Craftsman 12x24 lathe?

[MGP]

I just found one and i quess these are made by Atlas are they any good for gunsmithing.I found it at a good price and comes loaded with tools.I have a 11x26 grizzly now so would this be a good upgrade or should i hold off for a heavy south bend? Thanks Mike

 

[JerrySharrett]

A good used South Bend Heavy 10 would be much better.

 

[WSnyder]

We have the same lathe with a 36" bed at the shop that we use mostly for turning motor armatures and some general turning. The 24" in this lathe is too short (you probably know that already with your Grizzly) for rifle barrel work and the spindle bore far too small for most barrels. You would be better off in my opinion to do as Jerry and yourself suggested and find a heavy 10 or something like it.

 

[MGP]

Thanks Guys