Lathe

[fullersson]

I need a little advice about lathes. I'm in the market for one and don't know anything about them. I've looked at Grizzly and Fox becaue they make a lathe that says gunsmithing in the description. That's pretty pitiful isn't it and shows my lack of knowledge. I looked at a beefy Harbor Freight that seems to be the best value and I looked at some old lathes that a guy here in town has. Any advice you be helpful. Thanks.

 

[lelongcarabine]

Its been years since I bought my lathe. Having learned the basics on a genuine South Bend, I was spoiled. This style lathe is a bushing head(as opposed to bearings) and is VERY smooth running and cutting. A bearing head lathe can cut nicely , also. But all lathes are not of the same quality, especially those made overseas. I bought a Taiwan copy of a Clausing Colchester, 13"X40. It is a nice machine. It is not originally what I wanted. That was a 14"X54 LeBlond. That was back in the years when that machine was still made in the USA! I did not have the money, it was plain and simple economics.
However, the main thing I wanted to point out to you is the quality of the lathe can be determined by a couple of cuts on some stock. If you have a harmonic pattern on your part. The bearings are not correctly installed. There is a name for this, and I cant find a link, anywhere. It is called the "Schlossinger Norm", If I recall correctly. Bushing head lathes completely eliminate this issue, but they are difficult to find, now-a-days. Make sure you have a very low speed capability with lead screw and english/metric threading capabilities. Carbide threading inserts make threading a piece of cake( ya still need to practice ;D).
Improper setting of the lathe on a less than solid floor can ruin a good lathe. Make sure your floor is stout enough to support the weight. Properly level and square the bed. Sounds like you are on your way to a real adventure. Greg

 

[lelongcarabine]

Here's some links. See the one with the "finish problem". There are many things to learn. Greg

http://www.armurerieduroi.com/pages/lathe/lathe_turning.html

 

[fullersson]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[jcullen]

Take a look at http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/index.php .. I could spend the rest of my life there...JC

 

[Kenny474]

You will get what you pay for. My father is a 30+ year machinist, and I have worked in the trade a bit as well. Don't bother with anything from harbor freight. I have read good reports on the grizzly gunsmith lathe. You need to figure out what you need the lathe for, and make sure what you buy is capable of doing what you need. Tool room lathes are very high precision. Most big machines that don't cost a fortune are not what you are going to want. My dad has always said you get what you pay for in a machine. Often you aren't paying for the name, but the quality.

First, find what you need it to do, and what you want for quality. If you are going to be smithing, find what size and features some smiths are using.
It is better to have it a little bigger than need be, than too small. Research is going to be key so you don't make a purchase you regret. And most foreign machines and tooling are inferior to US made, so don't try to save a buck by going overseas. That is the last thing I would do.

 

[therifler]

Hey take a look at gordy gritters chambering on a Grizz.
Do a search gordy gritters chambering barrels .

 

[Artpro]

Check out the post by DocEd, ie. Southbend 10 inch lathe. I believe that the toolroom models have 1-3/8 hole in headstock. I myself have 13 x40 Southbend.
Art