Beginner needing advice on how to get started.

R

RollinBIGCoal12v

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Heres my question...

my question to everyone is....what lathe is highly recommended for beginners? And what tools and equipment do I need to get started? I don't want anything on the low end, and I have the room and the budget to get everything I should need.
Any and all info and advice is GREATLY appreciated!

In case no one cares to read this I put it last.
So here's my story....

My grandfather has always wanted me to take up a trade, well seeing as I took a job in the coal mine pretty much out of high school, I never had the chance to get into a trade. My pap was a machinist for over 40 years, and since I have my own house with a nice garage and plenty of room, I asked him if I got a lathe and some machinist tools if he would teach me the trade, and he was very pleased to say yes. So I figure I can hopefully learn as much as possible. I'd like to get good enough one day to do some gun smithing, make small parts, small tools, etc.

Thanks everyone!
 
In your particular case, I would listen to your grandfather. Ask him.
he is been there for 40 years, knows the trade, which by the way, it localizes. I mean that certain parts and works are local, he would know.
also, as he is going to teach you, the machine needs to be known by the teacher, we all develop taste for certain brands and machines.
 
Welcome BigCoal,

This question gets asked a lot, and a common answer is "what do you want to do with it?". Making model steam engines is a whole different thing from fitting up propeller shafts, just based on the scale that you are going to work in. Do you plan on taking this far enough that it becomes your new profession?

In general, I would say, get the best machine that you can afford, that will do what you need. As a beginner, I would also recommend getting a machine that is in good working order, new, or thoroughly checked over. There is nothing that is going to put a stop to your plans like getting the machine home, and discovering that it doesn't work, and that parts are unavailable, or have a long lead time.

People complain about the MiniLathes, but they are a cheap entry into the hobby, and for the most part a lathe-is-a-lathe. They aren't real pretty, but you can get up and running pretty quick, and you can develop good habits on a machine that isn't big enough to take an arm off. For smaller scale stuff, Sherline or Taig are nice little machines. If you can snag a used Hardinge, Clausing, or other nicer old lathe that hasn't been beaten within an inch of it's life, grab it.

So, here's a checklist

1) Figure out what kind of stuff you want to do, that will dictate the size of the machine you need
2) Figure out your budget (figure you'll spend that much again on tooling).
3) Figure out whether you want new or used.
4) If you want to go used, start checking your local craigslist regularly, to see what kind of stuff comes up locally. Plan ahead. Be ready to have a place for the machine to land, and know how you're gonna move it. Better deals don't stick around, you've gotta be ready to jump on em. See if your grandfather will go with you to kick the tires, he can probably spot a junker, or a jewel that just needs some solvent and rags. lathes.co.uk is a great resource for checking out models on older lathes.

All of this is assuming a manual engine lathe of course.
 
Thanks for the advice!! Id like to end up being good enough to get my FFL to manufacture firearms. And yes, if I became good enough this could become a business.
 
Ohio is loaded with used machine tools. Keep an avid watch on Craigslist in the bigger cities. Watch for "machinist tool box filled with tools" type of ads for your basic measuring and misc tools. I have found my mill, lathe and grinder thru Craigslist. Just dont just jump on the first thing that comes up, be patient and wait for the right machine for you.
 
Whoow hoo $10,000 Being wise with good eyes, you should have a pretty well equiped machine shop.
Keep doing a lot of talking and asking. Because of my asking (putting the word out) put me in a well
equipped shop and most was free. My thinking for you will be A/C torch, mig welder, a chop saw is
good, a nice large lathe, some measuring instruments and you may tool up as you go along.
Not gettin in a Ford v/s Chevys debate but I do love my South Bend lathes a good bang for the buck,
others are fine, but seems like theres more SBends around. Please dont get captured by those who
think "old is no good" tottally false they won the war right. At my age my thinking (oppsosit of wife)
is something comes along I jump on it and worry about it later. Example, years ago I sold my
BPort Mill and kicked myself, so I have been looking, Last month one came up in the paper right under
my nose (1 mile away for $1300) and come to find out its the Rolls Royce of big mills 3000lb class
Cincinnati (loaded) as shown here and I aint cleaned it up yet. Not on impluse BUT, to find one I could
afford >>is always 3000 miles away and shipped ???? so I jumped on it and my F350 took it to the
shop perfectly and if i didnt I wont have one. So we have 4 drill presses, 1 shaper, 3 lathes up to 8ft.,
blast cabinet, mill, mig, two 225 amp welders a 1950 Ford service truck for house calls thats got a gas
Miller a/c d/c welder plus air comp. and tooling my father bought new in '50 its named grampy which
stays inside allways. I write this sincerely not bragging I dont do that just trying to help, however
it all took a lot of years but my advatage was I am a retired Police Sgt. and we go where no man has
gone before ie. factory alarms etc. thats where I got my two lathes > answer alarm ask manager
about machines he said want em take em. Junk yard buddie with ramp truck gone!!! Thats how I did
well most of it. In ending here is the Cincinnati and it works perfect all power feeds looks nice,
$1300 would you jump on it and being local truly Samuel

cincinnati 1B.jpg
 
OK, you have already given us a clue - if you want to get into guns (long barrels) then you will want the spindle bore on your 'new' lathe to accept a barrel. This capability will typically start at the 12 and 13" throw lathes having a spindle of 1 3/8' and up (many have 1 1/2"). These lathes also have the longer beds (36 & 40" for example)

While "ole amercun arn" is desirable, the fact is they are getting harder and harder to find, with being able to find one that you can take home and use - well that is even harder. (though do keep a look out) There are several import lathes that are quite suitable for a home shop, one in particular that fits what we are speaking of is Grizzley's "Gun Smith" lathe. These import lathe come ready to plug in and start making chips, with out chasing all over for tooling and replacing the drives belts, or that gear that has a missing tooth, etc.
 
Wow, $10k budget?! Go CNC and work on programming. I agree Craigslist is a great start. As per buy new and no problems, I bought new and had nothing but problems. I think I'm actually now within a few hours of actually being able to use mine.

Darrell
Southern Ohio
 
I was a beginner 40 years ago. My path was to buy what I thought was good quality, use it, learn from that experience, then upgrade as money and time allowed. I still have some of the tools I bought years ago and some were replaced with higher quality and for convienece. I have quite a few drill presses cause I hate changing the bits when I'm in a hurry to get something done. The tools I started with were 12X36 Craftsman lathe, small 4x6 horizontal bandsaw, old round arm bridgeport mill, and lincoln 225amp cracker box welder, and a crafstman drillpress. I still have everything but the crafstman lathe. It got upgraded to a 14x40 Cadilac. I still have the welder but upgraded to a ESAB 250 Migmaster wire feed. I've added many additional tools as I learned over the years. I'm an advid craigslister and there are not very many estate sales that I miss. Good luck. Enjoy the journey.
 
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