Photo Index - Atlas Press Co. - Model 912 Bandsaw

Machinery Photo Index

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

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	12 inch
Submitted By:	Jeff McVey

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 912 Bandsaw
Date of Manufacturer:	Early 1950's
Serial Number:
Last Updated	10/2/2003 10:11:21 PM

Comments:

In addition to my "day job", I work part-time as "Mr. Fix-it" at the local woodworking supply store. Whenever anybody calls with a question about an old machine, it's referred to me. Earlier today, I received a call from a lady who said she had an Atlas bandsaw that had been her late father's. She asked if I knew of anyone who might be interested in it. I told her I did, and she informed me that it was free for the taking. I asked when would be a good time to pick it up. She said "now". I was out the door in about 30 seconds, grabbing an old Atlas catalog on the way.

It was about a 30-minute drive across town in rush-hour traffic to her place. I arrived to discover a very nice, clean Atlas 12" machine. According to the catalog, it'll cut 6.25" thick - about the same as a 14" Delta. In fact - other than the smaller wheels, it's fairly similar to the Delta. This one also takes 1/2" square guides, with the lower, R/H one being angled. This one still had the original "oilite bronze" guides, and they were practically untouched. Also like the Delta, the main casting is in two pieces, so a riser block could be employed. All four guides have micrometer screw adjustment, with upper and lower ball-bearing thrust guides on the rear of the blade.

The machine still has all its original parts, with the only modification being a rather jagged hole in the lower, R/H corner of the bottom wheel cover. This must have been added to allow insertion of a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which helps to explain why it's so clean. I'll get a dust collection flange for a shop vac and attach it over the hole.

The tires are cracked, but still pliable. I'll get some new tires ordered tomorrow. One of the upper guides' adjustment was pretty stiff, so I disassembled it and cleaned up the threads with a tap. It's fine now. I just need to mount the saw on something and add a motor. In addition to the saw, she also gave me two nice-looking motors. They were just open, split-phase units, a 1/3HP and a 1/2HP. I doubt if I'll use either of them. I'll have to see what I have in the pile 'o' motors. Maybe I'll go with a gear motor, and use this machine to cut (gasp) steel, as I've already got several of the wood-cutting variety. At any rate, for a freebie, it's not too shabby!

Photo 1:

Comments: Front
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: Rear
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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