Gunsmithing Thoughts on a heavy 13

[Twisted300Win MAG]

I' m looking to pick up a lathe for rifle building. I have a chance to pick up a south bend heavy 13 for a really good price. Iv never worked on one and i'm wondering if it will be rigid enough for rifles. I know a lot of people use heavy 10s but some say they are quite rigid enough. Any info would be helpfull

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: Thoughts on a heavy 13

Don't know anything about a "Heavy 13" and never heard one called that??? Suspecting it is just a newer model 13" swing?

As for some saying a Heavy 10 "IS NOT RIGID ENOUGH" for doing general gun smithing I would surely disagree. Probably not heavy enough for some jobs using its full capacity but that sure as hell wouldn't be doing rifle barrel work.

I have done more than a dozen barrel jobs on my Atlas/Craftsman and had absolutely no issues with the quality of work it does for that purpose.

A SB 13 would surely be big enough dimension wise for barrel work, I would be more concerned about condition of it than the size of it.

Just my .02 cents worth anyhoo.

Edit to add...Is it a really really old SB 13? The older they are the harder it is to get parts for,especially the more oddball sizes. Age and condition would be my concerns.

 

[Twisted300Win MAG]

Re: Thoughts on a heavy 13

It's an older lathe almost identical to the heavy 10. Not exactly sure of the differences between the two models other then the larger swing. Parts shouldn't be a problem, the gentleman who owns it has recently replaced a few and my research has turned up many still available. I'm looking to build long range hunting/Target rifles.

 

[STR]

Re: Thoughts on a heavy 13

The SB Heavy 13 is more than rigid enough for rifle work. Very simple in design, and operation. I have a Heavy 10 also, and wouldn't trade it for anything. Best of luck.