lathe question?

[danski26]

In general gunsmithing work how often is metric threading used on your lathe? I am looking at a Sheldon lathe but one of my gunsmith friends says i should have metric threading while two others say they have hardly ever needed it.

[ANeat]

Hardly needing it but having it when needed can be a life saver.

I wouldnt pass up a deal on a quality lathe because it doesent have metric threading. On many lathes there are ways to get real close to metric threads.



Most of the european actions will require metric threads (Sako, CZ come to mind)

[largom]

My lathe has metric capabilities but have never had the need to cut metric threads.

Larry

[deltaenterprizes]

A 127 tooth gear can make your Sheldon lathe cut metric threads. I have never run a Sheldon but have read good things about them.
When cutting metric threads with an imperial lead screw you cannot disengage the half nuts you have to stop the lathe and run it in reverse.

[danski26]

Thanks for the info guys. Now I have to see if i can make the deal and get this lathe home. I'll post pics if I get it.

[bedwards]

You can get more info here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sheldonlathe/. My 1943 came with a set of change gears for metric threading. Good luck.

be

[Char-Gar]

If you are a commercial gunsmith who has to work on whatever comes in the door, you might need metric capability. But, if you are doing it for your own pleasure, you can just chose not to work on metric stuff.

[ronterry]

I would consider a good tap & die set cause I rearly need to thread anything bigger than 8mm on a lathe.

[jwhite]

I would grab that machine, I used a Sheldon for many years aboard a ship I used to work on and it was my favorite machine I have ever used.

Good luck with your purchase.

[steg]

Sheldons are a great lathe, in all the years iv'e run them I've never seen a Metric capability, don't let that stop you...........steg

[PatMarlin]

Pics? Pics? Pics?