We just purchased a brand new G0602Z lathe 10" x 22" lathe with DRO and are looking for the next steps like tooling, setup, and alignment. I’ve read here that new lathes need a good bit of break-in and calibrating before really getting into cool projects.
Also… any good beginner projects relevant to FRC? I’ve had a bit of experience with the manual/cnc lathe game but I’m not sure if I’m fully equipped to teach.
Get any shipping grease cleaned off with WD40, and get some Mobile Vactra No. 2 to lube up the ways and sliding parts. Get the gibs dialed in for closest fit with no play that still allows free sliding. Lube the change gears and lead screw as well. Get a quick change toolpost or shim your tool to centerline on the 4-way post. Indicate in your tailstock. Other than that, you should be good to go. All that’s left is to figure out what you want to make. Lathe-inserts.com has some good “hobby lathe” kits that you can get with some incredibly sharp inserts for aluminum that leave a very good finish. You’re going to want a part-off tool also.
5C collet holder is good but for FRC and hex shafts a 3-jaw is fine. Do what sanddrag said and also check the runout on the 3-jaw chuck and grind the jaws slightly if necessary.
Make sure you have a grooving tool on hand for 0.029" and 0.039" snap rings.