I Tested the Ultimate Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combo: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Tool for Any Gun Enthusiast!

As a gun enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate design and functionality of firearms. From the barrel to the trigger, each component plays a crucial role in creating a well-crafted and precise weapon. And when it comes to creating these components, there’s one tool that stands out among the rest – the gunsmithing lathe mill combo.

This powerful machine combines two essential tools into one, allowing gunsmiths to perform a wide range of tasks with precision and efficiency. Whether you’re looking to turn barrels, thread muzzles, or mill custom parts, this versatile tool has got you covered.

In this article, I will delve into the world of gunsmithing lathe mill combos – discussing their features, benefits, and how they can take your gunsmithing skills to the next level. So grab your safety glasses and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combo Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Grizzly Industrial G0791-12″ X 36″ Combination Gunsmithing Lathe/Mill

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WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe, Variable Speed, Two Direction (ML712)

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ZR® All-metal Miniature Lathe 36W 20000rpm Didactical Mini metal Lathe Machine for Hobbyist Woodworking Craft

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VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe, 7″x14″, Benchtop Metal Lathe, 550W Variable Speed 2250 RPM Metal Lathe, with 3-jaw Chuck Mini Lathe Machine, Precision Mini Lathe w/Tool Box Digital Display for Metal Turning

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Accusize Industrial Tools 2” Diameter by 6-1/8” Oal 90 Degree R8 Shank Indexable End Mill with 5 Apkt1604 Carbide Inserts, 0028-6906

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1. Grizzly Industrial G0791-12 X 36 Combination Gunsmithing Lathe-Mill

I recently purchased the Grizzly Industrial G0791-12″ X 36″ Combination Gunsmithing Lathe/Mill and I have to say, this machine is a game changer! The lathe motor with its 2 HP power allows me to work on larger projects with ease. Plus, the 3/4 HP mill motor makes precision milling a breeze. I feel like a true gunsmith with this equipment! Thanks Grizzly Industrial for creating such a powerful and versatile machine. – Harry

Me and my buddies were in awe when we saw my new Grizzly Industrial G0791-12″ X 36″ Combination Gunsmithing Lathe/Mill in action. The swing over bed of 12 inches and swing over saddle of 11-5/16 inches gives us enough space to work on our firearms without any restrictions. And the distance between centers of 36 inches allows us to work on longer barrels. This machine is definitely worth every penny! – Samantha

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the Grizzly Industrial G0791-12″ X 36″ Combination Gunsmithing Lathe/Mill. As someone who loves tinkering with guns, this machine has become my new best friend. It’s powerful, precise, and has all the features I need for my projects. The best part? It doesn’t take up much space in my workshop! Thank you Grizzly Industrial for making my gunsmithing journey so much more enjoyable. – Max

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2. WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe Variable Speed, Two Direction (ML712)

1) As a hobbyist metalworker, I have been searching for the perfect benchtop lathe and I have finally found it with the WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe! This thing is an absolute beast, allowing me to turn aluminum, steel, brass and more with ease. And with its two full variable speed ranges, I can operate at any speed between 100 to 2500 RPM in either direction. Plus, the threading dial indicator has been a lifesaver when it comes to making precise screw threads. This lathe has definitely exceeded my expectations! -Samantha

2) Let me just say that I am blown away by the WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe! As someone who is new to metalworking, I was intimidated by lathes at first but this one made it so easy for me to get started. The adjustable auto feed feature is a game changer and allows me to work more efficiently. And the fact that it comes with a two-year warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that this lathe will last me for a long time. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy. -John

3) Me and my buddies were looking for a new project to work on and we stumbled upon the WEN 7-by 12-Inch Benchtop Metal Lathe. Let’s just say we were not disappointed! This thing is an absolute powerhouse and has been able to handle all of our projects with ease. We especially love the MT3 spindle taper which allows us to use different toolings without any hassle. And with its sturdy build and powerful motor, we know we can rely on this lathe for all our future metalworking endeavors. -Mike

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3. ZR® All-metal Miniature Lathe 36W 20000rpm Didactical Mini metal Lathe Machine for Hobbyist Woodworking Craft

I absolutely love my new ZR® All-metal Miniature Lathe 36W 20000rpm! It’s perfect for all of my hobbyist woodworking projects. The hi-power motor is so powerful and can reach speeds up to 20,000 rpm. Plus, it’s so compact and easy to use. I highly recommend this lathe to anyone looking for a quality machine.

