I recently restored a Vintage Atlas Lathe Model #101-07361. It belonged to my father. It has no backgears, only direct cone drive. I would think thread cutting would not be possible without backgears since I can't get a slow enough spindle speed with out them. I am not a machinist by trade so I would like some advice. What types of projects can I do without backgears? Also, is it it possible to modify this model to have backgears?
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Vintage Atlas Lathe without backgears.
- Thread starter BBgepo
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If the machine were equipped with a variable speed motor it should be possible to get the spindle slow enough for thread cutting. (50-70 rpm)
The lack of backgears means less torque however, so cutting larger diameter threads in steel might be difficult or impossible without belt slippage
Depending on the footprint you might be able to install a more modern headstock- not sure if it would be cost effective though
-Mark
You can do many projects without having backgears, and you can use dies to cut external threads
I believe the early model Atlas machines were lighter duty and had thinner ways than the later versions so rather than try to upgrade
I would probably be looking at another machine if frequent thread cutting was required
The lack of backgears means less torque however, so cutting larger diameter threads in steel might be difficult or impossible without belt slippage
Depending on the footprint you might be able to install a more modern headstock- not sure if it would be cost effective though
-Mark
You can do many projects without having backgears, and you can use dies to cut external threads
I believe the early model Atlas machines were lighter duty and had thinner ways than the later versions so rather than try to upgrade
I would probably be looking at another machine if frequent thread cutting was required
Last edited:
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- Feb 2, 2013
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With some practice, you could thread away from the chuck with the lowest available spindle speed , provided that you have change gears to cut the intended threads
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
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If you post pictures, I may be able to advise on repairing the lathe. I restored an Atlas TH42 (1953) that lost the gears due to zamak crystallization. I replaced the crumbling parts with newer generation replacement parts
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- Oct 31, 2016
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These might work for you. Maybe you could adapt them to your lathe.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1656530410...QpubXSExuI2eYU+pFqJ3PvjTai|tkp:Bk9SR7So6arjYA
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1656530410...QpubXSExuI2eYU+pFqJ3PvjTai|tkp:Bk9SR7So6arjYA
Atlas craftsman 10 lathe countershaft motor mount assembly | eBay
As shown in pictures.
www.ebay.com
ATLAS CRAFTSMAN 12” COMMERCIAL LATHE UNDRNEATH DRIVE UPPER COUNTERSHAFT ASSEMBLY | eBay
IT IS IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION. Double your traffic. YOU WILL GET THE PART JUST LIKE YOU SEE IT IN THE PICTURE. ORIGINAL V-BELT INCLUDED.
www.ebay.com
