FWIW .. I wouldn't do the brass cigar again.. it weighs a quarter of a pound.
I think it was 501 brass? Not sure, I know nothing about this stuff. But
it was a 3 ft rod, 3/8 inch. I turned that one on a Taig. I drilled it out on
the Jet mini (wood lathe) with a jacobs chuck holding the drill bit and the
brass rod chucked in a Barracuda with pin jaws. Drilled it out to just under
the kit size, then fine tuned it when I fit the parts.
Definitely use cutting fluid.
I thought I'd make a great looking copper pen, but the copper didn't like
being turned, I guess. I got it drilled out, but I'm still not sure how. It doesn't
turn well, it binds. It'll stop your lathe on a dime.
.. and yes .. it's all fun!