Question for you machinists

[turbohunter]

I have a crank pulley spacer I have to take .385 (the width of Jay’s crank target) off of. This spacer has bolt holes through it. Is it safe to turn that down on a lathe? I’m assuming if you go nice and slow you’re ok. Or to be more accurate, higher speed but go slow with the cutter. Bad idea or ok?
I’ve done some spacers and little stuff but this is a bit larger and of course you’d break into the holes.

[428 GALAXIE]

Should be no problem. Worn out lathes tend to jump in to hole when brakes thru to the hole.

[WConley]

... What Mikko said.  This is called an "interrupted cut" and you should use a decently stiff machine. 

Make sure the spacer is chucked tightly and use a beefy tool, well secured in its mount.  I've found that lower speeds and light cuts help in these cases.  Just take your time!  It's only a face cut so absolute accuracy/ finish is not a huge concern...

Cue the jokes about stiff tools now 

[turbohunter]

LOL ing
Thank you guys

[turbohunter]

Just to put a bow on it for any that wonder.
My lathe was to small. But I did learn how to realign the jaws when one fell out because of my opening them to wide. So I’ve got that goin’ for me.
Had to take it up to my friend Johns shop. He’s a wonderful machinist and he whipped it out for me in a few shakes with no problem.
Pulley works perfect. Now my engine is together and I have to drop it in the mustang to figure out how to mount coils and check spacing out on pretty much everything. I’ll prolly take a few pics for y’all to see an actual engine in my mustang. Who’d a thought.