@conatuslife A lathe that threads both types of threads has setting for both on the control panel. For metric threads the half nuts can not be disengaged until the threads are completed. You have to pull out at the end of each cut, reverse the direction of travel, go back to the starting point, move the toll in for the next cut, and engage the drive to start the cut. Pain in the ass.
@rushymoto LOL!!!! Yes, it is an English lathe, and I only wish they would still make them just like this new. I think I would buy one more as a spare to ensure that I would have one of these all the way through my life time. This one was 20 years old when I got it, and it is in super good shape. The only down side is that if a part breaks, they are very expensive, and take a while to get sometimes from what I hear. I have never had any break downs.
@GeneralG1810 Indeed, we have a whole range of machines that are very good. For me, most people get machines as and when they come up for grabs and you don't often get to much choice when the machine finds you as opposed to the other way around.
@45camcor You will first need to apply for an FFL which you can get the application from ATFs web page. You must have local approval from your county, state in some cases, and a tax number from dear old uncle sam so you can pay your taxes. Depending on where you live, you may be approved to run your business from home. Good luck.
@herknav90 You are correct. This is an over 20 year old common lathe. There is only one lathe set up specificly for gunsmithing, and it's made by Grizzly. I just happen to like this colchester, and have set it up to build rifles with a rear spider. Thanks for watching.
@suar08161991...Sorry, bro. Re-reading my post...It sounds a bit smarty pants. Didn't mean for it to come across that way. However, you do have some jigs that aren't normal for a lathe like that for making barrels. That is worth paying a few extra dollars for sure. 8 years I worked in a machine shop, and I never thought of turning/milling a pistol or rifle. You can find shop drawings almost anywhere....Oh well, probably for the best.
@herknav90 No worries. Your question wasn't taken that way. A long time ago, jigs always had to be made by the smith. Some guys still make them, but can also be bought most of the time.
What is the shortest barrel you can work on (chambering, cutting, re-crowning, threading) when using say a 4 jaw chuck and the spider in the rear? What is the shortest barrel you can work on with your custom spider jaws in the front with your spider in the rear? Basically I am wondering what the length of the shortest barrel I can work on if I get a 1340 colchester? Your video series has been very informative, Thanks for sharing. Gene
ive used one of the before, its propably one of the best machines ever :)
xTacticalCombat 4 weeks ago
I used a Pratt and Whitney lathe that was world war 2 surplus to do dozens of barrels over the years.
Cost? around $200 complete.
You simply need to go to a few machine shops and ask around.
The old man I bought this one from charged pretty much just to deliver it.
He trained me in his shop on guns for him, think of it as free training.
Again, find a MACHINE SHOP, not a gun place, and ask around.
Arabhacks 1 month ago
Also works fine for making aircraft, boat, auto, truck, bike, locomotive, conveyer, elevator, escalator, pump, generator, engine, press, jack, turntable, compressor, crane, telescope, microscope, turbine, tractor, trailer, boiler, hydraulic, electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, printing, missile, farming, fishing, mining, agricultural, forestry, packaging, mixing, dental, medical, molding, clothing, cooking, baking, printing, photography, sports, space station, and computer, parts and equipment.
agwhitaker 1 month ago 8
@agwhitaker Correct.
suar08161991 1 month ago
What model is that...they used to have one in my middle school.
UpcomingJedi 1 month ago
@UpcomingJedi Its the 2500. Not the student though. It's a great lathe, even though it was not specificly built to build rifles.
suar08161991 1 month ago
@suar08161991 Great. Yeah, it probably was one of those since no one ever used it.
