Atlas/Craftsman Serial Numbers and Bearing Dates (if applicable) For Database Entries

[wa5cab]

OCJOHN,

There is a dBase DBF file called ATLASDB.DBF in Downloads that has your serial number lathe listed. If you cannot actually handle a .DBF file, convert it to something that you can handle. For example, Microsoft Excel will open and display the contents and used to be able to interpret the Index files. The file has your machine listed. As all of the Atlas production records were destroyed or at least lost several decades ago, determining the production year is usually Iffy but I guessed 1973 for yours. As we don't know either total production or annual production, I rounded up the total production to a little more than the highest known serial number and assumed straight-line production and that the model number did not enter into it. Based upon that, I assumed that yours was made in 1973.

As you have Donor status, you have access to Downloads. There is an explanation of how to use Donloads near the the top of the Atlas Craftsman forum.

 

[wa5cab]

Pat,

Best guess on when your TH54 was made is late 1941. I'm too tired to enter your machine tonight but it's about time for a file update so maybe I will get to it it in a couple of days. If you want access to Downloads you will need to become a Donor. Any level will do it. However, if you plan to sell anything on the site, that requires a minimum of $25.00.

Whether or not it would be worth the time and money to find and install a QCGB depends mainly upon how often you would use it.

 

[OCJohn]

OCJOHN,

There is a dBase DBF file called ATLASDB.DBF in Downloads that has your serial number lathe listed. If you cannot actually handle a .DBF file, convert it to something that you can handle. For example, Microsoft Excel will open and display the contents and used to be able to interpret the Index files. The file has your machine listed. As all of the Atlas production records were destroyed or at least lost several decades ago, determining the production year is usually Iffy but I guessed 1973 for yours. As we don't know either total production or annual production, I rounded up the total production to a little more than the highest known serial number and assumed straight-line production and that the model number did not enter into it. Based upon that, I assumed that yours was made in 1973.

As you have Donor status, you have access to Downloads. There is an explanation of how to use Donloads near the the top of the Atlas Craftsman forum.

Thanks Robert. No Excel on my Mac and I'm not savvy enough to convert the formatting in a text editor.

1973 is close enough for me. Thanks for your help.

 

[wa5cab]

OK. Although I don't know the names of any native to the Apple family, most should probably open a .DBF file.

However, 1973 is about as close as we are likely to get unless you have the original invoice. Either Atlas or Timken stopped the practice of engraving the inspection date on the spindle bearings circa 1953.

 

[MaxRunout]

Edited with title change 20200627

In the combined machine database (742 entries to date) there are 180 10" entries, 21 of which show no serial numbers. There are 113 Craftsman entries, 19 or which show no serial numbers. Plus we only have 30 10" and 22 12" bearing dates for Timken equipped 10" or 12".

Anyway, anyone with any Atlas built machine (not just lathes) who doesn't remember for sure entering your machine into the old Yahoo database or giving it to me recently, please send me the model number; bed length, serial number (including any prefix or suffix letters), type (10F, 10D, etc.), and if it has Timken bearings, the bearing dates if you know them. If no bearing dates are available, then anything that would give the original purchase date (no guesses, please). Also any comments you wish to make about condition, accessories, when and where purchased, price, etc.
If your machine is a MK2 6", there is a somewhat more detailed questionnaire also in this sticky area. If you've responded to that questionnaire, no response is needed here.

Thanks, Robert D.

Just purchased this Craftsman/Atlas. 6x18. Here are pics with SN#. Not sure about bearings?

 

[wa5cab]

The Craftsman 101.21400 is the same except for Model Number as the late Atlas 618. The only thing that I am not certain of is how they handled the serial numbers. In other words, whether the first 101,21400 was serial number 00001 or 1 plus the most recently assigned 618 S/N.

 

[MaxRunout]

The Craftsman 101.21400 is the same except for Model Number as the late Atlas 618. The only thing that I am not certain of is how they handled the serial numbers. In other words, whether the first 101,21400 was serial number 00001 or 1 plus the most recently assigned 618 S/N.

The Craftsman 101.21400 is the same except for Model Number as the late Atlas 618. The only thing that I am not certain of is how they handled the serial numbers. In other words, whether the first 101,21400 was serial number 00001 or 1 plus the most recently assigned 618 S/N.

Next time I am out in my shop I will get the Headstock Casing # and casting date for you. Tnx

 

[MaxRunout]

The Craftsman 101.21400 is the same except for Model Number as the late Atlas 618. The only thing that I am not certain of is how they handled the serial numbers. In other words, whether the first 101,21400 was serial number 00001 or 1 plus the most recently assigned 618 S/N.

Are these the numbers you are looking for?

 

[wa5cab]

No. The casting date that MaxRunout was referring to is the 2-digit numeric month and 2-digit year with raised lettering that indicates when the casting was made. For example 12-54 would be December of 1954.

 

[MaxRunout]

No. The casting date that MaxRunout was referring to is the 2-digit numeric month and 2-digit year with raised lettering that indicates when the casting was made. For example 12-54 would be December of 1954.

Ok, I will look again. Above are the only numbers I found on the castings. Perhaps I need to clean it up and get better light ? - Bill