mini lathe & mill ???

[Slamfire]

Thinking about getting a mini lathe & mill can anyone give advice about brand's ,size,etc., for metal , gun parts mostly .







  Thanks Hootmix.

[Bibbyman]

I bought a mini-lathe from Harbor Fraight and use it for lots of things. But it's limited in how big a piece can be put through the headstock.  Something like 5/8 max so I can't put a barrel through it, for example.

Frank Hoose has a bunch of videos on mini lathes and mills. Here is just one. Go to his channel and he has reviews on others.

[Kent Shootwell]

Slamfire, tell us a bit more about what you plan on doing. Do you merely want to make small pins and screws or maybe reline a 22 barrel. Maybe breech a muzzle loader barrel or turn an octagon to half round? I'm a retired machinist with a number of years of gunsmithing and have a basic shop to do my hobby projects in. Mini tools I have used weren't up to most small tasks but there are small machines that can be very useful.
Kent

[Slamfire]

 Bibby,,,thanks for the video's,will watch & learn.

Kent ,,maybe reface a rifle bolt,cut a trigger ,renotch a hammer,or cut a new back strap,pistol grips,i'm not in to barrel's ,,,,yet!
I spent over 3hrs.,hand filing a metric key ,for a old acme motor w/ a tapered shaft,for a friend's tiller ,,,,,man that sucked,,,but got him fixed up. I need thin shims at times to space parts on hay balers,,,tractor house never has them,,,,back to the file ,,file & fit ,mic ,,you know the story.


  Thanks Hootmix.

[Kent Shootwell]

What you discribe could be done on a mill. This is the type I use, it's as small as I would recommend to a fellow as hands on as you seem.
http://cdn0.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg500/g/g0705-55d1d35dd813a0ef7aa290767338c7ac.jpg

[Slamfire]

Hey, Kent, thanks for the reply. Been looking at all different brands on here ,videos,etc., wasn't sure if I needed a mill or a lathe or a small combo model. I do boot & saddle repair here at my shop( here at home),I know how to weld,tig,fit,,,just want to try something different,,smallgun parts ,,bolts, hands (pawls),,i'v always had to use files,& my demel's,,  sooo,i am now a beginner at mills & lathes,,all help , tips ,advice of those who know are what I are after.




  Thanks Hootmix.