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Need help/advice new old atlas is it worth it?
- Thread starter powerhouse820
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- atlas craftsman 101 sears
$1000 is way too much. Hardly any worthwhile tooling.
My first lathe cost $1000 and was a Logan 820 which has a 10 in swing. It was turnkey, the previous owner was a retired machinist and this was his baby, it was completely restored in excellent condition except for some moderate bed wear. The headstock bearings were quiet and accurate. The lathe has a quick change gear box so no need to mess with change gears and calculations. It has 2 methods of feed on the x axis, power feed from the half nuts for threading, and power feed from the apron clutch which is much finer and gives a better surface finish with small radius cutting bits. The clutch feed also powers the carriage cross feed which is also a fine feed. It came with a Bison 3 jaw and 4 jaw chuck and a full set of at3 collets and draw bar, an aloris quick change tool post and jacobs tailstock chuck. The only problem was the bed had a bit of wear at the headstock. I was able to find a good bed for $150 from a used machine dealer in sicklerville NJ which is only about an hour away from you. They are a good resource for used machines and tooling at reasonable prices. The tooling is the most expensive aspect of Machining, not the lathe.
My only regret due to my inexperience is the spindle through hole is too small, less than an inch, so I ended up graduating to a Clausing 5914 so I can use 5c collets with long stock passing through the spindle which is around 1-3/8.
I think making 35 to 45 mm pins on that atlas will be somewhat of a challenge and give you alot of chatter due to the lack of mass on that machine.
My first lathe cost $1000 and was a Logan 820 which has a 10 in swing. It was turnkey, the previous owner was a retired machinist and this was his baby, it was completely restored in excellent condition except for some moderate bed wear. The headstock bearings were quiet and accurate. The lathe has a quick change gear box so no need to mess with change gears and calculations. It has 2 methods of feed on the x axis, power feed from the half nuts for threading, and power feed from the apron clutch which is much finer and gives a better surface finish with small radius cutting bits. The clutch feed also powers the carriage cross feed which is also a fine feed. It came with a Bison 3 jaw and 4 jaw chuck and a full set of at3 collets and draw bar, an aloris quick change tool post and jacobs tailstock chuck. The only problem was the bed had a bit of wear at the headstock. I was able to find a good bed for $150 from a used machine dealer in sicklerville NJ which is only about an hour away from you. They are a good resource for used machines and tooling at reasonable prices. The tooling is the most expensive aspect of Machining, not the lathe.
My only regret due to my inexperience is the spindle through hole is too small, less than an inch, so I ended up graduating to a Clausing 5914 so I can use 5c collets with long stock passing through the spindle which is around 1-3/8.
I think making 35 to 45 mm pins on that atlas will be somewhat of a challenge and give you alot of chatter due to the lack of mass on that machine.
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- Joined
- Jan 28, 2011
- Messages
- 3,582
35-45 mm pins are not that much a challenge. Did a few rifle barrels on mine years ago, as well as other precision jobs. On that list of lathes, the only one I would look at is the Hardinge. One can grow into that one and not run out of machine.
Pierre
Pierre
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2017
- Messages
- 5,523
I agree. This has a lot of complicated pros and cons. A big con for me is no quick change gearbox. Old lantern style tool post. And most of the stuff in the drawers is not what I would use. The chuck looks like it was hauled around in a pickup bed full of rocks. Not sure but it also looks like plain bearing headstock. So even though it’s not my cup’o tea, it might be yours. YMMV big time.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2020
- Messages
- 651
If that SB Heavy 10 Toolroom was near me I would already be headed home with it.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
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- 3,916
it is a plain bearing headstock
the length is a bit short
it doesn't look like it had a hard life, its well appointed with tooling and 2 chucks
personally i like roller bearing headstocks, but the plain bearing headstocks can make some very nice finishes
for your needs it may work
the length is a bit short
it doesn't look like it had a hard life, its well appointed with tooling and 2 chucks
personally i like roller bearing headstocks, but the plain bearing headstocks can make some very nice finishes
for your needs it may work
Didn't say it can't be done, but with only half nut feed and having to use a large radius cutter to get a decent finish on presumably alloy steel (heavy machinery pivot pins) I can see that atlas bouncing across the room from the chatter. Who wants to do all those light cuts to get it done? He has already outgrown the machine before buying it.
