Sorry for the negative attitude in that last post boys. Have been going on little sleep for too long, and I'm raising a kindergartner on my own, and I'm too old for both. HA. Matt doesn't deserve any trouble, he works extremely hard to keep happy customers. Other severe friction [woman] in my life is causing my impatience. Apologies.
As usual, Mark [MKSJ] explains things very well, and puts it into great light. Very good perspective. Bottom line, my expectations were a little lofty.
I guess I should level this thing up the best I can, then put it into service, and see how the work comes out before I b*^ch any more about it. Might turn out awesome work anyway.
As I sit and stare at this thing, one thing does jump out at me: THE MARATHON MOTOR HANGING OFF THE BACK, IS A LOT HEAVIER THAN STOCK. An unexpected consequence. And looking at the machine from the side, it is obvious that directly exacerbates the issue. The shake isn't in the length of the machine, it's in the depth. I would humbly submit five suggestions for Matt that I think will help greatly:
1.) The plates that are welded up under the top of the stand, that the lathe bolts directly to are are two pieces. If that was one thick, solid plate across the top, I believe that would help the lateral stability a noticeable amount. Then take those flimsy shelves out of the middle of the stand sections and make them 5/16 steel plates.
2.) Widen the lateral (depth) stance of the stands so the feet are a few inches further apart. In other words, make the stand sections bigger front-to-back. That will make it a lot less top heavy, making it more solid.
3.) Make the stand a one-piece welded together unit, by simply adding welded angle iron braces across the top and bottom. I understand this will make shipping and transit more cumbersome, but well worth it. Make it an added option if you need to.
4.) Thread those 3/4 inch holes in the bottom and put large, adjustable 3/4 inch feet on there, and make the 1/2 inch hole for anchoring it down.
5.) Pour the stands full of molten lead. [Joking]
The main concern here is I am worried that any shake/vibration in the machine will cause reamer chatter when chambering these match barrels. Guess I should have just saved up another 10 grand and bought a bigger lathe if that was the concern. However, the main draw for a gunsmith with this machine is the short headstock combined with a large spindle bore, therefore being able to chamber a 20" barrel through the headstock. Nearly impossible to find that combination in a bigger, non-China lathe.
I guess the other option is take the lathe off the stand, bolt it to the floor, and do my work lying on my belly?
Maybe I should just stop obsessing about perfection and just play along in the sandbox of life.
Thanks for the help.
RIO