Here we go. Atlas 10F lathe

[julianthegypsy]

Bit more progress. Got rid of an old computer desk. Dismantled, the shelves are a perfect fit, once I sawed the corners off. Headstock is back together, and it appears the aluminium plate that it came with already has the holes for it. Bonus.
One thing confusing me. The back gear. There is a pin that pulls out when you engage the back gear, but it doesn't seem to make a difference, everything is still solid. I notice that the gear at the other end has a dog clutch type arrangement, but there's nowhere for it to slide to disengage, so seems pointless. A bit confused right now!

 

[julianthegypsy]

Bit by bit. Discovered that the aluminium plates go under the lathe bed to raise it enough to make the belt tensioner work properly. Now I just need to find some 3/8" bolts to bolt it all down. 10mm just won't quite fit through the bed. Back gear sorted, turns out there's an allen screw locking the pulleys as well as the pun on the end of the gear. Slacken it off and hey presto, back gears working perfectly.

 

[OldunLenny]

Bit by bit. Discovered that the aluminium plates go under the lathe bed to raise it enough to make the belt tensioner work properly. Now I just need to find some 3/8" bolts to bolt it all down. 10mm just won't quite fit through the bed. Back gear sorted, turns out there's an allen screw locking the pulleys as well as the pun on the end of the gear. Slacken it off and hey presto, back gears working perfectly.

Hello Gents,
Hope I'm doing this correctly, as this is the first time I've posted here. I was moved to sign-up because it isn't often one sees enthusiasm over an Atlas 10F.

I have a 10F which has been in the family for about 60 years (yes, you did read that right). Mine is about a 1942 vintage and was bought from an engineering company in about 1960, by my (late) Uncle Charles when it was pensioned off by them. It thus spent about 32 years in the custody of my Uncle Charlie, and about 28 years in my care.

These old Atlas lathes have always (in my opinion) been extremely under rated. My old girl has always done everything I've asked of it and has even taken on a few jobs a friend's Myford couldn't manage.

Mine has been much modified over the years with many new/improved parts and modifications to improve usability.

I wish you luck in brining this machine back into use and once done, you will have a very versatile little lathe.

To briefly pick-up on a couple of points I've noticed here. Your point about the 'set screw' in the mandrel pulley. This is a common mistake. It is often assumed to be 'holding something' when in fact it is no more than a blanking screw to close off what is actually an oil hole. It is never tightened down because (as you've discovered) the pulley is always free to move on the mandrel, the drive being through the bull wheel pin, or via the back gear assembly to the bull wheel when the pin is disengaged. This oil hole is just so a few drops of oil can be inserted occasionally to keep the pulley lubed on the mandrel, the screw is then loosely re-inserted to block-off the hole.

The other (I believe) common 'myth' about these lathes is all this horrible, useless, Mazak stuff used in them (which perhaps is why they don't have the 'kudos' of, say, the Myfords).
My old girl is now pushing 80 years old and still has its original change wheel set, still in excellent condition and used regularly. Why these are considered 'dire' I really don't know. I would ask, at almost 80 years old, how long these gears would need to last not to be considered 'dire'?
Let's not forget that many parts of these machines were Mazak. (all the drive pulleys, the main bull wheel itself, leadscrew clasp nuts etc.) I would have thought that after 80 years, and still going, the use of Mazak was justified. I think, in the early days, they did have some problems with the proportions of the different elements of the Mazak alloy which did lead to some premature failures (which probably set this mindset) but once sorted, this stuff is actually very tough. I have a friend with a Myford. He dropped one of his 'quality' cast-iron change wheels and two teeth broke off. On the occasions I have dropped mine, they just bounced!

Anyway, I'm aware I'm running the risk of boring the pants off everybody by going on too long so I'll stop now, but I will check-in from time to time to see how your project is progressing. It will be worthwhile in the end.

 

[Windy Miller]

Hello Gents,
Hope I'm doing this correctly, as this is the first time I've posted here. I was moved to sign-up because it isn't often one sees enthusiasm over an Atlas 10F.

I have a 10F which has been in the family for about 60 years (yes, you did read that right). Mine is about a 1942 vintage and was bought from an engineering company in about 1960, by my (late) Uncle Charles when it was pensioned off by them. It thus spent about 32 years in the custody of my Uncle Charlie, and about 28 years in my care.

These old Atlas lathes have always (in my opinion) been extremely under rated. My old girl has always done everything I've asked of it and has even taken on a few jobs a friend's Myford couldn't manage.

Mine has been much modified over the years with many new/improved parts and modifications to improve usability.

I wish you luck in brining this machine back into use and once done, you will have a very versatile little lathe.

To briefly pick-up on a couple of points I've noticed here. Your point about the 'set screw' in the mandrel pulley. This is a common mistake. It is often assumed to be 'holding something' when in fact it is no more than a blanking screw to close off what is actually an oil hole. It is never tightened down because (as you've discovered) the pulley is always free to move on the mandrel, the drive being through the bull wheel pin, or via the back gear assembly to the bull wheel when the pin is disengaged. This oil hole is just so a few drops of oil can be inserted occasionally to keep the pulley lubed on the mandrel, the screw is then loosely re-inserted to block-off the hole.

