Since I'm lucky enough to work in a shop with a complete machine set-up--a surface grinder and a sandblast cabinet are all we're missing, far as I can tell--I'm eager to learn the basics--tightly focused on barreling and other 'smithing techniques--of the lathe and mill.

Can anyone recommend a focused text that might provide guidance?

My boss has been fitting barrels for fifty years--on and off--in addition to being a patent holding designer, so I'm certain he'll help me with technique.

But something so basic that I can get a general grasp of the various controls, and how they're used.

Before I drive everyone crazy with questions.

Thanks,

flaco

I think the closest thing to what you're asking would be something like one of Jerry Kuhnhausens' books, such as his one on the Mauser. "The Modern Gunsmith" by James V Howe would probably be helpful (there are 2 volumes).

But it sounds like you'd like a book to describe how to set up a barrel for chambering, for example, and I don't know of any books that are written in that fashion. Most all gunsmith books that I know assume an intimate knowledge of the equipment and basic processes used in machining.

Mark Stratton sells a book of "projects"; tools and jigs that when made will be useful in gunsmithing. South Bend made training lessons that produced tools that would be useful to a machinist. Trinidad Junior College has their students make tools they will use. The whole purpose being that the manufacture of these tools will enable you to practice and gain proficiency in the use of your equipment. Turning threads on a mandrel is similar to threading a barrel. Milling a receiver holder is mill practice, building parallel clamps is threading internal and external and mill practice, etc, etc. You can buy videos and DVDs or you can buy South Bend's How to Run a Lathe and/or similar books like Sheldon’s along with a machinist’s handbook and practice. The gunsmithing books by Vickery, Dunlap, Howe and others all have helpful tools you can make. Get these, read and practice on inexpensive stock/scrap. You have the expertise available to answer questions. This is exactly how I am learning. I also mix in a week or two of NRA summer courses at TJC and come home with enough basic knowledge to make chips, tools and mistakes. Hopefully I will learn from the mistakes and they are on cheap steel. When you can do these, then think about working on the “real†stuff. I realize you are working in a shop, so you will have first hand access to an expert. Use the tools and practice to perfect the basics and your mentor to polish your skills.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Rifle Rebarreling by John Hinnant is a good book for someone that understands the basics of machine work and wants to apply it to gunsmithing. It explains setup and measurement better than any other source I've found.

I also have a couple of machinist text books, Machine Shop Practices, which are good basic books to have. One I bought when I took machinist courses from the local CC, the other a different addition I picked up somewhere. Lots of info on machine operation, feed, speed, threading, etc. Mine are well fingerprinted.

Both books are available from Brownell's.

Might I suggest that you invest in a couple of DVDs from AGI on barreling rifles. You will learn a lot from them.

Thanks for your responses, Gentlemen-

They forced me to think a little more about what I need.

It seems obvious to me that rather than taking the "Gunsmithing" approach, I need basic machinist's instruction.

Because I have all the gunsmithing techniques right there in the shop.

My boss.

Thanks again,

flaco

John Shanahan has a new book and CD out. It is quite good. Really good for the newbie. I would highly recomend it. He has a web site. Google his name.
Longshot

quote:

He has a web site. Google his name.

I did both a Google and Yahoo searc and came up empty. Anyone got the link?