Stand for 12x24 Atlas 101

[JPMacG]

I see that Harbor Freight has a 44 inch roller cabinet that would be about the right size for my Atlas / Craftsman 12 x 24 lathe. I would remove the wheels and replace them with blocks.

<http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-Drawer-Glossy-Red-Industrial-Roller-Cabinet-68784.html>

Does this make any sense? Would a cabinet be too light and flimsy to make a decent lathe stand?

 

[JimDawson]

It should work ok. I'm pretty sure it will take the weight load. Maybe put a couple of angle tabs on the back to bolt it to the wall so there is no danger of tipping over. If it seems a little twisty, you can always plate the sides and back with some plywood, that will really stiffen it up.

 

[JPMacG]

Thanks JimDawson. That is good advice.

 

[wa5cab]

JPMacG,

The top is apt to be pretty flimsy, especially from Harbor Freight. Build up the top with about 2" of hardwood properly planed. And before you bolt the lathe on, scout around for something to serve as a drip pan. Put a drain plug in it, too, before you need it. The designers of the Atlas lathes expected that they would be mounted onto a firm foundation. If you don't, they aren't going to perform very well.

And as you bolt the whole thing together, follow the leveling instructions that you will find in several of the later manuals in Files (doesn't have to be the manual on your machine, if that manual only has parts). Lack of proper leveling is the other common cause of poor performance.

Robert D.