TU58 tape formatter (was Re: rebuilding DC100A cartridges?)

What I do is this : Cut an over-long piece roughly, making sure I haev enough to cut the ragged ends off and still have the bit I want. Put the tubing on suitable rod as a mandrel Any material will do, wood, steel, etc. Put it i nthe 3 jaw chucj of the lathe. Hold a knife against the side of the toolpost and move the altter to get the blade where I want if over the tubing. Tunr the lathe _by hand_. Don't even think of using the motor unless you wanta knife blade stuck in you. Prest the blade agaisn the tubing to cut it. Move the toolpost to ge the lrnght of tubing I wnt. cut again Slide the bits off the mandrel and keep the one I want. Since you don't need the accuracy of the lathe, you might be able to rig soemthign up usin a hand drill, a block of fwood to guide the knife against, etc.