Now that I have info on Welders, any ideas about lathes? Start with a mini and upgrade to something bigger to do rifle barrels later? Or try and find a longer lathe to begin with? Money is a factor. Any ideas? Models, companies sizes? Thanks again.
Once again, AGI to the rescue! Darrell Holland teaches a 3 module (Lathe, Mill, General) machine shop course, available from AGI. They are available separately or as a package. He answers all of your questions in there.
The short answers are :
1. Get a 10X30 or 12X36 full sized lathe. Much of what you will be doing involves barrels and you may as well start with a lathe that will handle them.
2. Clausing, South Bend or Jet are good lathes and are usually available used at a VERY reasonable price.
3. Some folks like gear driven and some prefer belt drives; both have their points, just like blondes and brunettes.
