Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Gunsmith's - if you were going to buy a new lathe

Don't be too quick to write off the older lathes. I use a 60's Rockwell/Delta and it is tight. Old American lathes were built to last. You just have to find one that was well maintained and taken care of.

Instead of a 3 jaw, look for a 6 jaw Buck chuck. I use it about as much as my 4 jaw.

Good luck!