OpenTube

1930s Atlas Lathe Restoration

Red Beard Ops

393,398 views

I'm extremely excided to present you guys with the restoration of this Atlas / Craftsman lathe from 1937. This is one of the earliest models of these 12'' swing atlas lathes, and bringing it back to life was a real pleasure. Restoring this lathe was hands down one of the most gratifying projects I took on this year!

🛢Lubrication & Oilers:
Pump Oiler - https://amzn.to/3dnp937
Spring Bottom Oiler - https://amzn.to/33TjKNU
Ways Oil - https://amzn.to/3jWFEFJ
20WT Home Depot - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Syn...
20WT Amazon - https://amzn.to/2SQOFV1
High Temp Gear Grease - https://amzn.to/371cMs7

⭐AXA Quick Change Tool Post - https://amzn.to/3dB9rS9

Traverse Gear Case Assembly PDF - https://www.dropbox.com/s/2g89utgzg56...
AXA T-Nut PDF - https://www.dropbox.com/s/pbhwo2uyox2...

▪Paint, Primer:
Rust-Oleum Primer - https://amzn.to/3dt8v26
Rust-Oleum Royal Blue - https://amzn.to/3dr5eAe

✅How To Videos & Reviews:
Build A Surface Grinder - Homemade Surface Grinder Attachment - Want...
WEN Sharpener Review - WEN Sharpener Review & User Guide | Tormek...
DIY File Guide - DIY Carbide File Guide | Knife Making
How To Grind Bevels - Freehand Knife Grinding | Master Plunges &...

🗡Knife Builds:
Hand Forged Damascus Knife - Hand Forged Damascus Knife | Knife Making
Wharncliffe Knife - Wharncliffe Knife & Sheath Build | Knife M...
Bushcraft Knife - Bushcraft Knife & Leather Sheath | Knife M...
Deadlift Knife Challenge - Making a Knife AND Deadlifting 50 Times in...
Rod Pump Knife - Making A Knife From Oilfield Sucker Rod | ...
Forged Hunter - Forging A Hunting Knife | Knife Making

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Microphone – Takstar - https://amzn.to/36euYLP
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https://www.hobby-machinist.com/

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#lathe
#redbeardops
#restoration

00:00 - Intro & Tail Stock Disassembly
04:40 - Carriage Disassembly
12:10 - Counter Shaft Disassembly & Repair
17:20 - Head Stock & Base Disassembly
23:20 - Painting
24:33 - Reassembly
33:19 - Gear Cage Fabrication
40:43 - Quick Change Tool Post
42:00 - Before and After *
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⚠️ Disclaimer — A notice from Red Beard Ops LLC (owner of Red Beard Ops, Red Beard Engineered and Red Beard Lifts): The information on this channel is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, training, or licensed trade work. Any action you take based on this content is strictly at your own risk. Red Beard Ops LLC, its owners, and affiliates are not liable for any losses, damages, or injuries resulting from your use of this content, including injuries or damages sustained while attempting to emulate any project shown. Some projects involve electrical, structural, gas, or other work that may require permits or a licensed professional in your jurisdiction — consult one before proceeding.

20 Comments

@RedBeardOps Creator 5 years ago Pinned

What do yall think? Should I start doing some more restorations from time to time?

@thefightingfedora2976 1 month ago

7:37 I put tiny parts like that in Mini M&M tubes with a squirt of WD40.

@donwilson6617 2 years ago

I was an A ganger on a diesel submarine in the early 70's we had virtually the same Sears "craftsman" lathe. We used it to cut down worn areas on pump shafts before we fitted the shaft with sleeves..and turn the shaft in order to braze up the worn area. the lathe is well worth the rebuild ...it is very accurate and stable.

@InSearchOfSin 3 months ago

The feed screw engager is called the half-nut!

@DRNewcomb 4 years ago

I like the way you describe the project, warts and all.

@TommyAventador 2 years ago

If you want to strip paint off, you need to put a generous amount of paint striper on it and put everything in a closed container to allow the chemical and fumes to do its job. Leave the container outside and not inside to prevent deadly flammable fumes.

