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Wannabewoodsman

Wannabewoodsman

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So I'm not sure if this is the right place but I figured this might be the place to ask. I'm wanting to expand my skill set and I know gunsmithing is more than parts replacement.

I want to get a machine for my shop and I'm not sure where to begin: mill or lathe

I'm not entirely new to the concept of lathes and mills but am not sure what would be more useful in a small shop using a bench top model between the two.

Believe me, I am not under the impression that a mini will replace a full size but either can do more work than none.

So between a bench top lathe or a bench top mill for gunsmithing what are your thoughts?
 
Wannabewoodsman said:
So I'm not sure if this is the right place but I figured this might be the place to ask. I'm wanting to expand my skill set and I know gunsmithing is more than parts replacement.

I want to get a machine for my shop and I'm not sure where to begin: mill or lathe

I'm not entirely new to the concept of lathes and mills but am not sure what would be more useful in a small shop using a bench top model between the two.

Believe me, I am not under the impression that a mini will replace a full size but either can do more work than none.

So between a bench top lathe or a bench top mill for gunsmithing what are your thoughts?
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i frankly do not know the difference between the 2. when i turned wrenches in my youth, i took things i needed machining to a......machine shop.

you say you are not entirely new to both......so that leads me to say,

if you know the differences, then go with what you know...

or buy one of each.
 
benstt said:
I'd start with a mill if it were me. You aren't going to be making a new hammer on a lathe.
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I was kind of thinking the same. Make AR lowers and the like too. But I know a lathe is damned handy. I want both but trying to figure out what's more useful to start with
 
Go here and see an example of a mini combo unit by Grizzly:

www.grizzly.com

6" x 10" Combo Lathe/Mill - Grizzly Industrial

<h1>G0937 6" x 10" Combo Lathe/Mill</h1> <h2>Turn, mill, and drill precise little parts.</h2> <p>The stout and multi-purpose G0937 Combo Lathe/Mill is a small, yet robust lathe and mill combination that is great for creating small projects.</p> <p>The lathe cuts inch threads and comes with a 3"...
www.grizzly.com www.grizzly.com

It's only 10" between centers, so that would limit the length of any bbl's you might want to turn, but you would have the capacity to turn many small things such as firing pins, etc. At the same time you would have the capability to mill just about any part you might need. (y)(y)(y)
 
Or look into combo units.
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Now if you want to purchase them as separate units I would go with a mill first while you decide what size Lathe you want, the cost of Lathe’s are based on distance between the centers so thinking about barrels how long of a barrel do you want to turn.
The best Mill on the market would be a Bridgeport, again they are pricy and hard to find but they are the “tank” of machining world.
 
Have you looked at craigslist? Sometimes you'll find a WWII era mill in good working order for scrap metal prices, the catch is, you pay to move it. That and you'll probably have to get a 480 3 ph service from your electricity provider. Just one Avenue to consider.

Just one example of what could be found. https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/d/bridgeport-milling-machine/7419738574.html
Then there's gov"t auction sites as well. Good luck.
 
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Funwithfuel said:
Have you looked at craigslist? Sometimes you'll find a WWII era mill in good working order for scrap metal prices, the catch is, you pay to move it. That and you'll probably have to get a 480 3 ph service from your electricity provider. Just one Avenue to consider.

Just one example of what could be found. https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/d/bridgeport-milling-machine/7419738574.html
Then there's gov"t auction sites as well. Good luck.
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I did consider full sized and it's just not practical for space at this moment
 
When my father on law was living we built a garage next to the house we built right across the street from me. Everything in this garage is on wheels so it can be wheeled out on to the driveway because it's so full of equipment and tools there is no room to actually work inside the garage. Among those pieces of equipment is a mill AND a lathe. After he passed one of my brothers in law moved into that house. The other brother in law took possession of the lathe. The mill is still in the garage over there. None of us knows how to use it and BIL number 2 is wanting it and a lot of that other stuff out of his garage. And I have no room for any of that stuff over here. So that mill will likely be sold very soon.

Anyway, if you have the room, the time and the inclination to learn to use them, I would get both. But if I had to choose one it would be the mill. I watched my father in law manufacture all kinds of impossible to get stuff on that thing. Engine studs for a 7.3 i.d.i. International. All kinds of stuff.
 
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