Gunsmithing Home shop pics, lets see them.

[STR]

There seems to be a lot of guys building their own rifles at home these days. A lot of good talent, and workmanship no one ever sees. I would really like to see some home shops, and some of what you all build for your selves. Home shops only run by guys who have never gone to school for the trade, such as me.

Yes I had a business building, but I never went to gun school, and everything I will show you is what I had before I went into the business. I will start it off with pics of my garage shop, and the last builds I did. I'm sure others here would really like to see some home shops also. Here is mine.

This is a shot of the oven, blast cabinet, and the small bench I use for bedding jobs.

This is a shot from the opposite corner of the main work bench which I built when the hobby was wood working a very long time ago.

This is a pic of my 13x40 Colchester lathe. It's the one I mainly use.

Here is a shot of my compressor, and one of the main tool boxes. The parts washer is right next to the compressor.

This is where I do my hand loading. It's a small space, but I have everything I need to do a decent job. I do use all RCBS equipment.

Lets see those home shops!!!

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Sorry, I forgot the recent builds. Here they are.

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Give me a few weeks and Ill have all my machines and benches setup.

 

[wburke2010]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Those are some great looking rifles and a nice shop too.

Walter

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

You got it. This thread could be very inspiring for all those looking to do their own thing at home. It helps to see what others have and do when planning a home shop. We just need everyone that has the time to post pics. Thanks in advanced.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wburke2010</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Those are some great looking rifles and a nice shop too.

Walter </div></div>

Thank you very much. It's not magic, anyone can do it.

 

[Cigarcop]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Thank you very much. It's not magic, anyone can do it. </div></div>

We will soon see about that Ozzie!!!

I do see a nice woodworking table as well.....LOL

 

[wtopace]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Is that a 10" South Bend in the corner of that picture? Show us pictures of the machines we really want to see =)

 

[wtopace]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

I am currently reorganizing everything, so pardon the mess on floor. Normally I keep everything spotless in my garage (I can't stand clutter). I'm still very new to machining and ordered the Grizzly in December 2011. I picked up the 9" South Bend from a steal on craigs list (with the 400lb steel table) a few weeks back. The South Bend has very little rust on it (despite the looks in the picture) and actually runs extremely well. I should also mention that since it is dark in the garage the pictures didn't turn out too good, guess I'll have to post a few more once I finish organizing!

I am finishing up building some tooling, but I plan to plumb my first rifle in the next month!

 

[LRI]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Finish off your drywall and paint it.

You'll need far less lighting if you do. Nice work!

C.

 

[jonwatts]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Hey STR,

I'm looking for an oven about the size of yours to post cure composites. Is your oven a commercially built one or one you or someone else fabricated?

Jon

 

[kennyg]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

STR,

I have watched your videos about truing a rifle and admire your work. My dream is to someday have the equipment and knowledge to be able to put together my own rifles like you and others have done. I am envious of your tools and talent!

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wtopace</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am currently reorganizing everything, so pardon the mess on floor. Normally I keep everything spotless in my garage (I can't stand clutter). I'm still very new to machining and ordered the Grizzly in December 2011. I picked up the 9" South Bend from a steal on craigs list (with the 400lb steel table) a few weeks back. The South Bend has very little rust on it (despite the looks in the picture) and actually runs extremely well. I should also mention that since it is dark in the garage the pictures didn't turn out too good, guess I'll have to post a few more once I finish organizing!

I am finishing up building some tooling, but I plan to plumb my first rifle in the next month!

</div></div>

Great advice on the painting the walls white, but I'm sure you already knew that. Put more over head flourecent lights than you think you will need on shoe string switches so you can turn them on independently. This will save on electric. Light is super important, so pick your flourecent bulbs carefully for day light effects.

I love a clean and organized shop like you do. Yours is going to look great. Please post pics of your progress. Here is one pic of the South Bend which I do use a lot. I'll post more later, now it's time for work. Thanks.

