Advice on Lathe problem

[daywalker03]

Ok guys, I've got a stumper. I have access to an Atlas Lathe; the problem is, it currently has about .010 runnout on the spindle. What I was wondering is this; would it be worth the effort to machine a new spindle for it? A previous owner apparently used it to "straighten" crankshafts which messed up the threads for the chucks. It's usable for some things if a 4 jaw chuck is used, but otherwise it wobbles too much. If it's not too much work to fix, I'm going to try to talk the current owner out of selling it so I can find a way to use it (he's too lazy to make the effort to fix it).

[300sniper]

do you happen to have the model number or at least the size of the lathe? if it is one of the ones that are the same as the craftsman, there are many parts for them on ebay. some parts are still available new from atlas or craftsman but are VERY expensive.

[MC]

Junk

[daywalker03]

Main name plate on the outside just has the following information:

Atlas
Atlas Press Co.
Kalamazoo MI.

Stamped into (inside the cover) the threading drive cover is the following: 10F-28
The tag next to that has #10-99 on it.

Is any of that information helpful?

MC, it may well be junk, but I'd rather keep it than have someone else have the misfortune of dealing with its flaws.

[solarpower]

.010 runout is pretty bad.

the effort and cost to replace might be worth effort if he is going to give it to you...but that also depends on that lathe.

If the spindle has gotten to the point that has .010 runout I can't believe that the machine itself would be in good enough condition to make an effort to get it working properly.

The crankshafts were held in somehow at the other end so I'd guess the ways are probably out .030-.040 at the tailstock end.

[James_Fendley]

If it is a taper mount spindle the taper can be recut with the compound. But it ...........MUST........ be the correct taper. If it is not the chuck will come loose. We recut some LeBlonds and had to get the master from leblond to get it right. If you can indicate the taper within 2 microns with a Millitron should get you close. I would not try it without one. Edit we were only cutting to get out 25 microns. 254 microns is a LOT!

James

[Jeepdude_Jay]

Are you sure it's the SPINDLE? Is it bent or what?:confused: Maybe it's just the chuck that's bad. If that's the case then the jaws can be rebored fairly easy.

[Blue MT. SnowRunner]

Bearings still good?

[bhjones]

Is this a 10" Atlas? Is it a Timken bearing headstock or babbit bearings? Is it a quick change gearbox machine?

Making a spindle would be a waste of time and money. Clausing may have them new, but expect to pay for it. There are a ton of these machines being parted out and listed on ebay. Finding a headstock or a bare spindle is not too tough (note: the Timken spindle is different from the babbit spindle.). I have a 10" Atlas and ran across a NOS spindle that I picked up for $100.00. The spindles in the early 12" Craftsman lathes are the same as the 10" Atlas. I'm not sure about the later model 12" Atlas/Craftsman.

If the bed is worn out, I'd say it's a parts machine (the ways on the 10" are .375" thick. Use a mic that reads to tenths to measure). If you just want to get some work done and your looking for a machine to do it on, I'd pass.

How much does he want for it?

[daywalker03]

Is this a 10" Atlas? Is it a Timken bearing headstock or babbit bearings? Is it a quick change gearbox machine?

I'm going to say it's a 10". I'm not sure on the bearings. I'm pretty sure it is a quick-change (it has a cover that lifts up over the drive belts).

Making a spindle would be a waste of time and money. Clausing may have them new, but expect to pay for it. There are a ton of these machines being parted out and listed on ebay. Finding a headstock or a bare spindle is not too tough (note: the Timken spindle is different from the babbit spindle.). I have a 10" Atlas and ran across a NOS spindle that I picked up for $100.00. The spindles in the early 12" Craftsman lathes are the same as the 10" Atlas. I'm not sure about the later model 12" Atlas/Craftsman.

I hadn't started looking for parts, mainly because I felt it was his responisbility to do so if he wanted to use it; since he want rid of it, I might do that.

If the bed is worn out, I'd say it's a parts machine (the ways on the 10" are .375" thick. Use a mic that reads to tenths to measure). If you just want to get some work done and your looking for a machine to do it on, I'd pass.

As far as I know, other than the spindle problem, the machine is in good shape, with pretty much all I'd need to get started using it.