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Lathe questions - SB Model A, Jet 1240py

Rich S

Silver $$ Contributor
Im looking to buy a lathe to use for hobby work and would likely try to chamber a few barrels. There is a SouthBend precision model A (cat # 13442) in my area for a reasonable price. Does anyone know the through hole size and have opinions if this would be a suitable lather for chambers? Another one in my area is a Jet 1240py. Both are reported to be in good condition although I have not looked at them yet. The South Bend has the collet set and a few more tools. Any information is appreciated.
 
The model A, original model SB(?), not a Grizzly? The real Southbend Model A has a 3/4" spindle hole and used 3C collets(?) I believe. First machine I ever bought was a Model A. It was too small to be practical for rifle barrels, but great for firing pins, assembly pins, pistol barrels and all kinds of special tooling and small parts.

Can't help on the Jet. I'd look for a so called Heavy Ten Souther. More practical than the Model A. It has a 1-3/8" spindle bore and can use 5C collets.
 
If you want a lathe for gunsmithing rifle barrels you need a 12 inch swing and 36 or 40 between centers. It MUST have at least a 1 3/8 hole thru the spindle. There are lots of sellers and Grizzly has a few models they se!all for gunsmithing specifically. You also want a direct mounting system like the D1 or A1 style of chuck mounting. Threaded chucks can shift on you or be a real bear to remove. Either situation can make your life miserable.

I highly recommend that you take a vocational night school class on basic machining if you have something like that in your area. Metalwork isn't hard but if you don't know what is involved you can get hurt and badly in the blink of an eye.
 
Of the two lathes you mentioned the JET 1240 (green machine) has a 1-1/2 through spindle. That would be the one I would be most interested in.
 
riflewoman said:
If you want a lathe for gunsmithing rifle barrels you need a 12 inch swing and 36 or 40 between centers. It MUST have at least a 1 3/8 hole thru the spindle.

Just so you don't get led a stray. I used a 10" swing with 24 inches between centers south bend 10L for three years and it worked good but, I did buy a 14" lodge and Shipley (swing 18 inches actually) because I wanted something a little more rigid and longer quill travel.
 

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