What size lathe to get?

[OrdnanceGuy]

For hobby stuff, not pro work. I would like to do rifle barrels, but I can wait till later for something that long. If I start with a benchtop size lathe, how soon will I outgrow it? Which brands and models do you use and recommend? If I go for the big one, what possible sources should I seek for good used ones? :confused:

Thanks,
OrdnanceGuy :)

[jfk]

I would suugest a lathe with a spindle bore at least 1 3/8-1 1/2" diameter. I bought a small Jet lathe, 9-20 with 7/8" spindle bore and it's a pain in the @$$ to work on barrels and other tasks without having to set up the tail stock.

[BritishEngineer]

I would get an older lathe like my Atlas, it's solid and will not break easy when doing deep cuts. the only problem is trying to get some parts as some are from the 1930's.
I don't think you will out grow it, as you will never stop learning from it.

[DuaneinND]

Buy the biggest lathe you have room for and can afford. You can always do small work on a big lathe, but you cannot do big work on a small lathe.