80% 1911 frame

[Monsterman]

So, I just bought one of those mini lathes that was conveniently made for one single purpose: To cut the rails for the slide on a 1911 frame.

Oh yeah, I also bought a 80% frame. So, what would I need to make the lathe spin so I can finish this project?

 

[Tom2]

A gunsmithing class?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I think you should have bought a mill instead.

 

[Monsterman]

The answers I am looking for are "a (insert name of machine here) will turn that lathe."

 

[Bill DeShivs]

It doesn't have a motor?

 

[DonR101395]

I would have to agree with the above posts. A gun smithing class and a mill and good health insurance.



Edit: This couldn't hurt either http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_to_use_a_lathe.htm

 

[Monsterman]

Thanks, Don.

I have crafty hands, so I probably won't need that health insurance.

 

[DonR101395]

No problem, you just got me a little worried with the question about how to make your lathe work to cut frame rails in a frame. Post some pics when you finish.

 

[T. O'Heir]

"...cut the rails for the slide..." That's not done on a lathe. A lathe is for machining round parts. Like Bill DeShivs says, you need a mill. However, if your lathe doesn't have a motor, you were robbed.

 

[ActivShootr]

Post some pics when you finish.

+1

 

[brickeyee]

You can do a limited amount of milling on a lathe by placing a mill cutter in a chuck and clamping the work to the apron.
Palmgreen has made bolt on tables to provide X-Y control for many years.
Not the nicest method, but good for a small one off task, and less $$ than a mill.

You can also use the lath to make up a primitive horizontal mill.