The other (I believe) common 'myth' about these lathes is all this horrible, useless, Mazak stuff used in them (which perhaps is why they don't have the 'kudos' of, say, the Myfords).
My old girl is now pushing 80 years old and still has its original change wheel set, still in excellent condition and used regularly. Why these are considered 'dire' I really don't know. I would ask, at almost 80 years old, how long these gears would need to last not to be considered 'dire'?
Let's not forget that many parts of these machines were Mazak. (all the drive pulleys, the main bull wheel itself, leadscrew clasp nuts etc.) I would have thought that after 80 years, and still going, the use of Mazak was justified. I think, in the early days, they did have some problems with the proportions of the different elements of the Mazak alloy which did lead to some premature failures (which probably set this mindset) but once sorted, this stuff is actually very tough. I have a friend with a Myford. He dropped one of his 'quality' cast-iron change wheels and two teeth broke off. On the occasions I have dropped mine, they just bounced!

Anyway, I'm aware I'm running the risk of boring the pants off everybody by going on too long so I'll stop now, but I will check-in from time to time to see how your project is progressing. It will be worthwhile in the end.

Welcome Lenny - and let’s see some pics of your lathe!

 

[OldunLenny]

Welcome Lenny - and let’s see some pics of your lathe!

Well, I can certainly do that if anybody would be interested. Some 'purists' will probably be shocked because mine doesn't look much like the bog-standard 10F any more. I'll try to just put a couple of snaps here with a brief description and leave it at that. If I went into the work I've done on it over the years, with the whys and hows, I could probably write a book!
I couldn't help noticing you are in 'North Kent'. Happens I'm Maidstone born & bred, though I haven't lived in Kent for about four decades, now.
Watch this space...

 

[julianthegypsy]

Welcome Lenny - and let’s see some pics of your lathe!

Yep, let's see it!

 

[Gritineye]

Another Atlas owner here Lenny, and mine works hard too, you're not alone..

 

[Gritineye]

Might come in useful to someone:

https://grabcad.com/library/atlas-10-lathe-1

 

[OldunLenny]

Another Atlas owner here Lenny, and mine works hard too, you're not alone..

I'm pleased to hear that!
You know, over the years I've heard many people 'sniff' at the thought of an Atlas. It only seems to be people who have actually used them that appreciate their capabilities.
About 8 years ago, I lost an old engineering chum of mine. His widow offered me his Myford 7 (free - she had no idea it might be worth something) "I'm sure he'd have liked you to have it".... You get the picture. When I seriously looked at the capabilities of both machines, I decided I wouldn't want to swap my Atlas for this 7, even for free. (Not that I'd have taken it for free had I decided to go that route). In the end I sold it for her and got her a fair price for it. I suppose I can't offer my old 10F a bigger endorsement than that.

 

[Pete.]

My first lathe was a 10F and I had steadies, milling slide, faceplate all sorts of bits with it. It was a good introduction to working a lathe but it is definitely last on the list of 'lathes I'd like to own again'.

 

[julianthegypsy]

@OldunLenny Thanks for the tip on the pulley setscrew. It makes perfect sense, and I would never have know. Neither, it seems, did the pevious owner!

 

[OldunLenny]

My first lathe was a 10F and I had steadies, milling slide, faceplate all sorts of bits with it. It was a good introduction to working a lathe but it is definitely last on the list of 'lathes I'd like to own again'.

Pete,
I perfectly respect that point of view. Each to their own. Are there 'better' lathes out there? Yes, sure. I guess whether any particular machine suits, is down to so many factors - what you use it for, how much work it needs to do, space to house it, cost etc...etc...

I would certainly like a BIGGER lathe sometimes, but I have never had the space to house one. All I can say is that within the work I do and parameters I'm restricted to, I have never been disappointed in what my old Atlas has managed to achieve. A bit like a car choice, I suppose. It has to satisfy many needs in terms of space, economy etc.

I would also be the first to admit that even some sentiment creeps in there. I remember watching my Uncle Charlie doing some (what I thought were) magical things on this lathe when I was a lad.

I guess, what I'm saying is, within the options that have been available to me, I have not been tempted yet to swap my old 10F for anything else. It knows me, I know it and it just suits me. You are speaking from a stance of experience, which is why I wouldn't disagree with you. Many don't. I have met predjudice from associates over the years who have never laid hands on an Atlas, but who have still not been to proud to ask me to do something for them because their mandrel bore/swing/chuck or whatever, cant manage whatever it was. I suppose that is what I mean when I say these old things are underestimated.......Which i guess brings me full circle. Each to their own!

 

[OldunLenny]

Welcome Lenny - and let’s see some pics of your lathe!

Well, here's the view of my old 10F. I will get around to repainting the light geen bits eventually.

