Lathe Questions

[Bully]

Some on here know that I have a lathe.
I have a Harrison M300. It's a nice machine and has built me a couple of very nice rifles. However the other day it went down. Being as I'm not from a machining/mechanical background I was at a loss and had to call someone to come and fix it. It, thankfully, wound up being no more than a relatively simple adjustment. My issue is that there are no references on the web showing how to diagnose or fix this particular machine.
So.... I'm considering selling. I'm considering selling and purchasing one of the new production lathes.
I can hear the collective gasps.
My big issue is support. And relatively reasonable parts should replacement be necessary. And, quite honestly, I'd like some stuff for my machine, like a steady rest, that is about as easily found as unicorn horn dust.
What says the crowd? Talk me into or out of this. I've had some bourbon and am in a mood.
Thanks.

 

[Rustytigwire]

Practical machinist forum.

 

[hpshooter]

"Practical machinist forum"

In the vintage machinery section.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Youre on the right path.

 

[akajun]

You’ll regret selling that machine for a new Asian machine
You can make a steady rest
Or modify one from a similar sized machine to fit
That’s what I’m doing for my victor

 

[Steve morgan]

Some on here know that I have a lathe.
I have a Harrison M300. It's a nice machine and has built me a couple of very nice rifles. However the other day it went down. Being as I'm not from a machining/mechanical background I was at a loss and had to call someone to come and fix it. It, thankfully, wound up being no more than a relatively simple adjustment. My issue is that there are no references on the web showing how to diagnose or fix this particular machine.
So.... I'm considering selling. I'm considering selling and purchasing one of the new production lathes.
I can hear the collective gasps.
My big issue is support. And relatively reasonable parts should replacement be necessary. And, quite honestly, I'd like some stuff for my machine, like a steady rest, that is about as easily found as unicorn horn dust.
What says the crowd? Talk me into or out of this. I've had some bourbon and am in a mood.
Thanks.

Clausing has Harrison parts. They are in Kalamazoo Michigan

 

[carlsbad]

If you search for another lathe, the key to a rewarding and pleasing lathe is the cross slide and compound slide. Most import lathes are weak here. The compound on many chinese 14x40's is the same at the compound on a 600 lb 12x36. Wide and low is the key to stability. Look at the compound on an old american leblond it is probably very close to perfection.

Taiwan is a huge upgrade to china.

I have one of these:

http://www.southbendlathe.com/products/metal-lathes/sb1039f

It is made in Taiwan. It isn't perfect but it weights 2500 lbs, spins at 2500 rpm without vibration, and has a very heavy, broad compound and cross slide. Those are the things to look for in a lathe.

--Jerry

 

[sdean]

Harrison m300 is as good as any for barrel work. You have to spend at least $7500 to get a better new one. Get with me in a couple weeks. I have a steady for a Sharp might do you some good.

 

[Bully]

Harrison m300 is as good as any for barrel work. You have to spend at least $7500 to get a better new one. Get with me in a couple weeks. I have a steady for a Sharp might do you some good.

Sounds good. I'll do my darndest to remember.

 

[Bully]

Youre on the right path.

What does this mean, oh maestro of machinery...?

 

[msinc]

What does this mean, oh maestro of machinery...?

I think what Dusty means is "keep what you got" and for several reasons. It's just a way better lathe than the current imports. I think he also means to join the "Practical Machinist" forum. That is your best bet for any information and also any parts and accessories. It is very likely that what you are calling unicorn dust one or more of those guys have laying around collecting real dust!! They wont even discuss import {Asian} lathes on that forum.
Don't get me wrong, some Asian import lathes work just fine and will do the job. Think of a lathe like a watch.....you want a real Swiss Rolex or one made in Hong Kong that looks the same and says "Rolie" on it??? To sum it all up at once...best not to try and be "disposable" about a lathe.

 

[GNERGY]

Build your own ball bearing steady rest like I did.

Couple pieces of aluminum and a bearing and some bolts and you're good to go. I use it for dialing in factory barrels for threading so I don't have to take them apart.
Tarey

 

[Dusty Stevens]

^exactly. Im no maestro of machinery for sure- im just an old south bend guy. Ive had newer stuff but always go back to american iron. And even if you had a steady rest, building one like the one above is a real good plan. Great work tarey.

 

[Shrek]

Another option for a stready rest is this. http://www.statecollegecentral.com/metallathe/MLA-9.html . You’re right about M300 steady rests being made of unobtanium. I’ve been looking for two years now and the only ones I’ve seen are priced like they’re made of gold !

 

[Bully]

^exactly. Im no maestro of machinery for sure- im just an old south bend guy. Ive had newer stuff but always go back to american iron. And even if you had a steady rest, building one like the one above is a real good plan. Great work tarey.

I hope you didn’t take that the wrong way. I was just kidding around. I have a solid amount of respect for your work.

Another option for a stready rest is this. http://www.statecollegecentral.com/metallathe/MLA-9.html . You’re right about M300 steady rests being made of unobtanium. I’ve been looking for two years now and the only ones I’ve seen are priced like they’re made of gold !

That’s a definite possibility. Thank you.
BTW, I’m glad someone else knows my pain.

Build your own ball bearing steady rest like I did.
View attachment 1091327
Couple pieces of aluminum and a bearing and some bolts and you're good to go. I use it for dialing in factory barrels for threading so I don't have to take them apart.
Tarey

Ummmm that’s awesome. Seriously.
Details?


As far as Practical Machinist, if there is a more intimidating forum out there I’ve not run across it. I was in there but it’s so far above my head that it’s comical. They did not seem very willing to help, either.
I don’t want to be a “machinist” in a classic sense. I just want to build rifles for me right now, and for fun and profit in the future.

 

[Ggmac]

I hope you didn’t take that the wrong way. I was just kidding around. I have a solid amount of respect for your work.


That’s a definite possibility. Thank you.
BTW, I’m glad someone else knows my pain.


Ummmm that’s awesome. Seriously.
Details?


As far as Practical Machinist, if there is a more intimidating forum out there I’ve not run across it. I was in there but it’s so far above my head that it’s comical. They did not seem very willing to help, either.
I don’t want to be a “machinist” in a classic sense. I just want to build rifles for me right now, and for fun and profit in the future.

PM sent

 

[Cloudrepair]

I would feel bad for a little while if I talked you into selling me that Harrison 300 but
It wouldnt be right the guilt may keep me up at night.

 

[Bully]

I would feel bad for a little while if I talked you into selling me that Harrison 300 but
It wouldnt be right the guilt may keep me up at night.

Feel free to shoot me a PM if you’re interested.

 

[butchlambert]

I hope you didn’t take that the wrong way. I was just kidding around. I have a solid amount of respect for your work.


That’s a definite possibility. Thank you.
BTW, I’m glad someone else knows my pain.


Ummmm that’s awesome. Seriously.
Details?


As far as Practical Machinist, if there is a more intimidating forum out there I’ve not run across it. I was in there but it’s so far above my head that it’s comical. They did not seem very willing to help, either.
I don’t want to be a “machinist” in a classic sense. I just want to build rifles for me right now, and for fun and profit in the future.

Well, they have the same type keyboard machinist as other forums have theirs. Did you go to their gunsmithing forum?

 

[Bully]

Well, they have the same type keyboard machinist as other forums have theirs. Did you go to their gunsmithing forum?

Yes