Anyone ever do Engine turning?

I did like Man-A-Fre suggested and visited McMaster Carr, for about $12 I ordered the 1/2" dia by 6" long stick 180 grit. Should be here Tues. I'm doing aluminum so this may do the trick. Thanks for the info. The stuff you guys have done is really good. Thanks for taking the time for me!

 

Practice before doing a good piece and remember, indexing / spacing is the most important thing, along with a constant pressure from swirl-to-swirl. Plan how you're going to space the swirls accurately, side-to-side & row-to-row. The eye can pick up on even a slight spacing difference.

 

Anyone have a preference for product or procedure for steel vs. aluminum?

 

There's a dirt cheap way to do engine turning that I learned a few years ago from a co-worker. All you need is a piece of wooden dowel and some clover compound. If you have access to a Bridgeport, getting the spacing even is a snap. I realize that not everyone has a mill to play around with. A drill press or even a hand drill will get you the same results.

 

Got my McMaster Carr order today and did a scrap pc using my drill press and wd40 for a lubricant. Doesn,t look bad for doing it by eye. I'm laying out a grid like someone suggested so after some more practice I'll try the real pc. Thanks for all the input.