Minimum lathe size for gunsmithery?

[thefitter]

I'm thinking about maybe eventually getting some equipment so I can learn the other end of this hobby. What would be the minimum size lathe needed for hobby gunsmithery?

Thanks

 

[Grimstod]

Well you need to at least be able to stick the barrel through the chuck. 1.25in minimum.

In order to contour one you need a bed that is at least as long as the barrels you want to do up. That all I can think of for now. Good luck. It's a lot of fun.

 

[jdh47]

Most smiths have gravitated to chambering through the headstock so for that you would need something along the lines of the South Bend Heavy 10 with a 1 3/8" spindle bore. Any of the Grizzly line of gunsmith lathes would be fine as many older American lathes to include the Rockwell's, Clausing's and the Logan if large enough. That said some fine chambers have been cut with the little South Bend 9" and light 10" long bed lathes by chambering between centers. Ed Shilen did for years and won lots of matches.

It's not so much what you have to work with as much as what you are able to do with it that counts. If you are going to compete with your work you will be up against some true artists in the custom gun making industry.

Good Luck,
Joe