barrel threading, thinking about buying a lathe

[7.62 FMJ]

I am considering buying a lathe for small gun smithing projects and was wondering if anyone has used one of these. Also are there any specific features that I should look for or look out for. The model I am thinking about is the G4003G gun smithing lathe.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Gunsmith-s-Bench-Top-Lathe-with-Stand/G4003G

[gunboat]

Seems like a fair machine -- I would like power cross feed and a quick change gearbox -- It does have a spindle bore as large as you would practicaly need -- with that big a bore you don't need that long a bed unless you plan on contour turning barrels. You might consider an older south bend - large spindle bore, v ways, or even an atlas, with flat ways and small bore but, with power cross feed and quickchange box.
With out a quick change box seems like everything ends up with 32tpi :-)
Oh, far be it from me to discourage a fellows toys, but $3k plus at least $1K in tooling will by a lot of threaded barrels --

[StraightShooter]

Before you commit look into how much tooling will cost you. Plan on around another $1000. Good reamers run almost $200 shipped. My dad owns an engineering business so i am lucky to have unlimited access to a fully equipped machine shop but I still had to buy around $300 worth of tooling specific to chambering and I also made alot of tooling which saved me a substantial amount of money over buying it. If you are planning on only using it for personal gunsmithing then you definitely wont be saving any money. It sure is nice though to have your own equipment but it definitely comes at a price. good luck.

[bornproud]

From the report from other gunsmiths that use grizzly's, I wouldn't suggest it. Theres a couple gunsmiths I know that work for Bass Pros are saying that they are hard to get parts for. One of the gunsmiths had a problem with runout. I would go with what gunboat said and buy a quality used lathe and have it checked out by a professional. South bends make great lathes, and Acer makes a pretty decent lathe too. Stay away from Lathes made in China, They won't last most of the time and parts can be hard to get.

[ar15barrels]

I have a 12x36 taiwan made lathe and I wish I had bought the 13x40 for a little more bed length, but mostly because you get a foot brake on the 13x40 models.
Bigger (heavier) IS better when it comes to machine tools.
You will spend more on the tooling than the machine, mark my word.
The $1000 that straightshooter mentions is REALLY low.
A nice set-tru chuck will run you $800+ right from the start as the chuck that's included won't hold less than 0.003" TIR.

[Flat Broke]

Figure out the largest swing and bed length you'll need, then go up a couple of sizes Nothing sucks more than spending good money only to have to still defer work to others because you didn't get a big enough machine to handle growth. As you use it more, you will find more uses for it.

The good news is that if you have cash, this is a good time to buy. When the economy softens machines get sold off. When buying, try and work deals where you buy tooling with the machine. It may be a higher initial cost, but you'll come out ahead doing it that way; because as the others have stated, you'll run up a big tab quick, buying tooling. If you don't mind buying used, I've had good luck with a guy up in North Hollywood. PM me if you want his number.

Chris

[ar15barrels]

If you don't mind buying used, I've had good luck with a guy up in North Hollywood. PM me if you want his number.

Any chance that's Perry at Warner Tool?

[7.62 FMJ]

Thanks for the responses. What I am wondering is if I buy a used machine, will it be as useful for gun work as the grizzly? I understand it may be better quality but are the special features (outboard spider) on the grizzly something you should have for barrel work or can they be added to an older machine?

[ar15barrels]

Thanks for the responses. What I am wondering is if I buy a used machine, will it be as useful for gun work as the grizzly? I understand it may be better quality but are the special features (outboard spider) on the grizzly something you should have for barrel work or can they be added to an older machine?

Most any lathe has threads on the outbound end of the headstock.
You can fabricate your own spider that just threads in.

[Flat Broke]

Randall, the name of the joint was B.B. Tools on Ethel Ave. I came accross the guy via ebay, but he seemed honest in my dealings with him. I picked up a 3 jaw Buck Chuck for under $200. The thing was tight, the jaws werent hacked up, and there were no tool contact marks anywhere on it. Considering their new and even regular used prices, I got a good deal.

As for the question about the Grizzly vs. an older lathe. The good thing about an older unit (providing you have the $$ and space) is that you might be able to get a larger unit that is a true variable speed (no changing gears). Again, going used allows you the opportunity to hopefully bundle in the guy's tooling at the same time.

Chris

[7.62 FMJ]

Most any lathe has threads on the outbound end of the headstock.
You can fabricate your own spider that just threads in.

Thanks, that's good to know I wasn't sure if there was generally enough room on the spindle to do that.