Gunsmithing lathe question

[billyhill]

I have a leblond makino 15x54. is this lathe too big to do gun smith work. I'm thinking about getting the true bore alignment system from straight shot. I don't think I can use a spider on the rear of the spindle. I think it will be to long unless I do 28" and up barrels. which I won't be doing . I'm retired and just want to tinker. looking for your thoughts on this.

 

[sjett]

lathe question

I do my threading and chambering in the steady rest, my head stock is to long to do normal length barrels also, it's better to have a heavy lathe for barrel work


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Idaho CTD]

It might be short enough through the headstock if you use a spider rather than a chuck. A spider is close to 4" shorter on my lathe compared to a 4 jaw chuck. That would get you down to 24".

 

[gszeto99]

Make a cathead. These devices can be very versatile as they can be used to true receivers and work on barrels of any length.

 

[hero's machine]

You could also cut a thread or build a bushing type extension to get through the headstock. .....but the TBAS looks like a dream to use.

 

[colchester]

You can work around the long HS but if you have the scratch for the TBAS i would get it. I think the TBAS is very clever and can provide some advantages when setting up barrels and actions in a lathe.