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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Learning On A Mini-Lathe


drgoose

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Hello, this is my 4th post on this forum. I have been lurking around for a while and I am about to start my first project, but eventually I would like to rebarrel my own rifles from blanks. Currently I have two problems that impede that. The first one is I don't know how to use a lathe, the second is I don't have one or a place to put it.

 

I would like to tackle the first problem by buying a mini-lathe and learning to do most of the machining in it so that when I have a place to put the big one i will already know what I am doing.

 

Is it possible to learn all the skills needed ona 7x 12 lathe. For example, can I learn how to thread and chamber a barrel in it by using small sections of barrel blanks (i.e 6-10 inches), they would obviously not be functioning barrels, I gues they would be "threaded chambers".

 

Would the tooling that I get for the mini-lathe work on the full sized brother later? I don't mind buying a 670 dll mini lathe, learning on it and then selling it for a 200-300 dls. Does this plan seem reasonable?

 

thanks.

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I understand what you are wanting to do but I suggest you look for a used 9" or 10" South Bend Lathe. (Buy a newer version that uses sliding gears for speed change instead of gears)

 

The money you will spend on a mini-lathe can be spent on a real lathe capable of turning barrels. There is a chance you can find a good used south Bend bench lathe for $500-$1000

 

The south bend or a lathe similar has a real slow back gear setting and its easier to learn on them than a mini-lathe made in china

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If you are serious about learning to use a lathe, you might consider signing up at the local Jr. College or Tech School for courses in Machine Tool Technology. You will have the use of the shop equipment while you learn.

 

Clemson

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If you are serious about learning to use a lathe, you might consider signing up at the local Jr. College or Tech School for courses in Machine Tool Technology. You will have the use of the shop equipment while you learn.

 

Clemson

 

I am looking into the local community college but my schedule might prohibit it (I travel 7 days in a row and then I am home 7. If the schedule is not workable are there any good machining books that you would recommend?

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One book that is an automatic requirement for machining is Machinery's Handbook:

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=machinery%27s+handbook

 

I was a little surprised at the cost of current editions compared to my cost back in the '90s. An older version from the '70s or '80s would be just as relevant today as it was back then. What I mean is there's nothing wrong with older editions, if you can save some money. The Amazon link has the 22nd edition used starting at $15. Threading and millwork hasn't changed that much in the last 70 or so years.

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One book that is an automatic requirement for machining is Machinery's Handbook:

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=machinery%27s+handbook

 

I was a little surprised at the cost of current editions compared to my cost back in the '90s. An older version from the '70s or '80s would be just as relevant today as it was back then. What I mean is there's nothing wrong with older editions, if you can save some money. The Amazon link has the 22nd edition used starting at $15. Threading and millwork hasn't changed that much in the last 70 or so years.

 

Appreciate all your help. Just ordered the 22nd edition.

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Pleased to meet you drgoose. Always good information here, and I thought that I would add my 2 cents. I actually faced much the same quandary back several years ago when I was contemplating building some rifles for my own use, using milsurp actions or rifles. That was back when Turkish Mausers were cheap and plentiful, and I learned that Remington take off barrels could be re-threaded to fit the small ring Mauser threads of the Turk actions. I had some machine and math skills from my years working in a machine shop, and I calculated that I could use a mini-lathe to do the threading job required, without investing in a larger machine. I purchased a new Cummins 5278 7x12 Mini Lathe, and after practicing on old large ring Mauser barrels, my adventure in amateur gunsmithing began. So it can be done, using a steady rest and a live center and attention to detail and working within the limits of the machine. Mini-lathes won't do everything, but for me it was all I needed. I hand reamed my chambers using 4D rentals, and never had an issue. I learned a lot from the experts here, and I enjoy the rifles that I put together, and have pride in my creations.

Here's a link to an interesting site.

 

http://littlemachineshop.com/default.php

 

 

Spiris

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