Newbie can't find the model number on Atlas Craftsman machine

[Darla]

I've searched this forum and still can't be sure how to find the model number of my machine. Someone mentioned taking it apart and looking inside in the spindle area but I'm not that experienced. The numbers I can see on parts all begin with M6. The two covers for gear areas are M6-22 and M6-28, for instance.
If I know the model number then I can get a manual, and I can ask more informed questions in this forum.

 

[vapremac]

Darla,

The model number/ID plate "should" be on the tail stock end of the bed , a metal plate
roughly 1" x 3" pinned in place on the side of the leg.

William

 

[francist]

Ditto on William, tailstock end of bed. If you see two little tiny holes about 3/8" in from each edge they are for the drive screws and that was where your plate used to be.

-frank

 

[VSAncona]

That's a model 618, more than likely. How long is the bed?

 

[Darla]

Hello,
thanks for the pointer to the tailstock end of the bed. The small holes are indeed there, where the ID plate used to be.
The bed is 31.5", end to end.
- Darla

 

[MotoJ]

Hi Darla,

Looks like an Atlas MK 1, 6x18 lathe. Check out this site for lots of good info:

http://www.lathes.co.uk/atlas6inch/

I have the same lathe badged as a craftsman, model 101.07301. The headstock casting is a little different but essentially the same machine otherwise.
PM me and I'll send you a manual.

JD

 

[wa5cab]

Darla,

It's an Atlas 618. It has Timken tapered roller bearings on the spindle. MotoJ's similar machine has bronze bushings. Otherwise, the rest of his is the same. The equivalent Craftsman badged machine is 101.21400. Atlas never actually referred to it as the Mk 1 but they came out with a Mk 2 around 1974 and by default, some started referring to the earlier machine as the Mk 1. It was made from 1937 to about 1973 with very few changes.

There are several files on it in Downloads. When you get a few more posts in, you'll have access. But if you need the basic manual, send me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you direct.

Robert D.