Atlas TH54 Metal Lathe

[Maui]

I'm in the process of breathing life back into an Atlas TH54 metal lathe that had a previous owner who didn't really treat her very well. For example, he wired up a 120V chord into the 220V motor switch. Guess what happened? When he plugged it in he melted the chord and started a fire. The lathe looks very similar to this one:

https://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?52028-Atlas-th54-metal-lathe

Apparently it was dropped on its side at some point because the handle that drives the cross-feed screw for the tool post is broken. The housing for the lead screw support bearing on the tail end is also broken. It had a substantial layer of surface rust in several areas as well. I've replaced the original 220V motor and switch assembly with an old stock 120V Craftsman capacitor start motor which works beautifully. I've cleaned up the rust and found a replacement lever for one that was missing. The lathe is in running condition again, and the alignment is surprisingly good. But I still need to replace the lead screw support bearing at the tail end of the lathe as well as the cross-feed handle for the tool post assembly. Anybody happen to have some of these spare parts on hand? I really don't want to go to Ebay if I can avoid it. I don't like dealing with that website.

If you need photos of the damaged parts I can provide them. Thanks.

Maui

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Re: Restoring a TH54 Atlas Metal Lathe

I can't help with the part but if you don't want to go to eBay you should be able to buy it directly from Clausing. They still support these machines and have many spares on hand.

 

[454ragtop]

Might try the Atlas/Craftsman lathe group on Yahoo.

 

[ritestuff]

Sorry Bro, I dug through my pile of Atlas parts and have just about everything except what you're looking for. If I dig a little deeper I might have the handle, but I don't have the bearing support. If I find it I'll shoot you a PM.

 

[Maui]

Ritestuff, either part would be great! Thanks for looking.

Maui

 

[rsanter]

Generic handles can be bought and you just drill them for the shaft size and then what ever you are going to hold them on with. A set screw or a roll pin

The reed screw support is actually a commonly broken item. It is very simple and could be made on a drill press if need be

Bob

 

[schor]

You could have joined the canadian woodworking forums. That is my lathe in that link.

I might have a crrossslide handle around, the leadscrew bearing support can be fabricated with a little imagination.

Where are you located? I am in Ontario Canada.

 

[Maui]

I'm in Rochester, NY. Schor, if you have a cross slide handle around please pm me. Thanks.

Maui

 

[nine4gmc]

When I bought my 12" Craftsman lathe, it had a home made lead screw bearing, I'll try to get pics later. I have a search notification on ebay for when they show up and they usually run $50 and up...

 

[schor]

So not too far from me, just across the lake.

Here's a pic of what I have available, you would need to add the knob, but that could be a fun little lathe project.

This is what the original looks like (from my lathe)

 

[schor]

Here's something to consider also for the atlas lathe. I really hated missing the mark due to crossslide screw wear and also the very small dials, so I fitted an x-axis dro to mine.

 

[Maui]

What would you want for it Mike?

Maui

 

[schor]

What would you want for it Mike?

Maui

Did you mean me instead of Mike since I don't see a Mike posting here? I'm Steve.

Give me $10 + shipping. I'll find out how much it costs to ship. Send me a pm with your personal email and we can work it out there.

 

[Maui]

Sorry Steve - I was trying to do too many things at once and confused you with someone else. $10.00 plus shipping works for me. I'll send you a pm.

Maui

 

[spongerich]

I'm about 99 44/100% sure that I have the leadscrew bearing assembly.

Measure your leadscrew. There are 2 different sizes (3/4 and I think 5/8).
I almost definitely have both. I might have the compound handle too.

PM me.

 

[Maui]

I've attached a few pictures of the broken handle and the broken bearing. I'm not sure what dimensions you need from the bearing spongrich, so I included a tape measure in the photo. Does this tell you what you need to know?

Maui

 

[nine4gmc]

I think he needs the lead screw diameter, there are two different sizes.

 

[Maui]

Thanks nine. The lead screw diameter measures 3/4".

Maui

 

[Maui]

I received the bearing on Tuesday and the handle yesterday. Thanks Steve and Spongerich for supplying the parts I needed. They were installed on the lathe the day they each arrived and the machine is now fully operational. Time to make some chips! Thanks for the support everyone. This is a great website.

Best,

Maui

 

[schor]

Glad to have helped out with the handle. Do a vid of it running.

I received the bearing on Tuesday and the handle yesterday. Thanks Steve and Spongerich for supplying the parts I needed. They were installed on the lathe the day they each arrived and the machine is now fully operational. Time to make some chips! Thanks for the support everyone. This is a great website.

Best,

Maui

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I have a TH54 lathe bed with the screw, but I'm all the way up in Maine.