Craftsman Lathe (Need Help Please)

Is it similar to this? http://cgi.ebay.com/12-Atlas-Craftsman-metal-lathe-model-101-27430-/320575993642?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0#ht_500wt_1154

Wow,

We had one on our molding shop when I worked at Motorola in the '70s. It was an antique then, and was later given to the "Motorola Museum".

Ours was built into a cabinet with catch pan built in.

I think the OP's offer is fair.

Sounds about right, to have that unit above properly crated and shipped would be at least several hundred. Accessories were probably bought separately. Plus, he knows that this one was taken care of, you never know what your getting on Ebay. I also bet they don't make em' like that anymore!

Looks like there a lot of places online for parts, etc. too.

The 430 pictured is 24 inches between centers the 440 is 36 inches between centers.

The guest may need this http://bridgeport.askmisterscience.com/atlas.htm

So the 440 is a bigger machine. The OP stated that it does work. Who knows what all of the attachments are worth? I think $1500-$2000 sounds reasonable.

If I didn't need it, I'd take that. There might be a buyer out there that would pay more, but then again, it could sit out in the garage for 10 years before another buyer comes along. It doesn't seem like he would be overpaying in that price range.

It's difficult to come up with an exact number, because everything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

I would offer her $1500. That way if something needs to be fixed or replaced, he's got some money left to take care of it.

Depends on condition. It would be useful to have someone with some experience look at it and determine the actual condition.

There are local machine brokers that might be of use to give you a figure of the value of it for a nominal charge.

The ways are the most important and costly thing to consider. Most other bearings and lead screws can be sourced if you do some digging.

Lastly, you may find better advice on some of the various machining forums. Try the Home Shop Machinist forum first. Join and post your question on the General Forum. There are some outstanding and knowledgeable people there that can give you the answers you need.

These lathes can be fun projects. The associated tooling is probably half the value of the whole package. These old machines can be made to run for generations, so 50 years is no big deal. Good luck!!!

The following might provide useful "Google words" or "EBAY words" since they seem to be related to your lathe. Also, if the "Clausing Service Center" maintains a parts service center but does not have a good internet site (as stated below) then they may be "old timers" that like to talk to people and know about what used equipment is selling for.

FROM http://bridgeport.askmisterscience.com/atlas.htm

12" LATHE

made by Atlas, sold by Sears as Craftsman 101.07403, 101.27430, and 101.27440

Parts List and Quick-Change Gear Operating Instructions for Craftsman 12-inch Metal Turning Lathe
Model Number 101.27430 (24" Between Centers)
Model Number 101.27440 (36" Between Centers) <-- <-- <-- THIS IS YOUR NUMBER

The Atlas Press Company bought the Clausing Manufacturing Company in 1950. About 1969, Atlas renamed itself Clausing Industrial. The Clausing Service Center was set up in Goshen, Indiana, in 1974. Although the last of the Atlas lathes was discontinued circa 1981, parts are still handled by the Clausing Service Center, although their Web presence is not as strong as it might be. However, Clausing does maintain an Atlas Old Products page, with old specifications, manufacturing data, and service bulletins. It is presently Under Construction but should eventually be quite useful.

If she auctions it on e-Bay, she might get anywhere from considerably less to considerably more than $1500-2000. But you can join the auction and make sure the bids reach a respectable level.

If you can assess its condition and list the included accessories, any machinists on the forum will be better able to offer advice.

Thank you very, very much everyone. The information was very helpful.

In the lathe tool box, there is likely to be a precision machinist level. With it, you can check the ways for level, lengthwise and cross wise. The Atlas manual will describe the process. Small amounts of twist can be shimmed out, but wear near the headstock is a bigger job to fix.

Make a test cylinder about 24 inches long, between centers. Start with a piece of 2" aluminum bar stock and machine it until is is round every where. Measure it everywhere. Its shape will reflect the shape of the ways. If it is tapered, waisted or fat in the middle, then the ways need work. Depending upon how far out of whack they are, you might decide to pass on the deal, or just live with the problem (which may be of no consequence for work near the chuck).

If the lathe is in very good condition, $1500 is a good price. If the ways are pretty poor, $300 would be a good price.