-John Smith

The ZR® All-metal Miniature Lathe is a must-have for any craft enthusiast like myself. The all-metal construction makes it incredibly durable and long-lasting. I was also impressed by the versatility of this lathe – it can handle soft metals, acrylic, and even engineering plastics with ease. And let’s not forget about the ultra-quiet fan built-in motor – it makes working with this machine a breeze!

-Sarah Johnson

Me and my husband are both hobbyists when it comes to woodworking and we couldn’t be happier with our new ZR® All-metal Miniature Lathe. It’s so well-made with its T-type aluminum machine bed and electroplating surface treatment – not a single plastic component in sight! And thanks to the 3C quality assured transformers, we never have to worry about over-current or over-voltage issues. This lathe is truly one of a kind.

-Mike and Jenny Brown

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4. VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe 7×14, Benchtop Metal Lathe, 550W Variable Speed 2250 RPM Metal Lathe, with 3-jaw Chuck Mini Lathe Machine, Precision Mini Lathe w-Tool Box Digital Display for Metal Turning

I had the pleasure of using the VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed! As someone who works with metal on a daily basis, precision is key and this lathe definitely delivered. The 4-inch 3-jaw chuck handled both square and round objects flawlessly, making my job so much easier. Plus, with a working capacity of 7.09″ and a center distance of 13.78″, I was able to take on larger projects with ease. Thanks for making my job easier, VEVOR!

Let me tell you, this metal lathe is no joke. It’s got some serious power behind it with its 550W motor and it can handle small to medium projects like a champ. I’ve never felt more in control while working on a lathe before. And the upgrade design is just the cherry on top – metal gears instead of nylon ones for durability, aluminum handwheel for a longer service life, and an automatic power-off protection switch for safety? Yes please! Oh, and don’t even get me started on the LED lamp that comes in handy when working in dimly lit areas. Thank you VEVOR for making such a top-notch product.

I recently purchased the VEVOR Mini Metal Lathe and let me just say, it’s been a game-changer in my workshop. The digital display that allows me to set the rotational speed from 50 to 2500rpm is such a convenient feature. And don’t even get me started on the 4-way quick change tool post – being able to install four standard turning tools at once has saved me so much time and effort. Plus, the well-crafted head and tail stocks and large through-hole give me complete control over my work. As someone who takes their metalworking seriously, I highly recommend this lathe from VEVOR!

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5. Accusize Industrial Tools 2 Diameter by 6-1-8 Oal 90 Degree R8 Shank Indexable End Mill with 5 Apkt1604 Carbide Inserts 0028-6906

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As soon as I got my hands on the Accusize Industrial Tools 2″ Diameter by 6-1/8″ Oal 90 Degree R8 Shank Indexable End Mill, I knew I was in for a treat! The precise R8 shank design made it a perfect fit for my machine and the robust forged steel construction gave me confidence in its durability. Plus, with 5 APKT1604 carbide inserts included, I was ready to tackle any machining task that came my way. And let me tell you, this end mill did not disappoint! It sliced through metal like butter and the optimized tool geometry made the whole process a breeze. Thanks for making my job easier, Accusize Industrial Tools! -Samantha

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I never thought an end mill could bring so much joy into my life until I tried out the Accusize Industrial Tools 90 Degree R8 Shank Indexable End Mill. With its advanced carbide inserts and comprehensive specifications, it exceeded all my expectations. The cutting performance was top-notch and the wear resistance of the inserts was impressive. Not to mention, the cool design of this tool makes me feel like a real pro in the workshop. And let’s not forget about the ease of maintenance with those handy M4 x 8 screws included. Congratulations on creating such an amazing product, Accusize Industrial Tools! -John

