Photo Index - Atlas Press Co. - Metal Lathe, Model 10F TH54

Machinery Photo Index

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

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Metal
Machine Size:	10" x 36"
Submitted By:	Gilbert Justiss

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Metal Lathe, Model 10F TH54
Date of Manufacturer:	1944
Serial Number:	052392 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	5/13/2026 12:03:51 PM

Comments:

I purchased the lathe 11/12/2022 from a farmer just south of Moscow Idaho. His family had acquired it many decades ago from a small local general repair shop. The lathe came with an original brochure from the early 1940's with the retailer stamp of "Willet Brothers, Lewiston, Idaho. An internet search revealed that Willet Brothers were a welding and general repair shop in Lewiston that was incorporated in March of 1931 and dissolved in March of 2005. The lathe was extremely dirty and grimy with decades of dried on grease, dirt and lubricants. I doubt that it had ever been torn down and cleaned since new. I did not even attempt to run the lathe before purchasing it and completely disassembling the unit. Upon tear down there was found to be barely detectable wear in the bed and no significant dings. The unit still had all of its original pieces including the Atlas 1/2 hp motor, factory legs, wood planks and work light. The Timken headstock bearings had the date 2/7/44 etched in them. The paint is original and cleaned up very well with much solvent and a final light wipe of carb cleaner. Beyond the belts the only parts I replaced were the bushing and thrust washers on the shaft for the feed screw drive gear and the brass nut for the cross feed. The lathe came equipped as shown in the photo's less the 4jaw chuck which I have since acquired. In addition to the basics it came with the Armature Turning chuck set and internal cutting rods and cutting bit holders. This is my first lathe and I figure it will be a good one to learn on.

Photo 1:

Comments: Final assembly completed
Source: self

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Photo 2:

Comments: Date of Assembly
Source: self

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Photo 3:

Comments: Model and Ser #
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Photo 4:

Comments: Headstock & Gears
Source: Self

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Photo 5:

Comments: Horizontal Style Drive
Source: Self

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Photo 6:

Comments: Bed and Ways
Source: Self

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