Is it worth saving?

G

G3farms

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I have an Atlas TH54 that is complete. A little rusty but all of the parts should be there. I can assure you that it has not been used in 55+ years.
I can also tell you for sure that I know nothing about a lathe, never run one, but do have a good concept.I am looking for a starter lathe and think this would fill the bill............Price is FREE
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Heck yes it is worth saving. It will take some time and an investment in sweat and likely a bit of money in the form of buckets of evaporust but it will likely clean up and be entirely useable for another lifetime.

In all honesty, that is the kind of lathe I would drive 300 miles to get just to be able to fix it up.
 
Can't beat free!

That's an ugly baby!

However, with hours of hobby time, access to a sandblast cabinet, a shot blast cabinet, buckets of electrolysis solution and cans of spray paint, it can look like the worst never happened.

jack vines
 
First off, welcome. On the Atlas, depends on the price, and your level of commitment to the work involved to clean it up. I'm guessing it would run just fine, if done right. A lot of good Atllas info here on the site. Mike
 
Where would I even start??
Not sure what to take apart first.
This has been sitting in a shed for 55+ years, it was my Dads when he was a hobby gunsmith.
Would like to know the date of it, not sure if he bought it new or not.
I guess not having a QCGB will make it a little easier to clean up........perhaps.
 
G3farms said:
Where would I even start??
Not sure what to take apart first.
Click to expand...

You could start small to get acquainted with the processes required.

Maybe start with that 3-jaw chuck in the last photo, or one of the drill chucks.
Do some research on evapo-rust and electrolysis and pick one.
Put together the required bits and give it a try.

Remember if you want to do the entire lathe bed you will need a suitable container for it either way.

Post any updates or questions here.
This is a very friendly and knowledgable bunch!

-brino

EDIT: .....and Welcome to the group!
 
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