I am getting ready to purchase my first lathe. I have found a used Jet 1236P for sale within a couple hours. I am getting it for basic home projects and something to learn on. Eventually learn how to do some of my own chambering but that is a long ways out. Will this work for basic projects like shafts and spacers? Can I chamber and thread a barrel on this?
Gunsmithing Lathe question
- Thread starter BoomerC
- Start date
If it works, the ways are it good shape and the spindle bearings are in good shape, then yes.
A lathe of that size would be a good gunsmith lathe.
But, thats a pretty old jet (old isnt necessarily bad) just means you need to check it out reall well.
That your asking about this size implies your not knowledgeable about machine tools. Youd be wise to find someone who is, to go with you to inspect it.
A lathe of that size would be a good gunsmith lathe.
But, thats a pretty old jet (old isnt necessarily bad) just means you need to check it out reall well.
That your asking about this size implies your not knowledgeable about machine tools. Youd be wise to find someone who is, to go with you to inspect it.
I agree. I don’t have much experience at all when it comes to lathes. I am a millwright by trade but not a machinist. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.
Im seeing what looks like plenty of rust on it, but cant tell on the ways. I wouldnt buy a lathe that had rusted bedways with pitting.
Inspect the ways, check for excessive way wear under the headstock. Run it in each and every gear. Test all the powered feeds and leadscrew.
To be honest though, unless its just a really good deal, id pass. For a couple grand you can get a very nice used lathe.
I appreciate the feedback. The guy is about 3.5 hours from me. May take a trip up to inspect it.
The chip pan looks to be bent, also looks like it’s integral part of lathe. Looks like someone tried lifting it there instead of under bed or straps. I’d have to pass for a first lathe. If you’re experienced in machinery and can determine everything is fine, it may be a different story.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Take a machinist with you to check it out. Pay him to tell you if it's worth anything. Personally, I wouldn't bet a barrel on anything with a Jet tag.
When I was in the same boat I decided ultimately it was best to buy new so I could get strait to machining instead of getting into a restoration project since I didn’t know how to shop one. The Matthews 1340gt was my choice and super glad I did, it Gunsmithed great and could do all the barrel work through the headstock. I recommend at least having a machine that can do work this way if you want to. Just my opinion, best of luck and glad to see someone else start machining!
A decent 1340 lathe with a steady rest and 4 jaw chuck should serve you well i would stray away from jet msc or grizzly type brands kingston and sharp will have better support and replacement parts should you need them and should be decently priced
Precision Mathews, as a company, is a pleasure to deal with. If you call them, the owner himself usually answers the phone. They stand behind their stuff and take care of their customers. The aforementioned 13x40 is very well made, and would serve you for a lifetime.
https://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/pm-1340gt/
I dont have that PM lathe, it wasnt available when i bought a lathe. Mine is a Birmingham YCL1340-GH.
Not as nice as that PM, but it works really well.
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