Budget Ultra Precision Lathe: Precision Matthews PM-1340GT

The Precision Matthews PM-1340GT has all the precision of a 1440 series lathe, but at approximately half the cost.

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About the Precision Matthews PM-1340GT

I’ve been curious about the PM-1340GT for some time and am excited to take a closer look at it.

Just like every other Precision Matthews machine I’ve ever had, the PM-1340GT came securely packaged.

I removed the enclosure and got the machine set on cinder blocks until I could use an engine crane to lift it onto the base (available separately).

This is a likely course of action for many gunsmiths—not everyone has heavy equipment easily accessible. I did have to use my backhoe to lift the lathe off the pallet and on to cinder blocks — the pallet was too wide to straddle with the engine crane. Another option is to use a chain hoist to do this.

From Precision Matthews:

PM-1340GT Main Features:

- Highest Quality Lathe, Made in TAIWAN
- Large 1-9/16” Spindle Bore clear through spindle for through-headstock work
- Short Spindle Length, only 13-3/4″, perfect for gunsmithing work
- Extra thick spindle wall for extra rigidity, almost double when compared with most other machines in this size

- Power feed on Carriage, and Cross Slide, both left and right, and in and out, for both turning and facing operations with automatic feed. Allows for the best surface finish in all directions.

- Induction Hardened and Precision Ground Bed Ways to resist wear and give a long service life
- All shafts in headstock hardened and ground along with gears which are precision ground, set in with a close tolerance fit, which leads to longer life and quiet running when compared with other geared head lathes
- Inch AND Metric thread cutting ability is a standard feature, NO CHANGE GEARS for any inch thread or feed rate, only change gears required are for Metric threads

- 4” Travel Thread Dial, 32 tooth gear on thread dial, 8 TPI Main Leadscrew for easier threading using the half nut / thread dial

- Large diameter, extra thick wall tail stock quill for more rigid and accurate tail stock operations, Locking Tang in tail stock is provided

- Removable Gap for larger diameter work when needed
- High quality electronics used throughout machine, very reliable contactors, motors, etc.
- Slip Clutch is standard on feed rod, to help prevent overloading damage of feeds and allow the use of a solid carriage stop for repetitive work

- Precision Tapered Roller Bearings used in spindle, for the ultimate in long life, high precision, and best surface finishes. Guaranteed Run Out +/- .0001″ for ultimate precision

- True INCH PITCH main lead screw, cross feed, and compound lead screws make it easy to use for the INCH measurement System, yet still has the Metric readings on dials for the ultimate in versatility for any job that may come about

- Splash oil bath lubrication in Headstock, and Apron, for efficient lubrication, and long life, yet simple and reliable, and does not require any filter changes or pump maintenance as with oil pump lubrication systems. Also no risk of losing oil flow to expensive parts as there can be with pump lubricated systems

- Only Extremely High Precision Spindle Bearings are used, NACHI (Japan)
- Longest in class, 5 Year Warranty

Model PM-1340GT Main Specifications:

- Type: Geared Head
- Model: PM-1340GT
- Max. Swing over bed: 13″
- Max. Swing over cross slide: 6-1/2″
- Max. Swing in gap: 19-1/8″
- Gap Insert Length: 7-3/4″
- Spindle Face to Gap End: 5-1/2″
- Spindle Face to Tailstock Quill Face: 40″ max
- Center Height: 6.5″
- Spindle Center Line Distance from Floor: Approx. 46”
- Max. Distance Between Centers: 40″
- Width of Bed: 7-1/2”
- Bed Height: 11.5”
- Spindle Bore: 1-9/16”
- Spindle Taper, Internal: MT #5
- Spindle Mounting System: Cam Lock, D1-4
- Spindle Speeds: 90-1600 RPM, 12 Steps
- Bed Length: 63-3/4″
- Lead Screw Diameter / Pitch: 7/8” / 8 TPI
- Feed Rod Diameter: 3/4”
- Inch Thread Cutting Range: 4-112 TPI, 40 Different Threads
- Metric Thread Cutting Range: .25-7.5mm Pitch, 24 Different Threads
- Longitudinal Feed Range (Left and Right): .002-.02 Inches Per Revolution
- Cross Feed Range (In and Out): .001-.01 Inches Per Revolution
- Spindle Length through headstock, Protruding End to D1-4 Chuck Mounting face: 13-3/4”
- Spindle Length through headstock, Protruding End to 3 Jaw Chuck face: 17-1/4”
- Cross Slide Travel: 6-3/4”
- Compound Travel: 3-1/2”
- Tail Stock Quill Diameter / Travel / Taper: 1-9/16” / 4” / MT#3
- Main Motor Horsepower: 2 HP
- Power Requirements: 208 to 240 Vac, 60 Hz, 1 or 3 phase (Choose phase option when purchasing, both recommend a 20A Circuit)
- Power connection: Direct wire in to cabinet on the rear side of the headstock
- Machine Dimensions, Assembled with stand: 52”H x 29”W x 70”L
- Machine Weight, without stand: 1100 LBS
- Machine Weight, With Steel Stand: 1350 LBS

