There's a quick formula... dia x rpm ...this should ideally be between 6 and 9 max. Your 8" bowl @ 1k rpm = 8 ...well within the safe range.
Lathe speed is a faq by people on my course... I always advise turning at a speed YOU are happy with ...within the limits of safety...if the lathe's leaping about it's probably a might too fast :wink:
me? I'm a speed freak... (it's not unknown fro miniaturists to turn at 15 to 20k

Graham
Update 29 Aug 03 :oops: I've amended the formula... should'nt have put the 'k' in figures other than the rpm!