Thinking of buying an Atlas TH42 for about $1k.

[jemin]

Hi,
I am new to machining. I do not have any kind of engineering degree but after looking at a lot of youtube videos, I have decided to buy a lathe. Searching craigslist, I came across an Atlas Th42 for $1k. Additional costs are gas, renting a pick ($119) and driving 2.5 hours. The lathe itself looks to be in great shape. The owner is including a 4 jaw chuck, 13 collects, 3 jaw chuck,gears and a quick change tool post. Can some one please tell me if this is a good buy and weather this is a good lathe for a beginner. Any other advice and information is appreciated.


Thanks.
-J

 

[bill stupak]

Not a bad lathe to start with, If everything is working and it is in generally good condition it would be a little high, but still decent buy. The collets and QC toolpost are a nice bonus These lathes don't come up often in this area, I live just outside of Pottstown and found my 12" Craftsman up in Bensalem. See if you can locate a copy of the Craftsman Manual of Lathe Operations and this forum does have a Craftsman/Atlas section.

 

[twhite]

Do yourself a favor and watch these videos. I am linking only the first one to get you started. They are fine lathes for beginners.

Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[jemin]

Not a bad lathe to start with, If everything is working and it is in generally good condition it would be a little high, but still decent buy. The collets and QC toolpost are a nice bonus These lathes don't come up often in this area, I live just outside of Pottstown and found my 12" Craftsman up in Bensalem. See if you can locate a copy of the Craftsman Manual of Lathe Operations and this forum does have a Craftsman/Atlas section.

Hey Bill. Thank you. I am actually very close to Bensalem. Forgot to mention, he is also including the Manaual of Lathe operations with the lathe.

 

[jemin]

Do yourself a favor and watch these videos. I am linking only the first one to get you started. They are fine lathes for beginners.

Cutting oil is my blood.

Thanks twhite. As a matter of fact, I have watched a lot of Mr. Peet's videos but not the one you linked. I love the "cutting oil is my blood".

 

[twhite]

Well over 40 years using it 6 days a week. It was done over time.


Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[Packard V8]

I moved an Atlas TH42 by myself, unless it's on a cabinet and you wanted to keep it together; then you'll need help. They come apart easily and can be moved by one strong person in a van or SUV with fold-down seats.

They're a light-duty gateway drug, but one can always be resold if a better machine comes along.

jack vines

 

[great white]

Good price for one around these parts, more so considering the attachments coming with it. They clean up nicely too, should you want to put any work into it:



That's my TH42 after a full tear down and "resto". Paint is not an OEM color.

Good to start on, fine to keep if you only intend it as a hobby. You can make lots of quality bits on an old Atlas, as long as you stay within it's limits and the wear isn't too bad.

You'll be looking for a bench mill soon after too......

Keep in mind whats a "good price" very much depends on your location. That might be a 500-600 dollar lathe elsewhere, could be up to 1500-2000 in others.....

 

[Ultradog MN]

Though I am not familiar with that particular machine the price seems okay for the lathe and extras you describe - depending of course on wear and condition.
However, and no offense to Great White's little beauty but if it is like the one in his photo I would suggest you hold out for a lathe with quick change gear box - even if it costs a bit more.

 

[great white]

Though I am not familiar with that particular machine the price seems okay for the lathe and extras you describe - depending of course on wear and condition.
However, and no offense to Great White's little beauty but if it is like the one in his photo I would suggest you hold out for a lathe with quick change gear box - even if it costs a bit more.

OP stated he’s looking at a TH42.

TH42 is a manual gear model. It would be a QC42 if it had a quick change gearbox Well, it might still have a TH42 tag if a QC gearbox was added after initial sale, which was an option at the time.

I used to think I wanted to add a QC gearbox, but I found the manual gears tends to give me more options. I’m sure you could get the same options with a QC box, but I’m guessing you’d be back to swapping gears somewhere in the train to get those options (like metric threading, etc).

Being able to 3d print extra gears is also a big plus for me. Adding a plastic gear in a couple different places takes most of the “ring” noise out of the geartrain. Makes it much more pleasant to be around the lathe when its running. I can also create and print custom gear sizes if needed. again, you probably could do the same thing with a QC gearbox, but you’re likely back to swapping gears at that point, like you would on a manual train anyways.

I’m not doing anything commercial or production, so I don’t mind the extra time to swap out gears.

Not everyone feels that way so shop for the lathe that fits your wants as required….