Gunsmithing Decent lathe for starting out?

[STI_1911_Guy]

Grizzley Lathe

I was looking into this but i dont know if this would work for standard operations (ie barrel threading, chambering, crowning)? I was wondering if someone could help me out that has more experience than myself. Thanks

 

[colchester]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

You could build very fine rifles with a lathe like that. It is equipped with features that make it well suited to perform the operations needed to install rifle barrels. Keep in mind that will still have a to make a substantial investment in tooling beyond that which is provided.

 

[STI_1911_Guy]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

Yes i assumed there would be but could i bother you to maybe point out some of the tooling somebody may need??

 

[ugsly]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

Plan on spending as much or alittle more on tooling than that lathe runs.

*I am in no way a professional so someone can chime in and add to the list, but this is some of what you will need*

- Indicators .001 & .0001
- Boaring bars w/inserts circle brand (solid carbide .250)
- Reamer holder
- cutting oil (if you can swing a small coolant setup is nice when doing chambers)
- Calipers, depth mic, micrometer
- Indicator bars & bushing PTG (theres other ways to do this also without the bars)
- Turning and threading inserts and holders
- A good 6 jaw set tru chuck is nice but you can do without

Watch Enco & MSC for specials. If your not on their mailing list, get on it yesterday. If your married have it shipped to your neighbor

Hopefully others will chime in and add to the list.

Kc

 

[Clark]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

I am on my 4th gunsmithing lathe, a PM1236, that probably has 50% parts interchangeability with the the OP Grizzly.

There are a few differences.
The PM1236 low speed in 65 rpm and has a foot brake. Advantage PM1236.

The Grizzly has old fashioned quick change gears. Advantage Grizzly.

Pay extra for the DRO option, you will use it.

 

[Magicman]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

What ever model you decide on don't be in a hurry. I ordered a G0709 Grizzly in mid March and was pushed back another month this morning. Don't be fooled by advertisements of a million square feet of warehouses, they may be full of backorders. I would try to find another machine elswhere if it did not have a few features I want. I may have to compromise yet. Good Luck..

 

[ARNEWB]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

You can do it with that, but the Grizzly lathes are no where near the quality of some of the stuff you can find on CL for similar money.

You can find Southbend, Cincinnati, etc on there sometimes at great deals. I picked up a Cincinnati that needed some TLC for $800 a few years back. Just needed cleaned, a few new gears, and it was up and running for a total investment of less than $2000.

That being said, I also have a 1970s Grizzly 9x20 bench top that is great for quick little projects.

 

[Magicman]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

Update, pm'ed Papa Grizzly yesterday and he found that my machine was in stock at the time! I checked this morning and he had it shipped yesterday and it arrives in Jackson Ms. from Springfield Mo. this afternoon for pickup. Great news and a big thumbs up to a guy that can make it happen!! Thanks a bunch P.G.

 

[338RUM runner]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

Superdave, Your going to like the new G0709, had mine for a little over a year now and am very happy with it. Get some of there rubber mounts to put under it G7159 you need 6. Makes life easy and easy to level.

 

[Magicman]

Re: Decent lathe for starting out?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: xp100man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Superdave, Your going to like the new G0709, had mine for a little over a year now and am very happy with it. Get some of there rubber mounts to put under it G7159 you need 6. Makes life easy and easy to level. </div></div>
Thanks for the tip, I will do that. I have a larger Smithy combo tool that I have outgrown and dont really need the mill part, since aquireing a Bridgepot type a few years ago, and am looking forward to haveing more capability. Thanks again !