Well I finally bought a lathe............

[Dman033189]

The other day I was browsing craigslist and I stumbled upon an atlas lathe for $500 that wasn't to far away from me. It appeared to be in decent shape and I ended up buying it, it came with everything in the pictures (4 jaw chuck is on the bottom shelf).The guy also installed a D.C motor so it has variable speed which makes life a little easier. I haven't had a chance to play with it very much I ended up working all weekend again. Now my question is, is it worth it to invest in a quick change tool post? It didn't come with a whole lot of tooling and I dont know what I am looking at when I look on enco's website what would you guys suggest to start with?

[chenry]

QC tool post is a great investment over the lantern type of holder. four sided turret holders are nice as well.

[Shade Tree Welder]

First you suck!!!

Second I would look at Enco's P/N That would be my recommendation.

[Cavalry]

I have been exactly there.
The phase II AXA QC set and a set of insert tools is all you need for the start of a very happy addiction.

Worth every penny just in time savings alone.

I also highly recommend the Atlas lathe manual simmilar to this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Atlas-Lathe-Manu...QQcmdZViewItem

Even if you have been doing this a long time there is something to learn from this book. The change gear chart on the inside cover is good for reference but not really descriptive on geartrain setups. The book explains it very well. It looks like you might be a little short on change gears. For all possible threads you will need (2)20t,24t,32t,26t,40t,44t,46t,48t,52t,54t,and(3)6 4t.
this lathe is very "flexible" in the bed. Make sure you either level the bed or make test cuts and shim otherwise it will most likely never cut true.

[KB Fabrications]

Ooooooooh, the addiction has begun.:evil:

[Dman033189]

Originally Posted by Cavalry

Even if you have been doing this a long time there is something to learn from this book. The change gear chart on the inside cover is good for reference but not really descriptive on geartrain setups. The book explains it very well. It looks like you might be a little short on change gears. For all possible threads you will need (2)20t,24t,32t,26t,40t,44t,46t,48t,52t,54t,and(3)6 4t.
this lathe is very "flexible" in the bed. Make sure you either level the bed or make test cuts and shim otherwise it will most likely never cut true.

I will keep an eye out for that book it should help me a lot., I am pretty new to this stuff. Yeah it appears I am short one or two gears I will have to go out and see how many I have, but I do know that I only have one 20t. Thanks for the tip about leveling it out I will have to do that.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

First you suck!!!

Second I would look at Enco's P/N That would be my recommendation.

505-2253

It would help if I actually put a part number in the post....

[Dman033189]

Originally Posted by Shade Tree Welder

505-2253

It would help if I actually put a part number in the post....

Well I think I will end up buying that one, but I have no idea how to pick out the tools that go with it?

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by Dman033189

Well I think I will end up buying that one, but I have no idea how to pick out the tools that go with it?

Most tooling has standard shanks that will fit in the holders. Over time you will pick up additional holds as changing tooling out and seting back on center is a PITA and time consuming but the basic set will get you started. I will take some pictures of my holders and tooling.

[Cavalry]

thats the same set I have

In addition to that I would suggest a 5pc indexable tool set. 1/4IC 3/8 shank They go for about $100 or so. Each of the tool co's carries it in a house brand or something good for 50% more. Nothing wrong with chi-com. I think mine is Phase II
That will get you turning. You can then think about a boring bar set and cut off.