I am pondering purchasing a small mill and lathe and learning to make things related to my gun hobby. I envision making trigger parts, maybe firearm receivers (with a manufacturers FFL of course) maybe barrels, or learning to cut chambers, crown muzzles, run threads, and likely 1000 other things. I figure the initial investment will be substantial. I have been looking at the Sherline products, both CNC and hand operated. Would it be prudent to get the hand operated models first, then add CNC later as I get more skilled?
Of the two, would I be better served buying a lathe first, or a mill first? Are there forums for novice hobbiests such as myself? And, is it possible to use a lathe or a mill to cut rifling into a barrel, or is that another piece of specialized equipment?
So many questions.
Ken