Category: Machine ID’d

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Machine ID’d: Atlas 12×36 Bench Top Metal Lathe Model 3983

Received these images of a Atlas 12×36 bench top metal lathe. This is Atlas metal lathe is a model 3983. These were produced in the 60’s. Atlas also made this lathe with a quick change gear box. If you bought this lathe without the quick change gear box, Atlas sold it separately with instructions on how to install it here: ATLAS/CRAFTSMAN 12″ Newer Quick Change Gear Box Installation, Instructions & Parts Manual

The reader said that he had our parts and instructions manual for this lathe, which we have here:
This manual does cover the basics. It explains lubrication, and labels the different controls of the lathe. The reader said that he wanted more information about the operation of the lathe. He’s not the only person that has asked us about this, and that is why we carry the Manual of Lathe Operations and Machinist Tables books, which is full of almost everything you would want to know to get started, plus it contains on the gear and machinist tables for threading.
The problem with these books is that Atlas and Craftsman sold thousands of these over many decades. They made changes to the books as they made changes to the lathes, but they never stated on the cover or in the book which manual covers which vintage and size of lathe. We’ve collected over 20 of these books and have done the research for you, and we have that covers this lathe is the one here:
This book covers the newer style 12″ lathes that Atlas produced, and it specifically covers the one that had a pull-knob to engage the power cross feed. Atlas also made it with a lever mechanism to engage the power cross feed, which we have here. Both books cover the lathe with and without a gearbox.
NO Knob or Lever
Knob
Lever
Do you have one of these lathes, or
do you have anything else you would like to add about it’s history or use?
Please add your comments below.

Submit Your Machine
Do you want to know more about your machine?

Email us your details with pictures, and we’ll put together the best information we can find. Plus, we can get other readers’ input to help you learn more.

Also, feel free to email us if you want us to share your machine on our site.

Email your information to: info@ozarkwoodworker.com
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Machine ID’d: 1931 South Bend 9″ Metal Lathe

Received these pictures of an old bench top South Bend 9″ metal lathe with a quick change gearbox and vertical drive system. It has serial number 50293 stamp on the tailstock end of the bed.

 

 

 

 

 

We have two different manuals that cover this machine and were able to assist this reader. Quality manuals for this older lathe can be difficult to find.

 

We have a parts manual here:

 

 

 

The parts manuals for all the South Bend lathes, besides the geared head lathes made in the 70’s, combine a large selection of lathes that they manufacturer at one time in one book. Since South Bend offered so many different options and combinations it was easier for them to combine them and let the operator decide what parts pertain to his model in the manual.

 

The operator’s manual for this vintage of lathe would be contained in the book we have here:

 

 

 

Like the parts manual, South Bend combined a lot of information in the book that covered a variety of styles and models they made at the time. It is important to find the correct version of How to Run a Lathe so it shows you how to set up the correct style of gearbox and other settings. This older version of How to Run a Lathe has been enlarged making it easier to read while still allowing everything to be crisp and clear. We are able to achieve this, because of the high resolution scans we do of all our manual reproductions.

Submit Your Machine
Do you want to know more about your machine?

Email us your details with pictures, and we’ll put together the best information we can find. Plus, we can get other readers’ input to help you learn more.

Also, feel free to email us if you want us to share your machine on our site.

Email your information to: info@ozarkwoodworker.com
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Machine ID’d: Thompson F Series Surface Grinder

We received an email with these pictures of a Thompson F Series Surface Grinder. We were able to match his surface grinder  to the operator’s and parts manual we have here:

We believe in the late 70’s or early 80’s, Waterbury Farrel bought Thompson.

In the mid 80’s Textron bought Waterbury Farrel and put into the Jones & Lampson group
In the late 80’s Textron sold all of their machine tool assets to Goldman Industrial Group Included were Bryant Grinder, Bridgeport, Jones & Lampson, J&L Metrology and Fellows.
In 2002, Goldman filed for bankruptcy and everything was sold off.
Submit Your Machine
Do you want to know more about your machine?

Email us your details with pictures, and we’ll put together the best information we can find. Plus, we can get other readers’ input to help you learn more.

Also, feel free to email us if you want us to share your machine on our site.

Email your information to: info@ozarkwoodworker.com