Clausing Mk3a Lathe

[hpmachining]

I bought this lathe off Craigslist for $400. Just picked it up yesterday. It seems to be in very good shape, other than the color It might seem a bit ironic, being a self-employed machinist, but I've never owned a lathe before. I should note that I do have experience running a lathe, just haven't owned one. I've been doing a lot of research and reading, but any pointers on getting it setup and running will be greatly appreciated.

Here is the description from the listing, as well as some pictures.

12 x 36 Clausing Mk3a 100 series metal lathe. Similar to an Atlas 4800.

220 volt single phase. Has about 6 foot of cord with a 3 prong male plug.

Power crossfeed, quick change gear box, clutch/ brake, back gear, reversing switch for motor, No.2 morse taper tailstock, No.3 morse taper with 3/4 through hole.

4 jaw independent chuck, 3 jaw scroll chuck, face plate, Jacob's chuck, live center, dead center, rocker tool post and some other miscellaneous items pictured.

This lathe is about 80 yrs. Old. There are some nicks in the ways but it does not appear to have any heavy wear visually. There have been a couple repairs made as pictured. One gear in the quadrant has 2 chipped teeth. These teeth are not consecutive to each other or broke all the way across so there is still constant engagement and does not affect operation.

 

[JuncleJohn]

Very nice. What a great score. I never knew that Clausing had a facility in Iowa.

Congrat’s

John

 

[hpmachining]

I never knew that Clausing had a facility in Iowa.

Yep, that's where Clausing started. There is an interesting article by Don Clausing on the history of the company. He was the son of one of the founders, Paul Clausing. TLDR, it wasn't until after Atlas bought them that manufacturing was shifted to other locations.