 

[jacq220]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Disregard the mess. Its always messy (I apparently LOVE clutter) but its a little more messy since i am amidst rebulding my south bend 13" tool room lathe from 1944.
Lathe and Mill

Welding table

Parts washer

Tool chests/job cart

Work bench/reloading bench (the press is removable)

Reloading storage

and since its still a garage, Storage/kegorator

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

That's what I'm talking about. This will show all the different makes and types of equipment we can use. My shop sometimes looks like that when I'm in the heat of battle to get something done. I sometimes forget I don't have to meet dead lines anymore. Just fun to stay up late all by my self with no distractions, and a day off the next day for the range.

 

[xs hedspace]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

You don't need to see photos of my shop... Just visualize a scene from American Pickers, with a bunch of guns standing up here and there.

 

[jacq220]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's what I'm talking about. This will show all the different makes and types of equipment we can use. My shop sometimes looks like that when I'm in the heat of battle to get something done. I sometimes forget I don't have to meet dead lines anymore. Just fun to stay up late all by my self with no distractions, and a day off the next day for the range. </div></div>

I am ALWAYS in the heat of battle trying to get something done. I cannot remember the last time there was not at least two projects at some stage of completion going on.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Well I am kinda embarrassed "showing" mine which durn sure isn't bigger than STR's

but.......LOL

When I became disabled 11yrs ago and quit work I sold off the small Craftsman 618 I had which was like new and a neat little toy to play with, especially with all the tooling it came with and I had bought. Also had a near new 'Precision' I had bought from another smith who retired here. So when me and now ex bought this property 10yrs ago we built this 14x16 room on the end of the garage. Made it 2' bigger than I was going to then and sure wished I would have done at least 2' or 4' longer but terrain/slope in back yard would have made that a bit difficult. 4' on north side of this is storage for parts, reloading etc. So a small room really and regrettfully not big enough if I ever got rich and wanted a mill!

Looking in the door

SB Hvy 10..original paint on lathe but cabinet rattle canned. Nice piece for a wannabe like me. Came out of a tech school who sold 5 lathes, 3 of which were Hvy 10's and all excellent condition. The price at the time seemed great, now it seems like a steal!!!! Still haven't built a backsplash for it and need to hang another light above it.

Craftsman I bought before the SB that I then tore completely apart and rebuilt with new bed. For being a self taught machinist(loosely using that term

) it does some nice work!

Chitty pic of the storage area 4x14'

Both lathes have Aloris BXA's, at least 2 chucks, steadies, face plates etc.
Another lil Cummins 7x14 under the bench I do brass work on and polish small parts etc. Wished I had more room, more experience and more money for projects but currently just don't need anything new so machines don't get much use. 2 rifles in the last year kinda doesn't justify the investment. However it is really all I have and will make an interesting estate sale!!!!!

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Like everyone else....mine is in progress.

Space is a non issue....

My lathe. Once I had 3, now this is it.

My mill with the bolt knob jig about to do its thing...

Here is my new Hermes engraver and a set of jaws to hold barrels that I made.

Here is a stock duplicator that I am getting ready to try out...

And gotta have a surface grinder....

Here is my home built vice and wrench, the table is temporary, but it weighs a ton...seriously. soon I will build a smaller room for my gun work.

Bolt knob jig in action....

The cookery.....

Now ya see it.....

Now ya don't....

That's pretty much home.....for now.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

SDWhirlwind, embarrassed???? I love the tools you own, especially the heavy 10. I wish I had a reloading station like yours too. This is the kind of stuff I was hoping to see on this thread.

Heros Machine, great shop. When I started marking barrels, I also used a pantograph, but not as nice as yours. Now it just sits on top of the oven.

Later I will post more pics on the oven, and SB Heavy 10.

 

[Dave Berryhill]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bolt knob jig in action....

</div></div>

Nice shop! Where did you get the hollow end mill?

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

One of you is buying an SB heavy 10 and asked for some pics, so here they are.
The distance between the rear spider, and the front home made spider is 17 3/4 inches.

the motor is only 1 horse power, and it's plenty for rifle work.

This shows the model number

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonwatts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey STR,

I'm looking for an oven about the size of yours to post cure composites. Is your oven a commercially built one or one you or someone else fabricated?

