This blog is a ongoing documentation of my gunsmithing and machining projects, along with machinery moves, fixes, upgrades, etc. Basically a place to write about what I'm doing in hopes to entertain or inspire others.
I've been dabbling in machine work for about a year in a half now, a close family friend noticed my interest and gave me a 1948 Bridgeport "M" head, and used that for a year. I soon realized my need for a lathe. I bought a Craftsman 109 from Craigslist and that was a great starter lathe and machinery rebuilding experience. I then thought a surface grinder would be handy, so I went looking. A DoAll DH612 hand feed surface grinder came up in the classifieds for $400. He mentioned his friend had a South Bend. Me and my dad went to look at the lathe. It was a 13" South Bend with a 6' bed. Had a QCGB, collet closer/nose and collets, 3 jaw Cushman chuck, 4 jaw Skinner (South Bend) chuck, taper attachment, collet rack, micrometer stop, Aloris AXA toolpost and 5 holders, the original "lantern" toolpost, steady rest, faceplate, and some assorted tooling like centers and a drill chuck all for $850.
Both machines were purchased and moved into the shop. The lathe came wired for 115v 1ph, so it's already wired for house current. The grinder takes 3ph, so it will be getting a VFD soon.
Hopefully you will follow me in my endeavors, and might learn a thing or two (hopefully!)
Andre