@noimagination99 6 days ago

Most excellent video! I'm partway through restoring a very similar lathe. Your video might be needed to help me reassemble it 😁, if the pictures I took along the way are not sufficient. I hope you have made more restoration videos since this one. I'll be browsing your channel!

@InSearchOfSin 3 months ago

It’s a beautiful lathe. The great thing about a lathe is you can use it to make new tools.

@russelljohnson6243 3 years ago

A very important thing to add to restoration videos is to show the machine working at the end. I really want to see this old guy in action, thanks!

@spiderbrandt4066 4 years ago

I know I'm a bit late But after watching this I got on to the Net and found one an old lathe from maybe the 30s or 40s I'm so exited today in Sunday I have to weight till Tuesday to pick it up , I'm jumping out of my skin , thank you Red Beard from a old Grey Beard , Awesome

@MrFreesearcher 4 months ago

I'm due to pick up an Acorn Halifax lathe, which from what I understand is a 1940's version of the Atlas in this video. No idea as yet on the condition, other than it's a donation from someone local. from what I understand, parts for Acorn lathes of this age are very hard/ none existent, but since it's similar to the Atlas, parts may be interchangable.

@richardnineteenfortyone7542 4 years ago

Rust removal: restored an ancient bench plane that had been in rain and snow for at least 10 years using white vinegar. Took it apart with WD-40, then washed in hot water with strong detergent to get off all oil and allow the vinegar to reach all surfaces. Rinsed all the parts and put them into a wooden box lined with a garbage bag. Filled the box with white vinegar from Costco and let it soak for about 3 days. The rust became a gray sludge that was easily brushed off under hot water. You want hot rinse water for quick drying to avoid new rust. When all was dry, the results were amazing-- the parts looked like new (except for the badly pitted blade). This is less work and is more gentle than wire brushing and reaches into difficult corners that are hard to reach with wire brushing.

@Mucidamascusblades 4 years ago

That came out pretty awesome. I would look for a gear box for this model as it can save you lots of time changing feed rates and threads. One thing you would need absolutely is a vfd. Changing spindle speed is crucial. Have fun with it in the meantime!!

@rallymax2 5 years ago

Great job and a great way to get familiar with lathes in general. I also really appreciate that you share your mistakes and learn from them.

@WoodworkingforAnyone 2 years ago (edited)

Disclaimer: I promise I'm not fishing for views as my channel is very small, still corny, and mostly about wood working. I just wanted to say I have recently started filming my restorations and it has given me so much respect for people who do it well. Man is it a pain in the neck to get good shots sometimes. Or a job that would take two seconds has to wait for this this and this to get the shot. Tldr: good job i appreciate it. Oh and thanks for showing the lathe restoration too, i am getting its twin tomorrow. Almost forgot why i came here :)

@Tom-j6k 10 months ago

The drum switch allows for forward and reverse rotation of the headstock.

@patblanzy8653 1 year ago

I love it when someone with technical aptitude isn't afraid to tackle a project where he's not an expert. Great job on finding ways to solve the various problems you faced and the more challenging issues that arose when some of your solutions went south. Well done!.

@davidsmyth5770 2 years ago

I just found this beautiful rebuild of a lathe I've had since 1996. It was my father-in-laws, and his father and bought prior to WW II. I have almost all the original equipment that came with it including the extra set of gears and the woodworking plate. I need a larger chuck as mine is only 6 inches across the face.

I agree with one of the prior comments that this is newer than 1937 as mine was purchased in 1938 and that is the date on the original users manual. The motor mount is of models in the late 40's or early 50's, if not later. Also the original color was a battleship gray. Whoever did the prior rehap, painted it the blue and the Craftsman plate was red with black raised letters.

I also agree with a prior comment to use the direction option built on the lathe so the direction won't unscrew the chuck off the main shaft or the jawed chuck off.

Mine is still original from the 30's due to the care of my FIL and his dad. Being family owned and used has kept it in great shape and I'm learning more on it every time I use it. I just wish my FIL was still here to guide me along in learning more than what I have now as he was a master machinist. I retired from the Air Force in 1997 and we returned to Pittsburgh, PA in October. We lost my FIL in 2000.and I never had time to set it up correctly until recently for a project. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos to try and fill the gap and enjoyed your rebuild greatly. Thanks! MSgt David R. Smyth, USAF, Ret.