Jon </div></div>

Mine is a commercially built oven. It is three phase, but they will make it single phase. I run mine through my rotary phase converter, but I had to disconnect one element. With both elements hooked up, it drew 40 amps. That's twice the capacity of the converter. Now it works fine, but takes a little longer to gt to the set temp. It hs electronic controls which do more than I understand. For example, can set a timer and walk away, only I don't really know how to. It is built like a war ship. the walls and doors are about 6 inches thick. Here are some pics.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dave Berryhill</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Bolt knob jig in action....

</div></div>

Nice shop! Where did you get the hollow end mill? </div></div>
Thanks. Hougan.

 

[Cigarcop]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Thanks Ozzie it exactly what will be on my truck tomorrow!

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Cool, take pics of before and after.

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Yup, it's a Hougan annular cutter (I have a Jancy mag-drill and therefore have a bunch of annular cutters...pricey little bastards though they are).

--Wintermute

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Sorry, I added too many pics.

The cookery.....

Now ya see it.....

Now ya don't....

That's pretty much home.....for now.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Hero's Machine, that blending shows the pride you take in your work. Great work.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Thanks Ozzie. That means quite a bit coming from you. I have been held back in business because its hard for me to say "good enough"....I know many of you know exactly what I mean. Your friends and customers are pleased, and you see the spot that you wish you had spent a little more time.

That bit is a Hougan annular cutter. I have a Hougan mag drill and I use the bits in collets in my mill. It will surprise the heck out of you how fast a bolt can be cut and threaded....about 5 minutes from jig rack to spinning a knob onto the threaded bolt handle. I am not in the shop today, but I believe its a 9/16 bit. It leaves the bolt a shade too big for the 5/16-24 die, but after one rev, its able to cut it just fine. It's no cnc thread mill, but I don't think we need class 3 fit on knobs...lol.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Dang, you even have a snow mobile. I'll trade you the mini bike Ozzy is going to sell me for it.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dang, you even have a snow mobile. I'll trade you the mini bike Ozzy is going to sell me for it. </div></div>

Yeah, that'll come in real handy around here.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

I am surprised "yall" know what a snowmobile is...lol. nothing like a couple hundred horses that weigh #450. Make western mountains a lot of fun.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dang, you even have a snow mobile. I'll trade you the mini bike Ozzy is going to sell me for it. </div></div>

Yeah, that'll come in real handy around here.

</div></div>

Hey, you never can tell what the weather will do. In December of this year the polar caps will shift. We'll be in the ice then and you wont be able to borrow my snowmobile or mini-bike.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am surprised "yall" know what a snowmobile is...lol. </div></div>

I saw one on the Discovery Channel while I was staying at a Holiday Inn Express.

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

These shops are WAYYYYYY too clean so I refuse to post

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X Ring Accuracy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These shops are WAYYYYYY too clean so I refuse to post

</div></div>

Oh come on now, yours is one I really woul dlike to see. Don't make my old ass beg.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Clean helps me...like today, I sent a firing pin retainer into orbit....but thanks to my shiney floor and gods grace.....I found it.

Don't be ashamed of your shop....we all started somewhere.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Waiting to see if someone posts pic of a nice Emco Maximat Super 11 or V13??? First lathe I ever used was a 9wk course as a HS freshman in metal work. We didn't get much time on a V10P but it had me hooked!!!!

Always wanted a V13 for the length but would have settled for a Super 11 if I could have afforded one. Now that I have the Hvy 10 I guess I am 'at peace' with myself.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

OK here's mine, just getting moved in from the old place. From front door to the back:

And the other way:

Have since added an old English Colchester, a big refrigerator and waiting to move the reloading table and get a large bench for the center area. Need another safe too, already have significant security.

Told the wife, this is the mext to last Man Cave. Next one will be closer to home ( ten minutes here ) and will have steps to a basement, where the 100 yard underground range will be built.

 

[S1erra1]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Damn there's some cool setups here, most of you would get claustraphobia in my little setup, It's a 20ft shipping container, It gets bloody hot here most of the year round so with the doors shut and the 2 aircons running it's nice and cosey.

Seriously looking into getting a CNC mill but buggered if I know where I'm gonna put it, I have an old shed next to the container but it's too hot most of the time and it's too messy to be shown here

 

[Nocalphoenix]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Im so jealous. My press was last attached to a bedpost and my current toolbox can be carried with one hand. Closing on a new house in a couple weeks and cannot wait to get back to the mainland and setting up a shop again.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Booshay, that is a dream place. I hope one day when I grow up I can have that for my shop. I would be a ble to build my dream AC Cobra if I had that. Enjoy!!

