Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired wrote:


Why not us a cutoff tool on your lathe instead of a band saw?

Dan, U. S. Air Force, retired
-------------------------------------------------

Dear Dan,

Turning 'between centers' means the work-piece is supported by a
pointed, cone-shaped center at each end, driven by a 'dog' that grips
the work-piece and hooks into a slot in the face-plate.

A cut-off tool is a narrow cutting tool having negative draft, allowing
you to cut a deep slot into the work-piece, effectively slicing it in
two.

If the work were supported entirely by the chuck, or by the chuck and a
steady-rest, you might use a cut-off tool. But when the work is
supported between centers, using a cut-off tool means you've just cut
off one end of your support.

-R.S.Hoover