good lathe

[j350hp]

i would like to get a good lathe for gunsmithing. i know there are some expensive ones out there but what do i actually need for reaming and threading barrels. i guess a good hobbyist lathe.

http://cdn5.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg288/g/g4003g.jpg

ive been lookin at these but i do not know exactly what i need. i just want a good cheap lathe to get started to teach myself.

[trotterlg]

I have an Atlas 6 inch lathe with a bed extension that I have threaded and chambered dozens of barrels with.  It is about the minimum you can get away with.  You really need to be able to turn about 26 inches between centers to be useful for guns.  You could get away with less if the lathe has a large hole through the headstock that you can put a barrel blank through, about 1 1/2 inches or so.  One of the cheap ones from Harbour freight would work ok for you, you will need a steady rest and a travel rest would be nice, also a simple milling attachment for it.  Good luck, there are some 10 and 12 inch Atlas lathes with 54 inch beds that would probably be just about right, you will have to search the used market for them, try Craigs list in youre city or one you can drive to, shipping these things is not easy.  Larry

[j350hp]

thanks goin to look them up

[John Traveler]

I second the idea of looking into a good, used Atlas/Craftsman lathe.  The 12"x36" is just about right for what you have in mind.  The last models (built from late 1958 through the mid 1980s with quick change gear box would be ideal.  A fully equipped one with steady rest, follower rest, 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks, milling attachment, modern tool holder (instead of the lantern-type post) will do you just fine.

The late Frank "Mr. Single Shot Rifle" DeHaas used an ancient 1930's model Atlas for all of his rifle barrel and action fitting work.

A careful workman, fully concious of the limitations of his machine tools, can still do superb work with what he has.

A big plus for the Atlas/Craftsman lathes is that they were built by the hundreds of thousands, since the the 1930s.  Accessories and toolling are relatively easy to find and affordable.  Ebay and your local Craigslist are often good sources.

[gunnut69]

I've a 12x36 with all you mentioned. The chick change takes a bit of getting used to but sure saves time looking for gears.... The headstock hole is not any too large but the machine can do more than it's current operator, me. I bought it from the shop I was doing stock work for years ago for $600(maybe $650??) not sure CRS!! Its been greaat for me but I really don't do a lot any more. The mill attachment is a Palmgren(sp.) vise and can be a real help.. It's none too heavy but I couldn't afford a Clausing..

[John Traveler]

You and me both, Gunnut69.  I've had an Atlas 12x36 since the early 1990s and have become quite adept at using it for rebarreling, chambering, fitting, and making tools, dies, and parts.  I learned on a South Bend, and later, a Logan, and with all the time I've spent on the Atlas, can find my way around most any lathe, of almost any size.  It's been a terrific learning tool, as has the Enco drill-mill, and the initial cost even with full tooling, has been cheap compared to a new machine from Grizzly or Enco.  I've been able to do 100% of hobby gunsmithing machining chores using these two machines.

Sure, the Atlas 12x36 has it's limitations.  The bed and compound are relatively light, the orginal "lighthouse" tool post is flimsy, but even with it's several limitations, it's head and shoulders above most of what is offered at Enco and Harbor Freight in the size category. At 1/2 or 1/3 the cost isn't bad either.

Another plus with starting out with an Atlas is that they seem to hold their resale value, unlike buying a new machine.  There is always gonna be available fellow hobbyists that are looking to start homeshop lathe work.

[Frank46]

I bought a jet 13x48 geared head lathe with both traveler and steady rests, three and four jaw chucks and ouve the preceding years have managed to accumulate all or nearly all the necessary stuff to run it. I'm basically home tought and do have a few books to use when I get stuck on certain operations. By the way this lathe is also a gap bed lathe. the front section of the bed can be removed so you get to increase the diameter of the stuff you are working from 13" to about 17'has a 1.5 hole through the headstock for doing rifle barrels I like it. Frank

[j350hp]

wel im goin to keep my eye open for one. i know a guy runnin a huge 440 atlas lathe in a shop and he likes it but it is big need a smaller one.

[trotterlg]

I would have suggested the 10 or 12 inch Atlas lathe with a long bed however unless you are somewhat experienced you will have a hard time knowing if all the parts are there and if it is properly working.  Larry

[Drilling Man]

  Here's the lathe i traded for,





  I have about $600.00 of tractor work and milling logs into lumber for the guy, in it.  I just wish i knew more about what i was doing when i'm standing in front of it!

  DM

[fox fire]

A guy that runs the local gun store ( he owns a couple farms and a chain of stores ) he shoots compatition and builds costom rifles as a hobby,  I was talkin to him last week and the subject of lathes came up,  he was talkin about the weight of his old one was about 2000lbs and his new one is closer to 3500( if I remember rite ).  The way he talked the weight made a big difference in it's ability to work, heavyier the better the way I took it.       
       He said a friend of his had a smaller one that had a problem with not cuttin threads very well, the heavier lathe cut slicker threads than the lighter one.    As far as what the guy really knows I cant honestly say, but his rifles ( I've seen sevral ) are super nice and bring a premium price.    Maybe thers some thing that'll help you decide in all this.

[John Traveler]

It's true a heavier lathe with thicker, heavier bed and ways will have more stability than a lighter lathe with thinner bed and ways.

Like I mentioned, the Atlas/Craftsman 12" lathes are at a disadvantage in this category.  It is simply much easier to do good machine work on a Clausing, a Shelton, a Monarch, or whatever.  They WEIGH a lot more, and the difference in weight translates to a stiffer bed, greater rigidity of headstock, crossfeed, and compound.  What is also true is that a careful craftsman, knowing the limitations of his equipment, can still do nice work.

The easiest way to aquire a gunsmithing lathe is to buy the Grizzly package.  Fully equipped with steady rest, follower rest, 3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks, faceplates, centers, tool holders, and dogs, the new user is unlikely to outgrow it.  However, it will also cost 2-3 or 4 times what the more modest Atlas will cost.  It's certainly your choice, but you asked for advice, and we gave it.

[j350hp]

thanks all