Lathe Question

[jleiwig]

Would you rather have a Craftsman/Atlas 6" swing metal lathe with stand and lots of extra bits and such in good condition for it's age for a real good sub-$100 price or an almost new Enco 9"x20" metal lathe for $650 including the optional stand and some extras? This is my current debate.

A friend has the Craftsman/Atlas, and a guy on Craigslist has the 9x20. I could probably get the 9x20 down to $600, but probably not less.

Just checking Enco, and the lathe and stand package retails for 1254.95 plus freight, so I'd be getting it for half off. I think the guy took good care of it, but I haven't inspected it in person yet.

I have checked out the Craftsman one last night, and it's nice, but limited in what it can do. I do know there is a collector's market for these little lathes however.

Either one is a great deal, and I'm stuck on which to buy.

What Say You?

 

[NewLondon88]

The Atlas can be found every day on CraigsList. An Enco at < half price can't.

 

[Rifleman1776]

If you can swing it, buy both.

 

[jleiwig]

The Atlas can be found every day on CraigsList. An Enco at < half price can't.

Not at a sub $100 price in excellent condition they can't. Trust me..I've been watching for months. The closest was a Logan 8" that had so much muck on it you couldn't tell it was once grey in color.

 

[randyrls]

Justin; The "extra bits" will run you as much or more than the lathe!

Is the Atlas "old iron"? ie USA made? If so it might be a good choice.

I have a 9x20 and it works well. It benefits from some modifications to correct shortcuts made on sub $10,000.00 lathes.

My uncle has an "old iron" Clausing. Chuck on that monster is about 12" across and weights about 70 lbs! The hand wheels are smooth as glass!

 

[jleiwig]

Justin; The "extra bits" will run you as much or more than the lathe!

Is the Atlas "old iron"? ie USA made? If so it might be a good choice.

I have a 9x20 and it works well. It benefits from some modifications to correct shortcuts made on sub $10,000.00 lathes.

My uncle has an "old iron" Clausing. Chuck on that monster is about 12" across and weights about 70 lbs! The hand wheels are smooth as glass!

Yes the Atlas is american made. I can't pinpoint the exact year, but late 40s. I also believe it has bronze bushings instead of tapered roller bearings.

I may not even have the $650 for the lathe right now anyway, so it may be a moot point. Depends on whether my wife's backpay comes through on her check like her boss keeps telling her it will.

 

[jleiwig]

I got some pictures of the 9x20 from the guy. Looks pretty clean, and not that old which is a plus.

 

[hilltopper46]

The Enco does not have reversing lead screw (can't make LH threads) which is a bigger deal than you realize. (maybe the Atlas doesn't either. but you can ask). The Enco also has not been upgraded to QCTP and the stock TP is clumsy to use. I have this same lathe in HF colors. What extras come with the Enco?

For < $100, I'd go with the Atlas.

 

[jleiwig]

The Enco does not have reversing lead screw (can't make LH threads) which is a bigger deal than you realize. (maybe the Atlas doesn't either. but you can ask). The Enco also has not been upgraded to QCTP and the stock TP is clumsy to use. I have this same lathe in HF colors. What extras come with the Enco?

For < $100, I'd go with the Atlas.

He has the QCTP for sale seperately for an additonal $150 bucks. I can't swing that right now, so it would have to wait. A tumbler reverse could easily be added for LH threads.

I have no idea if the Atlas does LH threads, but I doubt it.

 

[jleiwig]

Well I picked up the Atlas/Craftsman lathe on Saturday. I got it from Dick, who goes by WhiteHare here on the forums. A good deal! Free delivery and a cup of Chai tea too! Just wanted to publically thank Dick for all his help. :biggrin:

Now it's time to tear it down and clean it up real good! It will take forever with the holidays and all, but it's one of the more enjoyable things about old machines I like!

Here is a small picture taken with my cell phone.

 

[rjwolfe3]

Jealous! Grats on the great find.