Best brand of lathe for threading and chambering barrels?

[fullersson]

I hate to keep bothering everyone with my ignorance, but I just can't seem to get any information off the internet about a really good lathe. It seems that some people say positive things about one brand and someone else says that same brand is junk. If someone could recommend a brand that would be helpful. Please keep in mind that I'm doing this for a hobbie so I would like to stay at or under $3000. Thanks.

 

[Kenny474]

Grizzly will work. $3000 isn't a big budget for a quality gunsmith lathe. You are going to be so limited on options that Grizzly or another such brand will be your only choice. I have seen videos of smiths using a grizzly to chamber a barrel, so apparently it will work. It's not all about the lathe, some is actually technique. My Dad cuts as good as I do with lesser equipment, but he has 30+ years experience and knows how to make stuff work for him. But it is easier to be accurate and avoid chatter with a quality machine. But like I said, your budget is limiting your options. And as another posted, bushing head machines are much easier to avoid chatter, especially while reaming.

 

[gamma]

$3000 is an excellent budget to shop for a lathe with. If it were me Id be looking for a good industrial grade lathe something a few years old in good enough condition. Dont worry how it looks just something with at least 1.5" bore and not too much wear on the slides. Make sure it can handle metric and imperial threads. Theres not much that can really be wrong with a lathe apart from excessive wear on the slides. I bought a lathe a few years ago, it look like shit but the slides werent to bad and everything sounded good when switched on, its served me very well since I got it. Shop wisely.

 

[kapac]

I own a Grizzly and it was money well spent!!

 

[Kenny474]

I disagree with Gamma. An industrial lathe isn't what I would use for smithing. I would prefer something more precise, as most industrial lathes I have used just are not ideal for the precision work you would want on a bench rest rifle. I would prefer a tool room lathe of adequate size, or a lathe designed for use by a smith. The Hardinge tool room lathe I use is the most precise manual I have ever used. Accurate beyond all imagination and cuts smooth as glass. But for your intents and budget, I think this will do just fine
http://grizzly.com/products/g4003g
It is designed for smith use, so it will most likely do anything you ask of it.

From my experience, industrial lathes are made to cut big stuff at moderate tolerance. Not my idea of an ideal tool for the task at hand. My father agrees with me as well, and he speaks from 30+ years of machining.

Why buy a barrel that is true within .0005, and thread and chamber it on a machine only capable of .001 accuracy, maybe less?

Get the Grizzly. You want to smith and that is what it's designed for.

Many things can be wrong with a lathe, bushings, bearings, gears or anything else for that matter. Buy new and get something of known quality.

 

[fullersson]

Thanks guys.

 

[BoydAllen]

Length of the headstock is also an issue for barrel work.

 

[X Ring Accuracy]

Length of the headstock is also an issue for barrel work.

Hit the nail on the head there.

 

[varminthunter1]

I have the G4003 from Grizzly. Great product.
The owner of Grizzly is a shooter himself and will back up the product and offer great customer service. just my 2cents

 

[clowdis]

Noticed that my Rutland Tool catalog had a new Clausing 13 X 40 in it for a little over $11,000 but the only tooling included was a couple of dead centers. Could probably figure another 2-3 grand for 3 and 4 jaw chucks, steady and follow rests, tool holders, live center, etc.

 

[MDSpencer]

I like a Rockwell and a old southbend.

 

[msalm]

6+ year old thread....hope he found one by now!

 

[Ggmac]

I have to learn to start looking at that ! I see he hasn't posted since then .
I hope he didn't hurt himself .

 

[Steve Ladino]

I hate to keep bothering everyone with my ignorance, but I just can't seem to get any information off the internet about a really good lathe. It seems that some people say positive things about one brand and someone else says that same brand is junk. If someone could recommend a brand that would be helpful. Please keep in mind that I'm doing this for a hobbie so I would like to stay at or under $3000. Thanks.

They are all good when they are new....You need to figure out what you want it to do....might want to set up an indicator on either end of the spindle to check for any looseness.

 

[ireload2]

I have ran maybe 75 different lathes from ancient things originally designed for overhead belt drive to Monarchs, LeBlonds, Hardinges and really big engine and turret lathes and VTL. They pretty much all behave the same for a person that knows how to run it.

As long as the spindle bearings are in decent shape and the ways and cross slide have not been trashed you can thread a barrel. Gunsmith machining is not very demanding for someone competent with a lathe.

 

[RemingtonAI]

I agree with a lot of what was said above. I'd look on craigslist in your area and at least within 50 miles of you for lathes in general. Look for one that meets your budget, comes with some tooling, and is in great shape. It is a lot to ask for and you won't find it easily, but these deals do pop up on CL and you'll definitely find it if you are looking frequently. If you don't need it right away then time is on your side, just hold out until it comes up and bite. Consider if it is single or 3 phase power and if it comes with a VFD. You can buy an older better quality machine if you know what to look for and can really check it out. Don't be afraid to bring an indicator to check things. If you need it for precision work they should understand. Figure out all of the tooling you need and try to go for one that gets you at least part of the way. It adds up quick.

 

[savagedasher]

Grizzly is a good lathe . But I would check with others on tooling . Get the spider for it also . Larry

 

[ab_bentley]

Southend heavy 10 long bed with d1-4 cam lock and flamed ways.

 

[tclaunch]

I too am very fond of my South Bend Hvy 10.

 

[GenePoole]

I'm fond of South Bends too, but I've never used a 10L. I've got a 13 which is about as old as me (built in 1966) but still runs like new. I don't have the flame hardened ways, nor a D1-4, but the ways are still pristine and I don't mind a threaded spindle.