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Hello all!

Welcome, We have a few British cars in the stable, and a white 1970 roadster! Like others have mentioned an Atlas is a gateway to larger , most of my machine tools are British as well. Colchester and Harrison, and Wadkin wood machines.
 
Just bought a Atlas 618 with se many extras can’t wait to find how to use them
 

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Just bought a Atlas 618 with se many extras can’t wait to find how to use them

Welcome from Oakville, ON. A few of us have or have had a 618. Your's looks like it hasn't been too badly abused. So many of them have broken handwheels from some accident over the years. What are you planning to do with it?

Craig
 
I am going to try fixing my 1969 Jacobsen Lawn tractor it needs some new bushings and pulleys for the hydrostatic drive. I was a stoker ( marine engineer ). Back in 66 to 69 so going to try this out. First project is making a chess set for my grandson. These are the pawns.
 

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I am looking for a quick change tool post for my Atlas 618 any suggestions would be appreciated

You'll want a 0XA size. I recommend the steel version--aluminum is probably fine but you don't need any more flexing than you've already got. The next question is piston versus wedge. Again, people seem to have success with both kinds but I lean towards the wedge style. It just seems more mechanically secure.

They are available from the usual US suppliers (Shars, Little Machine Shop, PrecisionMatthews, etc) but right now there is that whole movement about not buying from our neighbours to the south. AliExpress probably has what you want but I don't have a link.

There are often 'starter packages' with a selection of tool holders. In those, the knurling tool tends to be junk (IMHO). Parting tool holders are a whole subject onto themselves. (And doing parting on the 618 can be 'fun'!) For those reasons, the starter packages may not actually be a good value.

BTW, I strongly recommend using high speed steel cutters rather than carbide. The 618 isn't rigid and powerful so carbide tooling is asking too much of it. Again, IMHO. Sharp HSS with decent cutting geometry will work more easily.

Some food for thought.

Craig
 
The wedge type are more repeatable in how they hold the toolholder. With the wedge the forces are pushing against the 2 dovetails and through the dovetail angle, cause the holder to both be positively located against the stationary dovetail, and pulled in against the face of the tool post. With the piston type, it pushes the toolholder out against the dovetails, so there is no positive stop, the harder you clamp the more it "could" move out. Also possible for a little bit of play in exactly where it lines up as you clamp. May be that this is splitting hairs, but the wedge type is where its at for repeatability.
 
The wedge type are more repeatable in how they hold the toolholder. With the wedge the forces are pushing against the 2 dovetails and through the dovetail angle, cause the holder to both be positively located against the stationary dovetail, and pulled in against the face of the tool post. With the piston type, it pushes the toolholder out against the dovetails, so there is no positive stop, the harder you clamp the more it "could" move out. Also possible for a little bit of play in exactly where it lines up as you clamp. May be that this is splitting hairs, but the wedge type is where its at for repeatability.

I have had a rocker tool post and currently have the wedge, piston, and a 4-way. I have used all 3 types extensively. I too have gravitated toward preferring the wedge style. But it's not a slam dunk. Either one is a great improvement over the rocker style. I think the two quick change tool posts are also slight improvements over the 4-way. I'd love a Dixon or better still a multi-fix tool post but can't afford them.
 
This is my Atlas 618 . I purchased it at an estate sale with all these attachments for $ 300. I am looking for some one to show me what they do. I live in Thunder Bay and a young 76 with a new hobby any help would be appreciated Tks.
 

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Did you get a copy of the book that came with it? "Manual of Lathe Operations", often referred to as 'MOLO'. If not, you can get a digital copy from the Vintage Machinery web site:


Or look on Youtube. Mr. Pete did a series on refurbishing a 618 recently. Etc.

Craig
(If you got all that for $300, you got a screaming deal. The milling attachment is relatively rare and some people will pay a lot just for that.)
 
Did you get a copy of the book that came with it? "Manual of Lathe Operations", often referred to as 'MOLO'. If not, you can get a digital copy from the Vintage Machinery web site:


Or look on Youtube. Mr. Pete did a series on refurbishing a 618 recently. Etc.

Craig
(If you got all that for $300, you got a screaming deal. The milling attachment is relatively rare and some people will pay a lot just for that.)
It can with all the tools
 
@Larry H - Wow! Great deal!

Do you travel much? Lots of members here would love to show off their machines to get you going if that's what you want. I'm south of Chatham in Ontario and I'd open my barn doors for you almost anytime.

I'm also certain that there are many members in your area that you could visit.
 
I'm not a lot different. I travelled a lot in the last 10 years 9f my career. I learned to hate it. Today, I could only enjoy driving in Canada.
 
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