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2021
- Messages
- 15
Wow thank you. I may have to save up some more before I just jump in this. I’ll take the advice and wait for a better machineToo much money for a lathe without a quick change gearbox and power cross-feed. Regardless of your anticipated needs, the lathe you get will always be too small/limited before long. Don't start out that way. Keep looking
Here are some much better choices:
This first Heavy 10 is a very good deal for a very good machine.
Heavy 10 southbend tool room metal lathe - tools - by owner - sale
South bend heavy 10" metal lathe. This is the toolroom model with the quick change gearbox,large micrometer dial, and taper attachment . It also has power feed on both x and z axis. Comes mounted to...allentown.craigslist.org
South Bend 9"x 36" Precision Belt Driven Lathe With 3 & 4 Jaw Chucks...
South Bend 9"x 36" Precision Belt Driven Lathe With 3 & 4 Jaw Chucks and the tolling that you see in the pictures In good condition, Comes as you see them in the pictures. 208-220v, 3 PH, 1/2...cnj.craigslist.org
Logan 821 Single Phase Lathe - tools - by owner - sale
110V. Skid steer on site for loading. Also have original manual.allentown.craigslist.org
Atlas lathe - tools - by owner - sale
10” Atlas lathe on original cast iron legs. has forward and reverse with a quick change gear box. Comes with a spindle steady, threading dial, collet closer and sleave, and a few 3at collets. also...boston.craigslist.org
Craftsman Lathe - tools - by owner - sale
Selling a Craftsman lathe with all tooling and accessories. Asking $1600 Call or texthudsonvalley.craigslist.org
South Bend 9A Lathe - tools - by owner - sale
South bend 9A lathe. In perfectly working condition - Not a project. You can see from on of the images that one of the covers has cracked, does not affect operation in the slightest. I'll include...providence.craigslist.org
Logan 922 Lathe with Turret and Collet Assembly - tools - by owner -...
Single phase 120v. Bed in excellent condition. Was used as turret drill mainly. I can include some collets and chuck. Gear cover door was removed for collet closer and misplaced so is not included.hudsonvalley.craigslist.org
Atlas lathe - tools - by owner - sale
Atlas lathe with quick change gear box. X-Axis DRO Milling attachment Steady Rest Follower Rest 4 chucks Face plate 3c collets Collet Draw bar Extra 2hp variable speed dc motor + controller Full set...nwct.craigslist.org
southbend lathe - tools - by owner - sale
Great American classic heavy iron. Parted out worth more than asking price. Southbend 10" heavy duty lathe -undermount motor- new 3 phase motor with custom adapter to mount in original motor frame...newjersey.craigslist.org
South Bend 9A Lathe - tools - by owner - sale
South Bend 9A Lathe for sale. $1895 OBO. Good condition with normal wear. Quick change gear box. Includes 3 & 4 jaw chucks, black plate, steady rest, follow rest, LH, RH, S, threading tool,...baltimore.craigslist.org
Damn, you're just awash in good machinery back there!
I'll include this one just because it's a screamin' good deal for a lathe I'd kill to have.
Hardinge Precision Tool Room Lathe, Model HLV - tools - by owner -...
Hardinge Precision Tool Room Lathe, Model HLV To View under Power, follow the link below https://youtu.be/FDKNG0tzHzo SPECIFICATIONS: Spindle Capacity 5C Collets – Round ………………………..1-1/16″ Spindle...cnj.craigslist.org
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2018
- Messages
- 601
Here's a list I consider important on a lathe(I would have to have):
Quick change tool post
Steel gears
Variable speed
D or L type chuck mount(reversible)
Reverse speed motor
quick change gear box
Greater than 1 1/4" through hole in spindle
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2014
- Messages
- 4,173
I paid about $350 for mine. Need some parts replaced too. That was about five years ago at this stage. Also got three chucks with it. And mine had Timken bearings and they are in pretty good shape.
It really really depends on your market and the timing n order to find a steal.
For $1000, I would wait.
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It really really depends on your market and the timing n order to find a steal.
For $1000, I would wait.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk