Objects to make on the metal lathe and milling machine

[JamesCH95]

To expand upon Don's suggestion:

Cut off the sections you turn on the lathe and see that they fit through slots or holes that you drill/mill into the plate. This will give you an idea of how tolerances and fits feel in real life, i.e. you will learn qualitatively the difference between 0.001" and 0.005" of clearance.

I would also try milling pockets in the plate of a specified depth, width, and length without going all the way through. This will teach you how to precisely control all 3 axis of the machine. I would also do the same pocket design in climb and regular cut directions to qualitatively learn the difference between the two.