Identifying Local Craftsman FS

[Rathmatik]

Howdy,

Someone in my area is selling the below Craftsman lathe. I'm trying to figure out which model this is and whether it's a good option as my first lathe.

I'm trying to get a model number or more pictures, but still waiting for that info.

Does anyone know which model this is?

Thanks!

 

[markba633csi]

It's an early 12" change gear model. It's a good machine. I would hold out for the model with the quick change gearbox.
Even better is the later 12" with QCGB
-M

 

[Rathmatik]

Thanks for the feedback, that sounds like a better option then. I thought it seemed to be missing some features, so perhaps that would add to the learning curve.

 

[Choiliefan]

It appears to be missing the side change gear cover as well.

 

[cross thread]

Rathmatik , welcome to the Atlas/Craftsman group . Besides learning , any planed projects ?

Craftsman, Dunlap, Companion, metalcraft lathes, AA Lathes

History and development of the Craftsman, Dunlap, Companion, Metalcraft, Metalmaster, AA109, 109, Simpson and Courlan and manufactured by the American

www.lathes.co.uk

Mark .

 

[Provincial]

From the bolts and bearing caps, it also has babbit spindle bearings.

 

[markba633csi]

Not sure about the bearings on that particular example- but you want the Timken roller bearings for sure
Having the quick change gearbox is nice to have but not essential
-M

 

[MrWhoopee]

IMO, the lack of a QCGB makes the task of learning to thread much more complicated and difficult. I would not recommend a lathe without one to a beginner, and I don't know any experienced machinists who would choose a lathe without one.

 

[markba633csi]

Atlas/Craftsman machines can cut a very wide range of threads including metric- and the charts make sense (unlike some import machines)
so if it came with a full set of gears I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a change gear machine to a beginner. Saves money initially and the
experience of working with individual gears helps with the overall understanding IMO
Then one could move up to a QC machine later as funds allow
-M

 

[mattthemuppet2]

I don't think a lack of qcgb is a deal breaker. I made as lot of cool stuff and learned allot over 8 years with a jewelers lathe and then an Atlas 618. I can't tell you how pumped I was to get the atlas and not have to hold the motor down in a cut. I learned how to single point threads on that lathe, both SAE and metric. That's not too say I'm unhappy to have a qcgb now, but lack of one shouldn't be a reason not to buy a certain lathe starting out.