Photo Index - Atlas Press Co. - Atlas 618

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Atlas Press Co.
Kalamazoo, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Metal
Machine Size:	6" swing, 30" bed
Submitted By:	John Hough

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Atlas 618
Date of Manufacturer:	c.1959
Serial Number:	021768
Last Updated	8/23/2019 11:27:28 PM

Comments:

This Atlas 618 with cast iron stand made its first appearance on CL back in February 2011 for $375. The add was only up for a day and I was very disappointed that I’d missed it. Then, about two weeks later it showed up again – this time with a missive about not asking stupid questions and serious inquiries only. I figured it was providence and I was meant to have it. It was an hour away, tucked back in a garage down a narrow alley. The seller had received it from a widow in lieu of payment for some work he’d done and didn’t know a lot about it. He had access to the internet so he knew how much complete ones went for – the origin of the stupid question restriction. The bed ways were in good shape, no noticeable play in the headstock bearings or cross slide/compound. The gears and feed screw showed very little wear. But, it was missing the counter shaft, motor, change gears and a few nuts and bolts. After looking it over and pointing out the missing bits and pieces I offered him $250. We settled on $275. The search for and acquisition of the parts is a story in itself and not one for the budget conscious but I couldn’t have bought and equivalent new machine for what I have into this one($1275)and I have most of the accessories - thats where the grand went! Anyway, here she is after a thorough cleaning, new countershaft and mount, motor, motor mount, controls and tailstock clamp. The Kennedy was a $20 flea market find. I found an Atlas motor (from a shaper I think)replaced the motor bearings, cleaned and painted the motor, made the countershaft mount bracket and stiffeners, disassembled and thoroughly cleaned the lathe, and refinished the bottom shelf. After leveling it I put it to work. the countershaft mount is made of maple and is filling in until i can find an original. P.S. found one but it was a six year wait. If anyone wants the ho-made one (2nd and 3d pic) with motor plate let me know.

Photo 1:

Comments: Atlas 618 and Stand. The Kennedy tool box was a $23 flea market find. The box to the left holds the milling attachment.
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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Photo 2:

Comments: Left side view of motor, mount, and countershaft bracket/adapter. The countershaft adapter is homemade of maple. Found an original bracket 7 years later! I think this is more interesting?
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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Photo 3:

Comments: Right side view
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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Photo 4:

Comments: This new Dayton reversing switch was wired by a local electrician.
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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Photo 5:

Comments: Motor as received.
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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Photo 6:

Comments: This the "after" photo of the motor. I replaced he bearings, cleaned 50 years of metal chips and debris from the case, re-sprayed windings insulation and painted the case. It's a quite, smooth running motor.
Source: John Hough: Nikon Coolpix 51c

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