I have been asked in the past about my Atlas 618 lathe.
For the price, American quality, and additional items I just ran
across an eBay example of my set up at an interesting price range.
An example item eBay, item# 281056317295 is a
good deal, especially with the change gears.
For New Englanders in particular it is more rugged, especially
for turning screws on SS rods than some of the contemporary
Chi-Coms.
Of course if you can afford it there are larger Atlases that should
be considered.
Just some random G-2 for the gang.
Example of Starter Atlas 618 Lathe
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BeerWolf
- Silent Operator
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: In the mountains of north-west Arkansas.
Re: Example of Starter Atlas 618 Lathe
I have a 618 which I use (a lot) for small parts that need high RPM's.
That being said, I found it too small for a lot of the firearms work I do.
The lack of significant spindle pass through was the biggest problem.
I wouldn't use it as my only lathe unless there just was no way to have anything bigger.
My South Bend Heavy 10 takes up about the same amount of bench (though a LOT heavier!) and has better than 1 1/4" through the spindle.
I would certainly take a good 618 over the imported minilathes any day of the week.
my $.02, YMMV.
That being said, I found it too small for a lot of the firearms work I do.
The lack of significant spindle pass through was the biggest problem.
I wouldn't use it as my only lathe unless there just was no way to have anything bigger.
My South Bend Heavy 10 takes up about the same amount of bench (though a LOT heavier!) and has better than 1 1/4" through the spindle.
I would certainly take a good 618 over the imported minilathes any day of the week.
my $.02, YMMV.
Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone?
Re: Example of Starter Atlas 618 Lathe
South Bend is an excellent acquisition.BeerWolf wrote:I have a 618 which I use (a lot) for small parts that need high RPM's.
That being said, I found it too small for a lot of the firearms work I do.
The lack of significant spindle pass through was the biggest problem.
I wouldn't use it as my only lathe unless there just was no way to have anything bigger.
My South Bend Heavy 10 takes up about the same amount of bench (though a LOT heavier!) and has better than 1 1/4" through the spindle.
I would certainly take a good 618 over the imported minilathes any day of the week.
my $.02, YMMV.
To increase holding between centers I built another 618 out of NOS parts.
Removing the spindle head and lining up with the end of the first 618 I am able to hold
a bar around 22" between hardened centers. Ridiculously stupid, but for me it is the
Macgyver challenge. Were I ever to become, by my standards, competent I would
want your large South Bend.
Best.