south bend model 644 A

S

savet06

Mike Suhie
Evening to all and Happy New year.
I have been tossing around the idea of getting into some of my own barrel work with the understanding that it will take me a long time to get the requisite tooling and, more importantly, the knowledge to be able to turn metal properly. I realized that I would have to take some classes to start off, but I had no intentions of getting into my own equipment anytime soon.

As luck would have it, a gentleman that my uncle knows has a 1948 south bend 9x48 model 644A lathe with some tooling in his garage that still runs and has all the original parts (steady rest unknown). The through spindle is a little small to chamber through the headstock, but from what I understand everything else about this lathe should do what I need it to.

It is in fairly rough shape with regard to 40years of dust, sawdust, and general grime, but I actually am looking forward to taking it apart, cleaning it, painting it (I have a compressor and and friend who used to do autobody work), and putting it back together again.

Question is...will this do the trick for chambering, threading, and crowning or should I keep looking. The price is right at $50 and I am pretty sure that I will be able to pick it up on my own (engine lift or fork lift aided as it does weigh 405lbs!).

I have been reading a lot here and watching as many youtube videos from tubalcain as possible as well as getting the book "how to run a lathe". Still far from making chips, but I thought it was a start.

Thanks for any information.
Mike
 
Buy the lathe. The worst thing that can happen is you'll part it out or sell it whole to someone for $300, or more.

Even if you never work on a single barrel with this lathe, you can learn every skill you will need for that work on a different lathe. Carefully accumulate tools that will stay with you when the 9 inch lathe moves on, if it ever does.
 
I have a 9" x 49" South Bend Model A that my dad bought new around 1950. I've been using it since. I haven't done it, but if I had to I could chamber and crown a barrel on it using the steady rest. I use it a lot for making small stuff - pillars, alignment studs for bedding, small tooling, etc.

I agree with buying the lathe. You will learn all the basic skills using it, and it will teach you what you want in a larger lathe. For the price it's a no brainer.

Fitch

PS: If it still has a leather flat belt drive, PM me and I'll send you pictures of how I replaced that with a spliced serpentine belt from a car that works much much better than the original.
 
Mike,
Sounds like a super deal. The 9" South Bend lathes were made in four different bed lengths. 30",36",42" and 48". The 48" models are the hardest to find. Especially the model A's. These little lathes are as good for barrel and chamber work as any thing out there. Because of their size you cannot go to hogging off material like you can on a larger machine but as long as your working for your self who cares? As the size implies it will only swing 9" which is not a concern for most gun work. The important feature is the 32" you have between centers. There are also tons of new and used parts out there for these little guys. The only limitations these lathes have is the person running them.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. I am really looking forward to the new avenue in this great sport/hobby that the lathe will offer. I knew that the work I would be doing would be pretty small stuff for the most part, but I wanted to make sure that I would be able to do the proper threading with this lathe.
I still have a long way to go with regard to tooling and, most importantly, learning the basics of machining, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Thanks, again, for the advice and the replies. I will post more when I have the project piece in hand.
Mike

Fitch,
Thanks for the offer. I will be sure to take you up on it when I am able to examine the machine more closely.
 
Videos

Mike, MIT has some videos that can be helpful to you. Go to http://techtv.mit.edu/ then type in "machine shop" where it says search videos and hit enter. The first ten videos that show up cover lathe, mill and other shop tools. You should be able to save the videos to your computer by right clicking on the video name and selecting "save link as...". Lot of good info there.
 
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Sounds cool Mike

When you get it up and runnin give me a holler. I've got some worn out Sav barrels you can turn into dust. A few simple modifications on others just for fun.
And some reamers and rechamber jobs for getting the kinks worked out.
You've seen my guns, you know I'm not fussy. No better first customer than a guy who refuses to shoot a gun in public until the rust has fully taken hold:D


PS Any news on Bob?
 
Thanks, Jo. I will give you a ring when I get it up an running. I am looking forward to getting it to the house, and right now that is my big challenge along with the clean-up that will be needed to get it running right.
I haven't heard anything else from Bob, but I know that he is receiving some pretty intense therapy. If I find out I will let you know.
Mike
 
I keep thinking that one of these day I am going to come acrossed a $50.00 9x48 lathe! Ha Ha I saw a 3x36 bench top lathe, no chuck no tooling $150.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greg
 
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