Machine tools

Questions and tips about taking care of the weapons we collect and shoot.

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Aughnanure
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Machine tools

Post by Aughnanure » Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:59 pm

No one has ever mentioned having a lathe or other machine tools on the forum and I was wondering how many of us have a lathe or a mill or even a basic drill press?

Do many/any of us do our own gun work?

Who has built their own firearm (where doing so is lawful)?
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Re: Machine tools

Post by DuncaninFrance » Sun Oct 09, 2011 5:59 am

Here is my workshop. It is now much tidier :shock:

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No serious tools but a Pillar Drill, Double Grinding Wheel and an Extractor fan for the casting I do.
If I need anything more than that I have a friend with a lathe and welding kit but his eyesight is fading and
his back is bad so he finds any close up work hard to do now.
I do manage a lot of work though and I have a couple of material stores in the barn which keep things in order.
Duncan

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Re: Machine tools

Post by Aughnanure » Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:49 pm

I found the drill and the saw :bigsmile:
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Re: Machine tools

Post by DuncaninFrance » Mon Oct 10, 2011 3:20 am

Aughnanure wrote:I found the drill and the saw :bigsmile:
Honestly, it's MUCH cleaner and tidier now Eoin, HONESTLY it is..........................
Duncan

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Re: Machine tools

Post by DocAV » Wed Dec 07, 2011 4:44 pm

MY workshop is much more of a Bordello than any of the Photos...But we are getting it cleaned up....Too Much Clutter and Crap ( nearly all "Gun & Cartridge" Related....).
Now after two days hard work, we can see the concrete floor most of the way through the shed.!!! ( and have removed the dead Python skins (they shed once or twice a year) as well as accumulated Python droppings....oh, what's a Python/s doing in my shed...he/she is the Resident Rat & Gecko Catcher and Live in-Security System.... Normal in Aussie Bush and back-yard sheds...

Basically, when I set it up ( 1993) in a Purpose-built steel-cladded, steel-frame shed, it got a 10x40 ( 250x1000) Lathe (Taiwanese, very good), a similar make Mill Drill (geared head), and old Aussie Hercus ARL (Gunsmithing) Lathe with lots of accessories, and the usual collection of gunsmithing Hand tools etc. Since 93, I have added a Corbin CHP Hydraulic Bullet swager machine, a Polish Ceglieski Turret Lathe ( still unused, and unconnected), a Terrco x4 Stock Copier, more woodworking tools, and a full Dillon Reloading setup etc. ( Three 1050 machines, with Electric Primer Shakers, Electric case trimmer, etc.etc.) as well as other reloading equipment. Different workshop areas are set up with Solid walls for Work safety ( an "Ammo Loading Room", a Tunnel Room with Vault, an Ammo storage room, an Office with Library, and the General Workshop area, with "Cold " ( machine tools) and "Hot" ( soldering/welding, casting) working areas.
In January this year, I added a 6x7,4 metre extension, for Cartridge processing ( Polishing, Bulk storage, etc...recycling Military brass). Total shed coverage, 7,4 metres wide by 21 metres long. ( bays are 3m x 7,4m)...I had laid a concrete slab back in 1993, to accomodate an eventual enlargement. (original shed 15x7,4 metres)

On the Gunsmithing/making side, I have made barrels for SMGs,MGs, Bolt rifles, Pistols, etc; repaired various Categories of Guns, and even built ex-novo, Machineguns suitable for Movie Blank-fire use.Modifing guns for particular Movie requirements is my "stock in trade" so to speak ( Built Two "Tunnel-Rat" SMLE s from parts ( 8 inch barrel, handgrip butt) using a photo of a museum original from 1917 as a guide. ( See "Beneath Hill 60").

MY workshop is both a Commercial enterprise, as well as a "Bloke's Shed" ( sometimes I find it hard to differentiate "Profit" from "Personal Satisfaction".).. Once I get it tidied up and "Functional" again, I suppose the real hard work is keeping it clean and orderly.... Now where did I put that bottle of Lee-Enfield Sling-swivel screws???? or that case of Japanese T38 spares?......

Three years (almost) away from serious work for Cardiac refurbishment does accumlate a lot of Junk and disorder.....

" A shed, like a Nation, needs a bloody revolution every now and then, to rejuvenate it" ( apologies to Thomas Jefferson's statement about "the Tree of Liberty needs to be watered with the Blood of Patriots every 20 years..."

Sheds need regular cleaning, and "de-cluttering"....but everything "might" have a use sometime in the future?????

Regards,
Doc AV
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Technical services ( Obsolete cartridge case maker)
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Brisbane Australia.
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Re: Machine tools

Post by Brass Rat » Sun Feb 05, 2012 1:30 pm

Damn Doc, I need to live closer to you!!!

Hard to imagine Mk VII ball rounds being fired from an 8" barrel, in a tunnel. If it doesn't bust your eardrums the muzzle flash will surely blind you for the next 10 minutes.
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