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Thread: Thinking about getting a Lathe

  1. #1

    Default Thinking about getting a Lathe

    I have wanted one for a long time. I found a craftsman (Atlas) for $350. 12x36 with some tooling in great condition. Normally, this post would be about my new tool purchase, but I am un-employed right now. I do have the money, just not sure I should reduce my "buffer" by $350. Anyone have any thoughts? This would be my "learn how to use a lathe" lathe.
    "We are here for the meeting!"

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Northern California
    Posts
    467

    Default

    As long as it's a metal lathe rather than a wood lathe, it can cut a wide variety of threads and the gearbox works, or if it's a gear-swap model it has the complete set of gears, that sounds like a pretty good price. Check for excessive slop in the ways that might be worse than what you can tighten up with the gibs, especially if it's tight in some spots but loose in others. Check the free play on the leadscrews and see if it's due to worn screws or just needing anti-backlash devices adjusted. Make sure the spindle runs true and the bearings feel good. Does it have the chucks you'll be needing? Lathe accessories, like all machine tool accessories, are expensive, so make sure it has most of the things you think you'll need.

    --Randy

  3. #3

    Default

    Randygar covered it all. I have an older Jet 10x24. I have made umpteen parts on it. I really like it but it is to small. For 350 you will find it to be a good deal I think. Buying used is good. You will get more for your money that way.
    After a few parts you will realize the value.

    Fishes custom pilot bushings and driver plus clutch alignment tool.
    The pilot bushings were gradually bigger inside by a half thou each.
    I usually mess stuff up way worse that that.















    Is it working?
    Liz, covid, murdered 10/19/21

  4. #4

    Default

    Yeah, I'm going out to see it in a little bit.
    "We are here for the meeting!"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Rhoadesville, Virginia (five miles from no place)
    Posts
    5,125

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    I have that same Atlas and I love it. Like Al said, a bit small, but still it works for most everything I need it for. It'll cut good threads, and for what it is, its a pretty decent, tight lathe. Parts are also still out there too. I'd grab it at that price.
    "Free advice is worth what you pay for it."™

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Alexandria KY
    Posts
    482

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    I bought a similar Craftsman 10 years ago and use it all the time....well worth the money. I gave 1200 for mine though....bought it from the original owner, it is a 1937 model. He still had the original manual, invoice, all of the gearsets and a custom-made table for it(1-inch thick steel top) and 2 whole toolboxes full of tooling, bits, taps and dies, drill bits, 3 different heads,etc....
    Turns out the old-timer was a retired Kenner engineer who designed and built prototypical toys.
    '67 M715 '42 GPW '45 MB

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Giddings, Texas
    Posts
    7,729

    Default

    The only thing not covered already is that you need room a good solid table with some kind of storage capability. I put my 9" in a corner of my shop and find myself wanting more room al the time. Especially if I want to do something to a long rod or pipe.

    What kind of power does it need and do you have it?
    Remember if you didn't build it you can't call it yours.

    6.2 powered M715, 5 M1009's, M416, 2 M101's, 2 M105's, 3 M35's, M1007 6.5 turbo Suburban project called Cowdog.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCz...HGkBCfhXZ5iuaw

  8. #8

    Default

    It needs 110, and I have it. Dang this thing weighs like 500lbs. For as small as it is, its heavy!

    "We are here for the meeting!"

  9. #9

    Default

    So now I need to make a table to mount it on. What height do you have "your's" at? I ask because I made my work bench about 6" taller than most and alot of people don't like it. I on the other hand love it. Wondering how much I will need to access the opposite side of where the controls are at.
    "We are here for the meeting!"

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Giddings, Texas
    Posts
    7,729

    Default

    My grandfather built mine to go with the lathe that was his until he died a few years ago. Table top is 32" and the ways are 42". That works fine for me and we are about the same size. However, I don't spend hours at a time at it either.
    Remember if you didn't build it you can't call it yours.

    6.2 powered M715, 5 M1009's, M416, 2 M101's, 2 M105's, 3 M35's, M1007 6.5 turbo Suburban project called Cowdog.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCz...HGkBCfhXZ5iuaw

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