What are people using for lathes?

[Scooter]

I'm looking into mini-lathes / mills and I'd like to know what size is necessary for working on airgun internals.

I've got a B3 on order to learn on, :D  I'd like to get a lathe to goof off with - make shorter pins for my RWS 34 trigger assy to hold it together when I look inside that gun...maybe a custom endcap to replace the plastic one.

I just want to fart around and I don't want to order a 7x10 if I need a 14 to work on guides. :o  Any and all help/advice/rambling is appreciated!

Scot

[RCnMo]

7x12 is big enough for most airgun parts. I haven't had to fire up my 13x40 for any a/g parts.

[Scooter]

Thank you RC.

[kiwi]

just make sure you get one with a spindle bore big enough
for what you intend to put in it.
the one with a 20mm will do most of what yer want but are
a wee bit to small really 26mm would be a better choice.
And some small lathes don't have a compound slide "the one
used for turning tapers"

So really.....Get the biggest one you can for the money you want to spend.

[jct842]

I have a cumins 7x12     and a harbor freight micro mill.   I have built complete valves and breaches with my set up.  john

[Scooter]

Thanks to everyone for the information!

Scot

[Gene_SC]

I have a 10.5X26 Travers Lathe, With a 1 1/16th inch hole through. Works great for me.

[Scooter]

Much thanks Gene!

[hyounker]

Scot,

You and I have been thinking along the same lines.  I've been doing some research and have found this website to be very informative:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/

Interestingly enough, I learned that the 7x12 is actually 50% longer than the 7x10.  The 7x10 is actually a 7x8 if measured the same way the 7x12 is measured.  I have eliminated the 7x10 as a possibility for airgun parts.  The short length is especially troublesome if you plan to drill into the end of your manufactured piece where the drill bit will take up a large portion of the length.

I am seriously considered the following:

http://www.toolsnow.com/browse.cfm/4,876.html

This is the same Chinese lathe sold by many, including Harbor Freight, but includes a better package, including a 5 piece cutting tool kit from Tools Now.  All these lathes are manufactured by the Sieg Company in China.  Surprisingly enough, the machine shop that I lease some warehouse space from has two older, much larger lathes that are made by Sieg.  I am assuming it is the same company.

If you are not in a hurry, Tools Now often has free shipping offers or other discounts.  Or they may have a truckload sale coming near you.  Expect some sheet metal damage if you have it shipped.

Don't forget to add a couple B3s to your order!!!

I have talked to others here that have these lathes and they are very happy with them.  Maybe they will chime in here with some reviews?

Good Luck.

[jct842]

I did a lot of reading before I bought my cummins which is the same lathe, just that cummins changed their name to toolsnow.    it is still the best value, most lathe you can get for less than $500.  harbor after you buy the included accessories will be way more than 500 and is half the lathe.

[Scooter]

Awesome advice Henry!

I've been drooling over the same sites as you :D

I found a "small" South Bend lathe (8x25, the owner thinks) disassembled for $450.  I am also looking at http://www.sherline.com ; I'm a stickler for US - made anything if I can find it, but it is very basic and the part$ really add up.  They have sweet combo deal for a 3.5x17 lathe and a 12" base vertical mini mill for $2400. http://www.sherline.com/images/6000c.jpg

Right now, we're going through some rough times at work (my wife and I are both engineers for GM).  We're a bit worried about the latest 47,000 job cuts just announced, though that sherline setup will be in my dreams for awhile.

So many choices, so little money! :)

Scot

[ShadowShot]

So, what are they used for? Please excuse my ignorance.

[hyounker]

Scot,

I hear ya loud and clear.  I haven't pulled the trigger on buying one yet because I'm just a little worried about where my money is going now.

That Sherline looks very well made.  And I understand the "made in the USA" thing!  But for under $500 bucks, I may need to look to China!

Keep us posted on your decision!

[hyounker]

Paul,

Here's some threads that demonstrate some lathe work:

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=12857&posts=20#M113717

http://www.gatewaytoairguns.com/airguns/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=14346&mid=116587#M116587

Hope this helps.

[ShadowShot]

Thanks.
I can use the schooling.