Atlas 618 Lathe Restoration

I finally got my Atlas 618 in production. This video shows the cabinet build and getting the lathe running. These little lathes are awesome. I have the milling attachment and can machine just about anything within the six inch capacity of the machine.

This Craftsman 6" x 18" backgeared, screw cutting miniature lathe was manufactured by the Atlas Corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for Sears, Roebuck & Co., The lathe was first listed in the 1938 Sears, Roebuck catalog for $42.50 without a motor.

I bought this one from a retired Disneyland Machinist for $400. It was painted bright yellow. I imagine a machinist in the 60’s making parts to keep the Magic Kingdom running. I’ve made a lot of little parts with this lathe. I oil it with a light machine oil before most every use and I keep the ways wet with the same oil. This machine is light enough for one guy to pick up and move.

The machine shop is open!

Here’s some additional detail:

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[georgespangler]

I've went lathe crazy since I first commented a year ago l now have 6 atlas lathes I've bought and restored, 2- 12inch with quick change gear boxes and 3 618s and a 109 with almost every attachment for all and tons of tooling, , I've seen prices triple in the past year, , I'll sit on them a little longer.

[johnghatti]

That is a great sounding machine. I just acquired one of these and have started the process of cleaning it up. Had a table made for it already but I really liked your idea better. Thanks for posting!

[georgespangler]

One of my 618s have never been used in excellent condition and one of my 12 inch is also in great condition and on the orginal cast iron stand payed 500 for it and a 618 but big surprise was in the Rusty bucket had steady rest follower rest milling attachment and a orginal atlas 4 jaw Chuck and faceplate and 6 dogs and full set of change gears all for the 12 inch and a month later got another 618 with all the same attachments for 300, and a month ago l got a Sheldon horizontal mill with 20 cutters and end mill arbor and the cutter arbor the mill shows no signs of wear and stole it for 300.. almost didn't go because the price was so cheap I figured it was junk I'm so glad I did now, , I really like the horizontal mill more than vertical, , I'll be selling the one of the 12s and 2 of the 618s soon, and should make a great profit.

[iancraig]

Well done--Ultimately by lovingly restoring this machine you are paying a compliment to the original manufacturers and that's real good in my book

[georgespangler]

I put a treadmill motor on the 618 I use you should also, , really nice having total speed control and the soft start is really easy on the machine.

[RustyInventions-wzir]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Very nice work. I like your lathe

[enginepaul]

Great job on the lathe. I like the way you did the reversing switch and wiring. I mounted my on-off switch in such a way as I can shut it off with a quick swipe of my left hand. I mention this because of that piece of brass spinning - when you need it off fast, one second is a long time. I like the cabinet doors too; samples I'm guessing.

[jransomtucker]

Great restoration! I’m in the middle of doing one and I’m having a problem with the top of the belt rubbing the countershaft casting that it crosses under. It’s supposedly the correct sized link belt from McMaster Carr so I’m not sure… I love that you didn’t paint it, looks so good this way.

[sporsterini]

Thanks for posting you efforts. My Craftsman is sitting on a board. You gave me ideas for my own design..

[edgarmilson]

You did a nice job on your lathe. I hope my lathe turns out nearly as nice as yours did. I have a model 101 that is really seized up. I got the tailstock off and I am going to soak it in vinegar for a couple of weeks to see if that will free it up. You seem to be able to swing that lathe around like it was nothing. My lathe is very heavy. Great job, you inspire me. Edgar

[BisonWorkshop]

very nice. ive been keeping my eyes open for a little lathe like this for the bison workshop

[georgespangler]

Nice job, , , going to pickup my craftsman atlas today but it's the 12 x 36 inch, , about 500 lbs, ,

[TheMiniMachineShop]

Your creativity with wood is indeed very impressive... Please tell me about the unique belt that you put on the pulleys!

[ccorvette]

Nice great job.I am restoring a 1938 Sears Atlas wood lathe right now.

[oldsloane]

So, after just about a major injury you went right back for a second try? So much easier to work safely!

[eviltwinx]

Nice set up. I have a TH54 that I'm cleaning up. I can't move it around like you can with yours. It would be so much easier if I could. Super cool your lathe came from the Magic Kingdom!

[willcojak]

Very nice job. I just bought my first lathe. A th48 Atlas.

[GarryFullerSr]

Thats a nice looking Lathe. Great job.

[donaldnaymon]

Great job. Looked great. Thank you for sharing.

[carldahlberg]

Hey Gary! What are the dimensions of the tabletop that you used to mount your Atlas 618?