My Free Lathe, Thanks To This Website

[Susan_in_SF]

Congrats Susan and what a deal!

Serial number is on the tail end of the front way and below is a link to see what year yours is.
http://www.lathe.com/ser-no.htm

The serial number is 14301. I think it is a 1941 lathe

 

[T. J.]

The easy answer is to keep all of them!

Seriously though, if you really need to get rid of one, I would shed the Atlas/Craftsman. I base my opinion on having owned an Atlas 6" in the past and currently own a Logan/Wards 10". There is nothing the Atlas can do that the SB or Logan can't do as good or better. There is also the added benefit of sharing tooling between the SB and Logan.

 

[Susan_in_SF]

Seriously, though, is there any logical reason why I would benefit having this additional lathe in the shop? I am trying to find excuses to keep it ;-)
Omg, I tell myself that I can't keep my woodworking stuff in my garage, then, I found someone getting rid of a 13" drum sander for $55. How could I say no when I have a whole tree of black walnut slabs and a 10" Inca combo 570 jointer/planer?
Then, I get this free lathe!
I have a knack for getting deals, for some reason. That is why I have to play tetris with my equipment to fit in my 1 car garage!

 

[T. J.]

I should clarify, I don't have anything against the Atlas 6". They are good machines for their size. It was my first lathe and I learned a lot with it. I just don't think it has any advantage for turning small work over a 9 or 10 inch lathe.

 

[Susan_in_SF]

The easy answer is to keep all of them!

Seriously though, if you really need to get rid of one, I would shed the Atlas/Craftsman. I base my opinion on having owned an Atlas 6" in the past and currently own a Logan/Wards 10". There is nothing the Atlas can do that the SB or Logan can't do as good or better. There is also the added benefit of sharing tooling between the SB and Logan.

I can't argue with you T.J.. It's just that that little lathe with the factory lathe legs, original drum switch bed mount, and bed mount lathe lamp is too much eye candy/gloat to let go of, lol.

 

[Asm109]

If the Logan is a change gear lathe, your path is clear.
Sell the Logan, Sell the Craftsman, Use the money to buy other tools. You have no need for multiple lathes that will do essentially the same job.
Your biggest whine here is you don't have enough room in your shop. Be a hoarder but seek variety.

 

[T. J.]

I feel your pain, as I have the same problem. For me, it makes more sense to have one really well tooled lathe than two or three marginally tooled ones.

And I would agree that the 9" SB with a QCGB trumps the 10" Logan with change gears.

 

[Susan_in_SF]

I should clarify, I don't have anything against the Atlas 6". They are good machines for their size. It was my first lathe and I learned a lot with it. I just don't think it has any advantage for turning small work over a 9 or 10 inch lathe.

Plus, I was hoping to later have my now 11 year old son learn to turn on that 6" lathe. He has high functioning autism which contributes to his overall lack of coordination. All he wants to do is play video games. When I feel he is ready, I want him to learn some metalworking. So, I guess that's my extra excuse for not letting go of my less abled Craftsman lathe.

 

[Susan_in_SF]

If the Logan is a change gear lathe, your path is clear.
Sell the Logan, Sell the Craftsman, Use the money to buy other tools. You have no need for multiple lathes that will do essentially the same job.
Your biggest whine here is you don't have enough room in your shop. Be a hoarder but seek variety.

ASM109, I like your answer. Simple and logical!

 

[Janderso]

Susan,
Wood shops are overrated,
When in doubt, go for the precision of metal work.
Nice problem to have, too many machines.