I just registered so this is my first post on the forum, been reading here off and on for a few years and have always found the forum helpful.
I was recently blessed to receive a decent amount of small-shop size metalworking equipment as part of a larger business deal. It is all set up in a roughly 12x24 space off my existing shop and I want to use this opportunity to gain a functional level of machining/gunsmithing knowledge over the coming years. I have always wished I had the ability/means to work with metal, particularly as it relates to firearms, and with this blessing in my life this is the time for me to learn it.
I wanted to list off what I have and make sure it is appropriate for my goals before arranging the workspace. I'm not too inclined to replace anything until I know how to use these things, but I also don't want to learn all the quirks of fussy tool only to find that it won't do what I need it to in the end.
The main tools that came with the package are:
1) Sheldon (vernon?) #0 milling machine with vertical milling attachment mounted (horizontal on the shelf) and 150-200 or so cutters.
2) Atlas 36" lathe (10" I think), bearing style, no quick change box
3) Atlas 24" lathe (12" I think), bearing style, no quick change box
4) A good amount of tooling for the lathes: (2)3 jaw chucks, (2) 4 jaw chucks,a tool post grinder, taper attachment, countless "lantern" type tool holders and accessories, multiple quick change tool holders, various tail stock attachments, a steady rest, (2) complete gear sets and a bunch of cutting bits.
5) 2 bench mount drill presses (old atlas and an 80's taiwan)
6) Various small gunsmithing-oriented fixtures and hand tools
My general plan is to gradually develop my basic metalworking ability doing simple low-tolerance/low-risk tasks (have a tractor and sawmill so there is always something) and use that work to eventually refine my ability to where I can get into firearms related tasks.
So, what do you guys think of the equipment I have as it relates to that plan?
In particular: Would I be better off selling the two lathes and getting one higher quality lathe?
I was recently blessed to receive a decent amount of small-shop size metalworking equipment as part of a larger business deal. It is all set up in a roughly 12x24 space off my existing shop and I want to use this opportunity to gain a functional level of machining/gunsmithing knowledge over the coming years. I have always wished I had the ability/means to work with metal, particularly as it relates to firearms, and with this blessing in my life this is the time for me to learn it.
I wanted to list off what I have and make sure it is appropriate for my goals before arranging the workspace. I'm not too inclined to replace anything until I know how to use these things, but I also don't want to learn all the quirks of fussy tool only to find that it won't do what I need it to in the end.
The main tools that came with the package are:
1) Sheldon (vernon?) #0 milling machine with vertical milling attachment mounted (horizontal on the shelf) and 150-200 or so cutters.
2) Atlas 36" lathe (10" I think), bearing style, no quick change box
3) Atlas 24" lathe (12" I think), bearing style, no quick change box
4) A good amount of tooling for the lathes: (2)3 jaw chucks, (2) 4 jaw chucks,a tool post grinder, taper attachment, countless "lantern" type tool holders and accessories, multiple quick change tool holders, various tail stock attachments, a steady rest, (2) complete gear sets and a bunch of cutting bits.
5) 2 bench mount drill presses (old atlas and an 80's taiwan)
6) Various small gunsmithing-oriented fixtures and hand tools
My general plan is to gradually develop my basic metalworking ability doing simple low-tolerance/low-risk tasks (have a tractor and sawmill so there is always something) and use that work to eventually refine my ability to where I can get into firearms related tasks.
So, what do you guys think of the equipment I have as it relates to that plan?
In particular: Would I be better off selling the two lathes and getting one higher quality lathe?