Notes:
Conversion to poly-v belt with variable speed DC motor drive. Motor 1 1\2HP ex-treadmill, the rest home-made.
Carriage: Replacement long cross slide (more stable i.e. less 'rock' than the shorter slide). Allowed fitting of rear parting-off post (home made). Replacement feedscrew which I made longer to accommodate thrust bearing behind the cross slide handle. This also meant making new backing and dials to fit. Top slide: apart from the cutting tool itself, the two black knobs and the chrome handle, I have remade everything else including the slide internals, dials etc. I wanted a flat top slide to fit a quick-change tool post (again home made) and this was the first job I tackled when I got my mill a few years back.
Tailstock: Convertion to cam lock (the spannering of the tailstock nut DID drive me mad!). Remade feedscrew, longer to accomodate tailstock friction dial.

As I said before, the 'purists' might have a fit, but each step has brought me tangible benefits. It is actually quite a pleasure to use. The other factor, I suppose, within the general lack of popularity of these old lathes is that it is possible to make what ever customisations you want to without compromising the value of an expansive machine.

Anyway, there it is.

 

[Seadog]

It looks perfectly serviceable to me.

 

[fizzy]

Lovely looking lathe. Why do people knock them? If it looks right it is right!

 

[OldunLenny]

@OldunLenny Thanks for the tip on the pulley setscrew. It makes perfect sense, and I would never have know. Neither, it seems, did the pevious owner!

Nothing clever on my part, I'm afraid. After so many years I just know where to look. If you're interested, I attach the source (lubrication chart - item 6) from the Atlas Press Tool Company publication.
(I assume there is no problem with forum rules, or whatever, in uploading these copies. Independent companies are reproducing some of these original publications for commercial sale (although expensive) so I am assuming at about 80 years old this stuff is longer subject to copyright).

I also attach a few pages of the spindle/bearing adjustment procedure. A careful look at the diagram at the top of page 11 shows this screw installed. It is obviously shown clear of the mandrel. In fact, looking at the diagram, it looks as though the original screw was shouldered so it couldn't be tightened down too far, but of course, over the years these things get dropped in the swarf and are replaced with what's to hand.

Interestingly, the solid headstock bearings are the one, single aspect of the Atlas that I have no experience of, as mine is a roller bearing job.

 

[zx9]

Well, here's the view of my old 10F. I will get around to repainting the light geen bits eventually.

......
As I said before, the 'purists' might have a fit, but each step has brought me tangible benefits. It is actually quite a pleasure to use. The other factor, I suppose, within the general lack of popularity of these old lathes is that it is possible to make what ever customisations you want to without compromising the value of an expansive machine.


...

I think it looks like a well loved lathe with sensible modifications to make it all the more usable, like updating a classic car, if it works for you do it for you and forget what the rivet counters think.
Driven not hidden.

 

[fizzy]

I am learning with my Colchester Triumph it's all about understanding your machine and working with what you have.

 

[OldunLenny]

I am learning with my Colchester Triumph it's all about understanding your machine and working with what you have.

Colchester Triumph? Wow! Assuming I've got the right machine in mind, that's a heavy-duty bit of kit! Don't know how old yours is, but the later ones stood almost shoulder high from the floor, well, certainly chest high. You are fortunate to have such a facility, and just as importantly, the space for it (which has always been a serious restriction for me).

To your point, yes, exactly. It's about the learning isn't it. Making the mistakes and trying not to repeat them and working within what you have. No lathe is perfect for everything. If you have a small machine, there are times when you wish you had a bigger one to skim that flywheel, and with a lovely big machine, there might be times when something more delicate would be better to re-thread that 2BA stud.
It is the mindset, I suppose. You could either take a stance of 'it won't do that so I won't try' or 'I really want/need to do this so I'd better work out how'. When I've been to the model engineering exhibitions in the past, I've often been amazed at the work (and quality of work) that's been produced on the smallest or unlikeliest of lathes.

 

[fizzy]

Colchester Triumph? Wow! Assuming I've got the right machine in mind, that's a heavy-duty bit of kit! Don't know how old yours is, but the later ones stood almost shoulder high from the floor, well, certainly chest high. You are fortunate to have such a facility, and just as importantly, the space for it (which has always been a serious restriction for me).

To your point, yes, exactly. It's about the learning isn't it. Making the mistakes and trying not to repeat them and working within what you have. No lathe is perfect for everything. If you have a small machine, there are times when you wish you had a bigger one to skim that flywheel, and with a lovely big machine, there might be times when something more delicate would be better to re-thread that 2BA stud.
It is the mindset, I suppose. You could either take a stance of 'it won't do that so I won't try' or 'I really want/need to do this so I'd better work out how'. When I've been to the model engineering exhibitions in the past, I've often been amazed at the work (and quality of work) that's been produced on the smallest or unlikeliest of lathes.

It is a beast. Will turn 24" in the gap. 48 " between centres.
It is the old roundhead model 1964. Very little wear only drawback 1000rpm top speed so not enough really for carbide tooling.