Photo Index - Sears | Craftsman - 101.07301 Craftsman/Atlas 618

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Sears | Craftsman
Chicago, IL

True Manufacturer:
Atlas Press Co., Kalamazoo, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Metal
Machine Size:	6 x 18
Submitted By:	Nic HUme

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	101.07301 Craftsman/Atlas 618
Date of Manufacturer:
Serial Number:	12996
Last Updated	2/8/2022 7:38:35 AM

Comments:

I am, I believe, the third owner of this machine. It is in generally excellent, and largely original condition. The only significant modification has been the alteration by a previous owner of the compound to accept a modern AXA-style quick-change tool post. One of the hinge-flanges on the original gear cover on the head-stock broke, and was brazed back together prior to my ownership. The flange broke again for me, and I purchased a replacement gear cover on ebay. The paint on the machine appears to be original, and in good condition. When I purchased the replacement gear cover, the paint on the replacement was a perfect match for this machine, making me think both were painted at the same factory/with the same paint.

I am aware the motor is currently installed incorrectly in the photos. This is how the machine came to me, and is on my "to fix" list.

The lathe runs well, and is still capable of machining parts to 0.001" accuracy without much difficulty.

The exact age of this lathe is unknown. It has the number "12996" stamped into the front (closest to the operator) way, at the tail-stock end and I presume this to be the serial number. There is no attached serial number plate. The machine has bronze bushings (not babbitt bushings and not Timkins bearings.) The spindle has 1" x 8TPI threading at the headstock. The model number plate on the back of the machine specifies Sears, Roebuck & Co. model "101.07301" The motor appears to be original, un-modified, and to have the original wiring still intact. The motor does not appear to have a serial number, but is listed as follows:

Mod: 5KH45AB579B
HP: 1/4
PH: 1
Type: KH
RPM: 1725
Volts: 115
Amp: 4.8
CY: 60
GEJ: 435
Temp Rise: 40*C
Time Rating: CONT | PBD

I purchased this lathe from a gentleman in North Saanich (near Victoria, BC) in 2019 or 2020. He told me that he was the second owner of this lathe and that he had owned this machine for several decades, and had primarily used it to make parts for restoration of vintage British motorcycles.

He had purchased the lathe from someone he described as "A watchmaker" in or around the Seattle region. The "watchmaker" was apparently the first owner of the lathe. The exact date he purchased the machine is unknown.

I still have the original gear cover, broken flange, and "candlestick" tool post. The three-jaw chuck that came with the lathe might be original, and is in good condition. The four-jaw is badly worn, and non-serviceable. The machine also came with an original faceplate and lathe dog.

Photo 1:

Comments: Atlas Model 618 / Sears 101.07301 Lathe (Full machine)
Source: by owner Nic Hume

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Photo 2:

Comments: Model number plate from the back of the machine
Source: by owner Nic Hume

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Photo 3:

Comments: Serial number from the front way, near the tailstock.
Source: by owner Nic Hume

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Photo 4:

Comments: Spec plate for the motor, which I believe to be original with this machine.
Source: by owner Nic Hume

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