1938 lathe

[geezer48]

a friend of mine gave me this old sears lathe looked up the # I think it was made in 1938 by atlas press co. the motor I believe is original never seen this name before . the lathe dosent looke like it was used much . took both hands to turn the motor , cleaned and lubed ,it got it freed up , replaced the rotted off cord pluged it in this thing runs smooth as glass. should I just clean it up or paint it ?

 

[classicJackets]

I couldn't find your specific model number on this site, but any info you may want to find is probably on there somewhere!
Very cool piece as well, and awesome that it runs so well!
I can't tell what kind of shape it's in overall, but if you aren't going to use it as a show piece and it's in decent shape, I would just clean it up and use as is!
Doug

http://www.lathes.co.uk/craftsman/

 

[geezer48]

classicJackets
I found the owners manual on line it said it could be used for wood or metel . to me the motor is the real prize

 

[NY_treeguy]

I rebuilt one of those a number of years back. It has been a "free" starter lathe in our woodturning club that has been passed to 5 members so far.

Good score.

 

[SketchyBikes]

Motor from Warren, Ohio!! That's 15 min from me! It's in Trumbull county not far from Youngstown. That's where the Packard cars were started. Lot's of industrial history up our way!

 

[geezer48]

Sketchy I read that sun lite was sold to packers elect. Love this old stuff it's built to last and last . Moter is 77 years old and still runs this smooth

 

[454ragtop]

classicJackets
I found the owners manual on line it said it could be used for wood or metel . to me the motor is the real prize

It's really only a wood lathe, no carriage or compound. Made by Atlas, more info over at OWWM.org.
Jim

 

[Hankoh]

Cool!

Sears also used Sunlight motors by the way on their "Commander" bench grinders from the early 1930's. I just tore down / cleaned / reassembled mine. Nice old motors.