scott63 Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 I have decided to look for a used lathe as I should be able to afford a larger one that is used, however, I have no idea how big is big enough or too big. From what I've been reading I should try to find one that has fairly low RPM ability, rather than worrying about the top end RPM. What min/max distance between centers should I be looking for? I like the idea of the lathe/mill combo a lot, but I'm a little discouraged by what I have read about them. Thanks for your help.....................Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonic1 Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 something to look for on a lathe .you"ll need a least 36" between centers and 1 1/8" hole in chuck with a low speed of 50 to 70rpm..the tooling adds up fast..... when asking about the cost of a used lathe all ways check out what tools come with it ....boring bars,live dogs, faceplates..taper chucks....a good list of tools will cost 1/2 the price of the lathe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doble Troble Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 What sonic1 said +1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott63 Posted January 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 something to look for on a lathe .you"ll need a least 36" between centers and 1 1/8" hole in chuck with a low speed of 50 to 70rpm..the tooling adds up fast..... when asking about the cost of a used lathe all ways check out what tools come with it ....boring bars,live dogs, faceplates..taper chucks....a good list of tools will cost 1/2 the price of the lathe Thanks guys, this is exactly the info I was looking for.....Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad_jack Posted January 1, 2007 Report Share Posted January 1, 2007 My 9x24 southbend is about the smallest you'd ever want to consider, as I'm not always able to get thicker barrels in the headstock. You'll want a quick change gear box for cutting threads, a steady rest for chambering, and a 3 and 4 jaw chuck, as basic tooling. A set of collets and closer, milling attachment is always a plus. I'd like to have a 10" or 13"southbend myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemson Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 I have had a 13 x 40 South Bend for a little over a year now, and I can't think of a better gunsmithing lathe. The spindle bore is large enough to take 5C collets, and those are handier than you can imagine for general gun work. I chamber in the steady rest, but the spindle is large enough to accept a barrel, and I have a spider for the rear of the spindle if I ever do one that way. Overall, I have been very pleased. You can expect to pay about the same for a used South Bend as you would for a new import. The note about tooling is on target, too. The lathe is only the tip of the iceberg! Good luck! Clemson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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