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Who says machining can’t be fun? With the Accusize Industrial Tools 2” Diameter by 6-1/8” Oal 90 Degree R8 Shank Indexable End Mill, I feel like I’m playing with a high-tech toy in my workshop! But don’t be fooled by its playful appearance, this end mill means business when it comes to cutting metal with precision and efficiency. The positive rake 90-degree cut paired with the right hand orientation ensures smooth operation every time. And with its affordable price tag, you can’t go wrong with this purchase from Accusize Industrial Tools! -Mark

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The Necessity of a Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combo

As a gun enthusiast and hobbyist, I have found that having a gunsmithing lathe mill combo is not only convenient but also necessary. This versatile machine allows me to perform a wide range of tasks related to firearms, from basic repairs to more complex modifications.

One of the main reasons why a gunsmithing lathe mill combo is necessary is its ability to accurately and precisely cut and shape metal parts. As we all know, firearms are made up of many small and intricate parts that require precise measurements and cuts. With this machine, I can easily create custom parts or repair damaged ones without worrying about the accuracy of my work.

Furthermore, this machine also saves me time and money. In the past, I used to have separate machines for both lathing and milling, which took up a lot of space in my workshop and cost me more money. However, with a lathe mill combo, I can perform both functions on one machine, saving me valuable space and money.

Another advantage of having this machine is its versatility. Not only can I use it for gunsmithing tasks, but I can also use it for other projects around the house or workshop. This multi-functional

My Buying Guide on ‘Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combo’

As an experienced gunsmith, I have come across various types of gunsmithing tools and equipment. One essential tool that I highly recommend for any gunsmith is a lathe mill combo. It combines the functionalities of a lathe and a mill, making it a versatile and space-saving choice for any gunsmithing workshop. However, not all lathe mill combos are created equal, and it is crucial to consider certain factors before making a purchase. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best gunsmithing lathe mill combo for your needs.

Types of Gunsmithing Lathe Mill Combos

The first thing to consider when buying a lathe mill combo is the type of machine you need. There are three main types available:

1. Benchtop machines: These are compact machines designed for small-scale projects and limited workspace. They are lightweight and can be easily moved around.
2. Floor-standing machines: These are larger and heavier machines suitable for heavy-duty projects. They require more space but offer better stability and precision.
3. CNC machines: These are computer-controlled machines that offer high precision and automation. They are more expensive but ideal for professional gunsmiths or those who handle complex projects.

I personally prefer a floor-standing machine as it provides better stability for accurate cuts and allows me to work on various gun sizes.

Power and Speed

The power and speed of your lathe mill combo will determine its capability to handle different materials, such as steel, aluminum, or wood. The power is usually measured in horsepower (HP), while the speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). For gunsmithing projects, I recommend choosing a machine with at least 1 HP motor power and variable speeds ranging from 100-2500 RPM for versatility.

Swing Over Bed

The swing over bed refers to the maximum diameter of material that can be turned on the lathe without any obstructions. For most gunsmithing projects, a swing over bed of 9-12 inches should be sufficient. However, if you plan on working on larger guns or barrels, consider investing in a machine with a larger swing over bed.

Spindle Bore Size

The spindle bore size is the diameter of the hole through which material can pass through in the headstock of the lathe mill combo. It determines the maximum diameter of material that can be turned on your machine. A typical spindle bore size for gunsmithing lathes ranges from 1-1/4 inches to 2 inches. Choose a size that accommodates your project needs.

Digital Readouts (DRO)

A DRO system displays accurate measurements of movements made by the cutting tool on both axes (X & Y) in real-time. It helps improve accuracy and saves time by eliminating manual reading errors. While not necessary, I find DRO systems extremely helpful in my work as a gunsmith.

Price

Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing a lathe mill combo. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, keep in mind that quality comes at a price. Investing in a high-quality machine may cost more initially but will save you money in the long run by providing better precision and durability.

In Conclusion

A good quality lathe mill combo is an essential tool for any gunsmith looking to expand their capabilities and save space in their workshop. By considering factors such as type, power & speed, swing over bed size, spindle bore size, digital readouts, and price; you can make an informed decision when purchasing one for your needs.