Really appreciate you input Dave! A couple more questions........

Do you think that it would be possible to cut most of the thread pass under power, then finish the thread pass by manually turning the chuck?

I noticed that when I was using my home ground "point" that the O1 steel didn't "curl" but kinda broke up as the tool made the pass leaving a "rougher than a die" cut surface. When I ground the "point" via my 12" Rockwell disk sander and miter gage set at 30 degrees I left the top of the bit surface flat which is why the surface finish of the cut wasn't very good (or so I suppose). Would grinding a bit of "rake" or "hook" on the point cutting edges give a cleaner cut?

Concerning my relatively high 125rpm "low speed"....I've even considered some how "Rube Goldburging" replacement step pulleys to reduce the spindle speed since I nexer use the highest speed anyway. LOL