S1erra1. that is very smart, and I'm going to show it to my partner who has two in his back yard for storage. Maybe he will something like what you did. I think that's just great Thanks for sharing.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Waiting to see if someone posts pic of a nice Emco Maximat Super 11 or V13??? First lathe I ever used was a 9wk course as a HS freshman in metal work. We didn't get much time on a V10P but it had me hooked!!!!

Always wanted a V13 for the length but would have settled for a Super 11 if I could have afforded one. Now that I have the Hvy 10 I guess I am 'at peace' with myself.

</div></div>

I happen to know a guy that has a V13. I'll snap some pics next time I'm over there. He also has a very nice heavy 10 too. I don't know how he decides which to use.

 

[my human host]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: X Ring Accuracy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">These shops are WAYYYYYY too clean so I refuse to post

</div></div>

I'll second that. I'll try to get some pics posted this weekend anyway.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Waiting to see if someone posts pic of a nice Emco Maximat Super 11 or V13??? First lathe I ever used was a 9wk course as a HS freshman in metal work. We didn't get much time on a V10P but it had me hooked!!!!

Always wanted a V13 for the length but would have settled for a Super 11 if I could have afforded one. Now that I have the Hvy 10 I guess I am 'at peace' with myself.

</div></div>

I happen to know a guy that has a V13. I'll snap some pics next time I'm over there. He also has a very nice heavy 10 too. I don't know how he decides which to use.

</div></div>

Even though I don't need it, or have a place to keep it, there was an Emco V13 on eBay a while back that came from a school where it had been in storage for a long time. It looked almost new, and they wanted 5K. That's another great choice.

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: S1erra1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn there's some cool setups here, most of you would get claustraphobia in my little setup, It's a 20ft shipping container, It gets bloody hot here most of the year round so with the doors shut and the 2 aircons running it's nice and cosey.

Seriously looking into getting a CNC mill but buggered if I know where I'm gonna put it, I have an old shed next to the container but it's too hot most of the time and it's too messy to be shown here

</div></div>

There is a smith here in Arizona that has a 20' container that he works out of. He has lathe (appears slightly bigger than yours), a mill, drill press, work bench, large tool chest, gun safe, and shelving. He has a P-Tac A/C unit like you find in a hotel room and it works quite well. He also put a front door behind the container doors, which I thought was a good idea. Overall, it's a cool setup. Best part is you can call a truck to pick it up and move it if you ever move into a new house.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Even though I don't need it, or have a place to keep it, there was an Emco V13 on eBay a while back that came from a school where it had been in storage for a long time. It looked almost new, and they wanted 5K. That's another great choice. </div></div>

So 'between the lines' are you saying you have a V13 in storage???

...or am I really confused?

Always thought they would be the 'cats ass' so to speak for smithing because of their quality and size, especially the V13 although the 27" of the Super 11 would do most jobs.

 

[STR]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

Forgive me. After reading what I wrote, I can see how it would be easy to believe that I have this lathe. I left out the very important part about how I surf eBay, and I saw this deal on th V13 a while back. Truly sorry. I also believe it would make a very good lathe for rifle building for the same reasons you do. Believe me, if I had it, it would not be in storage. Everything I have gets used. They aren't going to put anything in the box when you're gone, so if you collect it, use it. Life is to short to be waiting around for a special occasion to use something.

 

[LRI]

Re: Home shop pics, lets see them.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mikee Booshay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OK here's mine, just getting moved in from the old place. From front door to the back:

And the other way:

Have since added an old English Colchester, a big refrigerator and waiting to move the reloading table and get a large bench for the center area. Need another safe too, already have significant security.

Told the wife, this is the mext to last Man Cave. Next one will be closer to home ( ten minutes here ) and will have steps to a basement, where the 100 yard underground range will be built. </div></div>


Not trying to be a Nancy, just a good neighbor.

Might consider moving that surface grinder as far away as you can from your mill/lathe.

Wheel dust will coat the ways and tear them to bits in short order.

Nice setup.

C.