cavacos

22:01 Mar 30, 2013 

It is important that you reverse the lathe at least 1/4 of a turn, as this will ensure that the die’s other teeth will break off the swarf from the part it has just cut. If you don’t do this then the swarf will build up, and rather than break off nicely, it will snap off and take a chunk of your thread with it. You can make a turn of less than 1/2 forward, say 1/3, if you wanted to, and to try to get a better finish. You should never turn it more than 1/2 a turn though.

18:31 Mar 30, 2013 

swarf (swôrf)
n.
Fine metallic filings or shavings removed by a cutting tool.