UpcomingJedi 1 month ago
@UpcomingJedi Its the 2500.
suar08161991 1 month ago
@UpcomingJedi It's the 2500.
suar08161991 1 month ago
I think the South bend lathe is better than this one
CarpinteroJesus 2 months ago
you should put a fresh coat of paint on it, that'll really make it look good.
alderaforall 2 months ago
@alderaforall Wish I had time, but I rather spend free time shooting. Thanks.
suar08161991 2 months ago
a good machinist could make his own parts
krytykyl3rd 2 months ago
@krytykyl3rd what does making ones own parts have to do with my comment about a fresh coat of paint?
alderaforall 2 months ago
Mr. Schultz?
poptoppop45 2 months ago
is this lathe set up for metric threading or do you need conversion gears?
conatuslife 2 months ago
@conatuslife A lathe that threads both types of threads has setting for both on the control panel. For metric threads the half nuts can not be disengaged until the threads are completed. You have to pull out at the end of each cut, reverse the direction of travel, go back to the starting point, move the toll in for the next cut, and engage the drive to start the cut. Pain in the ass.
suar08161991 2 months ago
Don't forget to mention it is an English lathe.
rushymoto 3 months ago
@rushymoto LOL!!!! Yes, it is an English lathe, and I only wish they would still make them just like this new. I think I would buy one more as a spare to ensure that I would have one of these all the way through my life time. This one was 20 years old when I got it, and it is in super good shape. The only down side is that if a part breaks, they are very expensive, and take a while to get sometimes from what I hear. I have never had any break downs.
suar08161991 3 months ago
@suar08161991 I think it would be pointless to hoard one of these machines. You would really have to try to break it.
UpcomingJedi 1 month ago
@rushymoto Yes it is but personally I preffered the old Dean Smith and Grace, now that is a great lathe. Also English I believe
GeneralG1810 2 months ago
@GeneralG1810 Indeed, we have a whole range of machines that are very good. For me, most people get machines as and when they come up for grabs and you don't often get to much choice when the machine finds you as opposed to the other way around.
rushymoto 2 months ago
I have realy enjoyed and learned from watching,many thanks.I have a 1960's Colchester Student lathe
michaelburton3 3 months ago
@michaelburton3 Thank you for your comment. Your student is also a very good lathe.
suar08161991 3 months ago
hi nice vid... just want an advice from you what wud be the requirements in having a gunsmithing business? what departmen tshould i go for aprroval?
45camcor 3 months ago
@45camcor You will first need to apply for an FFL which you can get the application from ATFs web page. You must have local approval from your county, state in some cases, and a tax number from dear old uncle sam so you can pay your taxes. Depending on where you live, you may be approved to run your business from home. Good luck.
suar08161991 3 months ago
How is this different than any normal lathe? It looks like any old lathe that I used in a machine shop 20 years ago.
herknav90 4 months ago 3
@herknav90 You are correct. This is an over 20 year old common lathe. There is only one lathe set up specificly for gunsmithing, and it's made by Grizzly. I just happen to like this colchester, and have set it up to build rifles with a rear spider. Thanks for watching.
suar08161991 4 months ago
@suar08161991...Sorry, bro. Re-reading my post...It sounds a bit smarty pants. Didn't mean for it to come across that way. However, you do have some jigs that aren't normal for a lathe like that for making barrels. That is worth paying a few extra dollars for sure. 8 years I worked in a machine shop, and I never thought of turning/milling a pistol or rifle. You can find shop drawings almost anywhere....Oh well, probably for the best.
herknav90 4 months ago
@herknav90 No worries. Your question wasn't taken that way. A long time ago, jigs always had to be made by the smith. Some guys still make them, but can also be bought most of the time.
suar08161991 4 months ago
@goodgawdalmighty I know that I love mine!!!
suar08161991 6 months ago
What is the shortest barrel you can work on (chambering, cutting, re-crowning, threading) when using say a 4 jaw chuck and the spider in the rear? What is the shortest barrel you can work on with your custom spider jaws in the front with your spider in the rear? Basically I am wondering what the length of the shortest barrel I can work on if I get a 1340 colchester? Your video series has been very informative, Thanks for sharing. Gene
gszeto99 9 months ago
@gszeto99 About 24 inches is the shortest on this lathe, and 18 inches on my South Bend heavy 10.
suar08161991 9 months ago