Gunsmithing new equipment, need some tooling

N

nickdahick

Private
Minuteman
Mar 28, 2008
42
0
42
Coeur d' Aene, ID
#1
I was just given an old south bend lathe, surface grinder, and drill press by my grandfather. He bought it at an auction years ago and was told it came off a WWII battleship. I am looking at working my way up to threading my own barrels and blueprinting actions. He has a pile of old tools, but have been told by a few that I need to upgrade to QR tool post and other items. What tools should I look at purchasing, and in what order.

Any help would be great. I dont have $10000 to dump into tooling, so its going to be like most of my wish list, one item at a time. I have very limited machining experience, but have been reading a lot lately. I have several friends that are machinists for ATK in Lewiston, and have offered to help me get started once I have it up and running.
 
#2
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

A quick change toolpost would be a good start for sure. Keep an eye on ebay they usually have good deals on this type of stuff. An indexable turning tool, threading tool, boring bar, tailstock drill, drills and live centre. The list really does go on but that should get you started.
 
#3
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

I have a very nice, brand new Aloris with holders.

never been used as my whole shop is CNC.

I paid 1600 for it. I'd sell 4 the same and pick up the shipping. Comes with one extra (used) holder that I picked up on Ebay.
 
#5
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

The QC tool post is really nice, I need one! I haven't popped for it yet as speed comes after I get busy enough to need it. Otherwise, all good advice and get your checkbook out, the tooling is an ongoing thing. I have found that acquiring tooling as needed versus "buying everything" right now is a better choice. My guess for a start up tooling set you will spend 1G easy and be needing more. Happy chip making.
 
#6
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

I would start with a quick change tool holder and extra holders. Get a catalog from both ENCO and MSC. (Google search will get you their phone numbers and web sites.) Next get a book called "Machinery's Handbook" and the smaller math book that goes with it. Get a good 0-1 mic and a 6" dial caliper. Learn to read them both. Get a machinist apron to stay at least semi clean. And keep your sleeves rolled up. Remove any jewelry before you start. If you have long hair get a hair net.

See if the local community college or high school vocational school has room for you in a basic class.

I did a lot of my apprenticeship on a South Bend 10" flat belt. A close friend has one now. I can go back in time 30 or 40 years by just walking into his basement.

Good luck but be careful.
 
#7
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

Tooling isn't cheap. I have been looking myself fo rthe last 2 weeks. I have narrowed it down to what I currently need, and what I will eventually need. Buy it as you can.

Stuff that you use every time you set something up is worth spending money on. Indicators and indicator holders come to mind. Sometimes you can deal with a tool that isn't great if you only use it once in a while. If you use it every time, it becomes a pain in the ass and not worth the hassle. If you are going to do barrel work, you'll need 4 (2 .001, and 2 .0001)indicators, and at least two holders. Thats $600 if you buy the less expensive ones. Buy interapids, and you are looking at $1200 easy. That is what I am currently struggling with.

MSC and Enco both have great catalogs. Enco is somewhat cheaper, but MSC has sales often.

Another option is to look at craigslist and such. You might find a toolmaker that is retiring, and is selling his stuff, or an estate sale.
 
#9
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you don't <span style="font-style: italic">need</span> two .0001" test indicators for barrel work. i only use one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSsloXwL5co</div></div>

My apologies. I have to remember there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Always good to have a spare, in case you throw one across your shop. Don't ask me how I know....
 
#10
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

Helps though. . .

Finished chamber cut last evening: TIR of .00005"

DSC_0121.jpg


DSC_0123.jpg
 
#12
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

lathe
29ys65i.jpg


drill press
206eq2b.jpg


surface grinder
2096l20.jpg


The lathe is marked 14 1/2" swing with a 6(ft.?) bed. I think the usable portion of the table is about 40" or so. I have the phase converter to run the lathe and surface grinder, but I dont have any clue what I am going to use it for. HAte to let the oppertunity pass me by though.

nick
 
#14
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

I have gotten quite a bit of stuff from ebay. Some new and some old, but have gotten some good prices. Nice looking shop but looks like you need to clean out the chip pan and start making some chips. A quick change toolpost is a real good place to start. I bought an import toolpost and holders for about $80. It is not as good as my aloris toolpost but it does fine for the 10" Southbend that I put it on. Then gets some toolholders and carbide inserts and of course measuring and indicating tools. I have a surface grinder in my shop also but I use it mostly for tooling that I make not gunsmith work. I have heard of people grinding barrel lugs though. That looks like the lathe that I learned machining on. So I have had experience with the rocker arm type toolpost. Don't plan on using one again. If you ever decide to sell the lathe please let me know. I really liked the lathes from the school and want one in my shop for sentimental reasons. Good luck and be careful, never run without safety glasses. Lathes are real good a throwing chips right toward your face.
 
#16
Re: new equipment, need some tooling

Must be the wrong scout but I am trying to get started doing some simple stuff. By the way Nick, you should never leave the chuck key in the drill press like that. If it accendently gets turned on, the chuck keys tend to fly accross the room.
 
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