Lathe size
- Thread starter Rubikahn
- Start date
It really depends on what you want to do. For barrel work, there are two approaches - a spindle bore larger than the biggest barrel you would pass through it, or a c to c length greater than the longest barrel you would work on, plus reamer, etc. A spindle bore of 1 1/2", with a c to c of 36" are dimensions that would work well. You can get away with shorter if the spindle bore is large enough, or with a smaller spindle bore if the lathe is long enough. Generally speaking, bigger is better. Most gunsmith milling can be handled with a mill-drill, or even a milling attachment in a lathe. As far as make goes, that question will result in a lot of discussion. I have done most of my machine work with South Bend lathes: 16" w/ 57" centres, a heavy 10, w/36" and a 10K (light 10) w/36". The 10K had a small spindle bore, so the length was important.
A spindle bore of 1 1/2", with a c to c of 36" are dimensions that would work well
Good advise
Something like this is ideal other than for .50 cal http://www.bellmachineryltd.com/new_king1440.htm
Good advise
Something like this is ideal other than for .50 cal http://www.bellmachineryltd.com/new_king1440.htm
Last edited:
You don't need much swing and for basic gunsmithing you require 36 inches between centers if you want to do barrel work.... 48 inches if you want to do barrel work with the action attached.
In the past a lot of quality work has been done on 10 inch Southbend and Atlas lathes with 3/4 inch spindles... it simply limits what you can put through the headstock... some procedures require extra set up but for a starter lathe you don't need it all.
In the past a lot of quality work has been done on 10 inch Southbend and Atlas lathes with 3/4 inch spindles... it simply limits what you can put through the headstock... some procedures require extra set up but for a starter lathe you don't need it all.
