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help with identification?

Joined
May 4, 2008
Location
Fort Worth TX
Hi folks, I'm new here and very much at a loss. I picked up this old lathe and can't find any markings that identify it. The little nameplate that was on the gearbox cover has been lost apparently. Here are a few pictures.
lathe01.jpg

lathe04.jpg

lathe05.jpg

lathe09.jpg


Thanks in advance.

B.
 
It's certainly Atlas-based. Overall looks like an early 10" but the feed gearing is different. Maybe a machine made for a third party.
 
It is a very good match for the 1935-36 Craftsman 12" lathe. About the same as the Atlas 10", but with the tool post T-slot part of the compound raised 1" and the headstock and tailstock similarly 1" higher. Note the distinctive handwheels for the cross feed and compound feed. The butcher's lathe has had the knurled(?) compound wheel customized with an additional crank handle fastened over it.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/craftsman/page2.html See the third picture from the top.

Larry
 
Last edited:
Thank you all very much!

I believe you are correct! I was looking for the little reversing lever over there by the somewhat home made looking switch box. I am assuming of course that the lever in question is indeed for reversing the direction. It won't move...LOL. I suppose the 50 dollars I spent on it was worth it? It came with a brand new self centering three jaw chuck, what appears to be the "standard" chuck, and the one that is on it in the picture as well as many change gears, lots of cutters, and a handful of goodie bits and pieces.
Thank you all for your generous help!

S.B.

It is a very good match for the 1935-35 Craftsman 12" lathe. About the same as the Atlas 10", but with the tool post T-slot part of the compound raised 1" and the headstock and tailstock similarly 1" higher. Note the distinctive handwheels for the cross feed and compound feed. The butcher's lathe has had the knurled(?) compound wheel customized with an additional crank handle fastened over it.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/craftsman/page2.html See the third picture from the top.

Larry
 
One more question?

Does anyone here know where I might find parts and pieces for this thing? Obviously the gear cover is in need of replacement, and one of the change gears is shattered. I really need a manual to see if there are pieces I'm missing, but that may be asking a bit much for a lathe that's 73 years old.

Butcher.
 
The gear cover looks like an easy straightening job, and you won't find a new one for sale anywhere anyway.

If Atlas did not change the size of their change gears after 1936, then there are usually a few on eBay or you can buy a new one from Clausing. They sell manuals for the late model lathes, but much will still be valid. You might see a reprint of an older edition on eBay. Clausing will ask for a model number, which may not be on your lathe any more. There is plenty of information on the web, so you should be looking there. Here are two key places:

http://www.clausingsc.com/sc-home.htm
http://www.bellsouthpwp.com/t/h/thib9564/Atlas_Lathe_FAQ.htm

Larry
 
Yes, I suppose I could straighten what is there of the gear cover, but the actual door of the cover is gone. It appears to have been made of sheet metal from the pictures I've seen, Ebay has a lot of cast covers for slightly newer models of this lathe, but nothing resembling the sheet metal. I'll check out these links and see what I can find. Thank you again!

Butch.
The gear cover looks like an easy straightening job, and you won't find a new one for sale anywhere anyway.

If Atlas did not change the size of their change gears after 1936, then there are usually a few on eBay or you can buy a new one from Clausing. They sell manuals for the late model lathes, but much will still be valid. You might see a reprint of an older edition on eBay. Clausing will ask for a model number, which may not be on your lathe any more. There is plenty of information on the web, so you should be looking there. Here are two key places:

http://www.clausingsc.com/sc-home.htm
http://www.bellsouthpwp.com/t/h/thib9564/Atlas_Lathe_FAQ.htm

Larry
 
Does anyone here know where I might find parts and pieces for this thing? Obviously the gear cover is in need of replacement, and one of the change gears is shattered. I really need a manual to see if there are pieces I'm missing, but that may be asking a bit much for a lathe that's 73 years old.

Butcher.
http://www.lathes.co.uk/manuals/ has a manual listed, search for MC500G

"MC500G CRAFTSMAN 12-inch LATHES - a clone of the Atlas 10-inch - click here for pictures Various Models including: 101.20280, 101.20300, 101.20320, 101.20650, 101.20670, 101.20690, 101,20710, 101.20730, 101.20750, 101.20770, 101.20790, 101.07360, 101.07361, 101.07362, 101.07363, 101.07380, 101.07381, 101.07382, 101.07383, 101.07400, 101.07401, 101.07402, 101.07403, etc.
A complete package of information that covers all models from the original 1930s lathe (a clone of the Atlas 10-inch) to last version in 1958. It includes:
1) a very comprehensive Manual with over 240 pages that contains detailed Operating & Maintenance Manual and extensive thread cutting charts - it's probably the best lathe instruction book ever produced by a lathe manufacturer.
2) extra instructional sheets, but never included in the main Manual: taper turning attachment; fitting new leadscrew nuts, steady rests, adjustable bed stop.
3) a complete, Illustrated Parts Manual with exploded diagrams.
4) a set of reproductions of the original advertising material (some very rare) that give a complete technical specification for the lathe, shows changes over the years and illustrated lists of all the accessories.
£30 on CD
£45 Printed
US$54 on CD
US$80 printed "
 








 
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