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Bench top lathe

Ajwilly96

Gold $$ Contributor
I have done a search and read several threads and I have not found the information I was looking for.

I have an interest in eventually learning how to chamber barrels, unfortunately right now I do not have the space for a full-size lathe indoors.

I was wondering if there are any bench top lathes that would be decent to learn how to operate a lathe, maybe some basic projects like modified cases learn how to cut threads, with the biggest project being creating a custom sizing die.

I would love to buy a big lathe capable of chambering barrels, but I just don’t currently have the space for it.
 
LVLAaron said:
Make room. A full size lathe doesn’t need THAT much more space.
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I’m in an old farmhouse right now, i’m having a new build on hopefully sometime next year my room is set up with two storage shelves and a big bench, between that and safes my wall space is taken up unfortunately, I’ve considered taking out one of the storage shelves though
 
i’m also not super familiar with lathes, is it something that could go in the basement that is semi finished (not dirt) as long as it is not sitting directly on the floor?
 
Ajwilly96 said:
i’m also not super familiar with lathes, is it something that could go in the basement that is semi finished (not dirt) as long as it is not sitting directly on the floor?
Click to expand...
Many people including several on here have lathes in their basement and some have an entire machine shop in their basement. Your access to your basement determines the difficulty in getting the machines down there. One guy actually removed a wall, But most just slide the machine down skids or take them apart and then re-assemble them.

Just remember if you remove the headstock it has to be re-aligned. Been there done that, It's a tedious job and requires special tools.

If you have an unused basement that would most likely be your best bet.
 
I have moved a lot of lathes, But never into a basement, I will give you some advice. Always remove all of the handles on the headstock, Cross-slide, Compound, tailstock etc. You will most likely bump one or more of them off, Take the backsplash off too.
 
If your looking at PM get the minimum 12x36 made in Twian before its China-twian.
for a few dollars more the 13x40 Twian, would make a good choice too.
 
If you are building a new house with a basement you have some additional options. The builder could pour a good base and lower the lathe in during construction. Wiring and lighting could be done during construction. But it will likely stay there forever so chose wisely. Disclaimer this is coming from a guy that is not a builder or a machinist. But I too really want a lathe.
 
Rather than creating a new post, this question kind of goes along with it. Is the book COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO PRECISION RIFLE BARREL FITTING still being printed? I’ve found a few places selling it for $45-$55. Then there’s Amazon at $240 and eBay at $150
 
LVLAaron said:
My shop is 16x36. I want more room for other reasons, but it's twice what you'd need for a full rifle shop.
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So I got to thinking really hard about my options, I have a 20 x 60 pole barn that’s not really used for much, a back stall is already boarded up. It has about 6-8 inch concrete floors. I’m going to repurpose another stall, seal it, insulate it, install an exhaust fan, and run electrical.

That will give me a 19 x 13 size room that I can back a trailer or run a skid steer right up to the door.

I think that puts me fully down the rabbit hole. Now I’m trying to decide between a new grizzly 13x40 or a PM 12x36.

There are dozens of used lathes near me in Ohio, but a majority of them are extremely rusted and in the $1,000-$8,000 range.

Is there any benefit to buying a 60+ year old American made lathe in that price range, versus a brand new Chinese/Taiwanese for 6k?
 
My heavy 10 was in a basement, it came out in pieces.

Les Brooks built rifles on his tailgate with the smallest lathe harbor freight has.....he's also not an average person.
 
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