L17. Most materials lend themselves to machining, just some present more problems than others. Stainless can be challenging, but there are a few free machining grades that are a pleasure to work with. They are 303 S, 303 Se, and 416. The 300 series is non-magnetic and can't be heat treated. 416 is magnetic, and can be heat treated. There are many other alloys of stainless, but the ones mentioned should get you at least familiar with how they look and machine. Choosing any other of the 300 series for machining than those mentioned can be an interesting experience if you're not experienced. They are difficult to machine and tend to ruin cutting tools of all kinds.
I'm sure someone will recommend a book that will serve you well. I worked in the trade, so I got introduced to the vast majority of the materials on the job, more or less the school of hard knocks.
Harold

Thanks alot. This helps. I'm just looking to get some material to learn. Nothing specific.
Thanks
Barry

I'd reccomend my college text for machine shop 101. My son used the same book when he took the course 20 years later. "Machine Tool Practices" Lots a pics and step by step how to on many operations. I see its pricey, new. I've got the 2nd edition, the new one is the 7th.

"Barry" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:
Probably the single most important book to a machinist: The Machinery Handbook. It's an investment, but if you need to know it relative to metal, or metal cutting, the answer or formula can usually be found in that book.

Yellow brass is also fun to turn. There are a bazillion different brasses, but if it's yellow it'll probably turn OK. I have no idea what the composition might be of the various brasses in my rawstock collection, but they all machine nicely. Bonus: polished brass is pretty!

snip----- Man, are you in for an education! :-)
Manganese bronze is yellow, as is aluminum bronze. Each of them are an experience you won't soon forget. The only thing they have in common with the brass you speak of is the color. Naval bronze can also be trying, although far more forgiving than manganese or aluminum.
The nicest material I've ever machined, *ever*, is leaded phosphor bronze. It cuts freely, and leaves a wonderful surface. Leave out the lead, however, and it's a bitch.
Harold

If you ask around (neighbours, friends etc.) spending an hour or so with some one who's been on the bench for a while (you supply the beer/coffee/doughnuts) they can impart a wealth of imformation and safety tips that could take days of reading to aquire. This is not to say you shouldn't do your reading and theory too, but ther is no substitute for experience.

A day without education is not a good day, and I thank you for the tip. I guess I've not encountered those materials in my scrounging for rawstock. All of the mystery yellow brass I've machined has been very nice.

As is the typical red brass one encounters. The lead included in these alloys make them a pleasure.
There are several copper alloys that are as ignorant about being machined as some of the tough stainless alloys.
Harold

This is a great idea. A friend used to be a toolmaker. I could probably pick up a lot of info from him. And best of all, he likes beer.
Thanks
Barry