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New guy

I

IanMc

New Member
Hello, thank you for letting me join the group. I am a retired Marine Engineer with over 36 years in the RCN. I recently picked up an Atlas 618 that may be from 1941! It is in good condition and is mostly complete. I am looking for a proper 3 jaw chuck… I have one with a drive plate, but it is really too big for the machine. I am using the original rocker style tool post and an missing a Left hand tool holder and the parting tool holder.
So, that is my shopping list. Anyone have these parts for sale? I am in Nova Scotia…
Thanks,
Ian
 
Welcome! When I had a 618, I ordered a chuck (4-jaw in my case) and backing plate from Shars.com. The backing plate needed very minor machining to fit the chuck. Worked very well. I also purchased a 0XA quick change tool post kit at the same time. For me, QCTP is wildly more convenient than a lantern tool holder.

OTOH, you have to think about how much you want to invest in a machine that is over 80 years old. Wear on the bed, the lead screw and other components means they have limits on what you can ask from them. Fun nonetheless and a great way to learn what you might want in your next lathe! (We love to help other members spend their money!!)

Craig
 
Another west coast welcome. I'll guess you managed a few years out our way.

618 is a nice machine, lots of speeds, turns threads, I enjoyed the one I had.

Your tool holders, are they the 2010 series? I may have a couple that will fit.

Agree with Craig, the QCTP is very good way to go. Be careful how much $ you put into, you're starting down the rabbit hole and can quickly get the equivalent of 2footitis.
 
Welcome from Ontario.

There are a few other members in the Maritimes so you are not alone. I'd bet some would know where to get what you need without flying to Victoria on the West Coast.

For your chuck needs, I'd focus on finding backplates to fit your lathe first. But don't buy yet. Next look for chucks that fit the backplates you found. By knowing where you can get each, you can put together the right combo to meet your needs. Usually you need to do a little machining to join them, but it's not difficult work.

Sounds like you already are getting help with tooling.
 
Hello Ian, welcome to the group!

As @Susquatch says there are a few of us out here on the east coast, HRM in my case. Good to have more company.

What kinds of things are on your project list? There are two things this group likes to do, help you spend your money on tools and look at pictures of projects.

About the tool post discussion, if you like the rocker and get good results with it, keep up the good work and please pass on some tips. If it’s just what you have because it came with the Atlas, maybe give some thought to a QCTP. In my case I have limited experience with a rocker and I find them fussier to work with and not as rigid as a QCTP.

See ya ‘round!

D :cool:
 
IanMc said:
Hello, thank you for letting me join the group. I am a retired Marine Engineer with over 36 years in the RCN. I recently picked up an Atlas 618 that may be from 1941! It is in good condition and is mostly complete. I am looking for a proper 3 jaw chuck… I have one with a drive plate, but it is really too big for the machine. I am using the original rocker style tool post and an missing a Left hand tool holder and the parting tool holder.
So, that is my shopping list. Anyone have these parts for sale? I am in Nova Scotia…
Thanks,
Ian
Click to expand...
I have a parting tool holder, but it may be too big for your machine the shank is .97 tall and .38 thick. You can have it for whatever Canada Post would charge for me to mail it.
 
Welcome from Vancouver Island!

Sounds like you have a great lathe - I'm sure you will have a blast with it. The most important thank to make with it is chips. Lots of chips. The more chips you make the more likely you are to make something useful. But be happy in the beginning with chips. (It's also how you get to know your lathe and what it can do for you)

And +1 on the QCTP. I got a cheap Chinese one, and it makes life so much easier and using your lathe so much more enjoyable.
 
Welcome from a currently sunny but frigid Winnipeg.

You’ll find this forum will often set records for how often threads go off topic- LOL. All part of the fun.
 
StevSmar said:
Welcome from a currently sunny but frigid Winnipeg.

You’ll find this forum will often set records for how often threads go off topic- LOL. All part of the fun.
Click to expand...
Weather is warming up here, thinking about going down to the creek with a flyrod.... Some nice rainbows and maybe an accidental steelhead are hiding in the riffles. :rolleyes: :cool:


Oh, right! Welcome to the forum from Lillooet BC. :D

Thread drift....:rolleyes: pffft:p
 
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