Miniature lathe

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:05 pm

How many of you guys would consider laying out some serious cash for a lathe capable of turning gun barrels out of aluminium stock. I found a few of these lathes that are capable of doing the job, but they cost from $300.00 to $1500.00 depending on the size and accessories that come with it. Yes, I know there is something wrong with me. I won't explore this any further untill after my contest is over. I was just wondering if you guys think it's as crazy as it sounds to me?

Mark

gary1930 · Post by **gary1930** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:30 pm

The two tools I use most in my scratchbuilding are a drill press and a combo belt/disk sander. You can frequently find both at Sears for under $100 when on sale. I do have a wood lathe I have used for 1/6th barrels, but nothing in 1:18 so far.

I can tell you that the famous 1/6th modeler known as thetoysurgeon does NOT own a lathe, which really surprised me as he specializes in guns.

You might check to see if your local school district offers adult night courses in machine shop. I have taken welding and other such courses. They are cheap, and you can play with the tools and then decide if you really need one.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:35 pm

That's good advice Gary. I don't own a drill press, but I have a friend that never uses his. Maybe I can trade him something for it.

Mark

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 9:40 am

It's probably overkill for the average scale modeler/collector. Back in the days when I was seriously in to gas and electric powered 4wd RC trucks I knew a few people that had the Jet brand mini lathes and milling machines, but these guys were the REALLY serious types who wanted to make custom designed parts of aluminum and carbon composites etc. and for some of this type of stuff a lathe and/or milling machine is really essential

kevrut · Post by **kevrut** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 1:21 pm

I have worked in a few machine shops before I started driving OTR. I would love to have a small lathe right now. There has been a few times when I could have used one for some of my projects. A mig or tig welder would be handy too. I'd probably be doing projects during my lunch hour if I was still working there. I'll keep watching auctions to see if I can get one cheaper though.
Kevin.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:45 pm

I really want one to make gun barrels that won't warp.

Mark

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Miniature lathe

Miniature lathe

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