This lathe has 13” swing over the bed and 40” between centers. This is a great capacity for a general machine shop and gunsmithing. The PM-1340GT is a gear head lathe —speed changes are made with gear shift levers. The two horse power motor is available in single phase and three-phase.

Set-Up

The solid base is made of 3/16” steel and has a heavy reinforced top for more rigid mounting with front doors that open for storage.

I installed the six leveling bolts (backed off) and cast iron leveling pads as I put the stand together in preparation for a later leveling job.

I then attached the chip tray, pulled out my two-ton engine hoist, and extended the arm to the half-ton setting. I cut 2×4’s to 12” for spreaders, but ¾” hardwood would have been better. We had to do a double lift on the headstock side to set it down as the 2×4” was too thick.

Finding the correct center of gravity as we positioned the straps was super important. We lifted the lathe and set it down on the base.

I then repositioned the carriage and used a single spreader and strap at the center of the lathe to lift the weight off of the chip pan and base for proper alignment. Several bolts dropped into place as we aligned the machine — we shook the lathe to get the rest to drop through, then secured them with washers and nuts. After torquing all the bolts, I degreased the machine and connected it to three-phase power.

I paid extra attention to the gears, saturating them with WD-40 and gently scrubbing them with a bronze bristle brush.

I also degreased the pulleys and used lacquer thinner to clean off the belt.

Before reinstalling the side cover, I added some grease to the gears and checked the rotation of the machine.

I turned on my rotary phase converter, disengaged the stop switch, and powered on the lathe.

The machine sounded good and three-phase power means a slightly better surface finish due to a phenomenon called “torque ripple.”

Next, I degreased the six-inch chuck and backing plate and connected the DRO.

You can choose to have Precision Matthews mount the DRO scales that attach to the DRO. I highly recommend this. Finally, I leveled the lathe on the base and degreased the lead screw and control rods with the lathe under power.

Included Tooling

The PM-1340GT comes with a red toolbox which holds most of the small parts and accessories.

Included are the following:

Headstock spindle reducing sleeve
- Morse taper #5 on the outside and Morse taper #3 on the inside
Two dead centers
- One for tailstock with carbide tip, one for headstock
Double-ended wrench
Gears for changing over to metric threading
Allen key set (made in Japan)
4-way tool post and wrench
Steady rest
Follow rest
Face plate

My Additions

Though the lathe came with a 4-way tool post, I opted to upgrade it to the wedge quick change tool post set (BXA) from Precision Matthews.

I also had Precision Matthews install the MagXact Magnetic MX-100L 2 axis lathe DRO 8×40 inch scales.

It costs extra, but I fully believe it is worth it. I love working with a DRO as it has 0.2” on the Z-axis and 0.1” on diameter—great for ultra-precision work!

One thing the PM-1340GT does not come with is chucks. I added the Precision Matthews six-inch adjustable three-jaw chuck and eight-inch adjustable four-jaw chuck. The adjustable three-jaw chuck comes in two pieces — the backing plate and the chuck assembly.

These need to be ordered separately, but this piece of equipment is an investment. The chuck jaws are incredibly smooth and the chuck has four screws that allow you to center the chuck for individual workpieces.

Besides the chucks, another of my favorite tools is a Morse taper #3 live center for the tailstock. This is ideal for polishing barrels. I also use the Precision Matthews MT-3 drill chuck with a ⅛” to ⅝” capacity.

Testing

I secured a 1.5” aluminum round bar inside the chuck for demonstration purposes. I faced off the bar before turning it. The finish looked like a mirror, but at high speed, I experienced some chip crowding.

Thread reliefs came next, then boring. I was incredibly happy with how this machine performed. The half-nut engagement threading dial chart took me a little bit to get used to, but I caught on quickly.

To assess precision, I conducted some accuracy and alignment tests. It passed with flying colors. There was no movement on the indicator on the spindle bearings. For full details on these tests, watch the video!