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Atlas/Craftsman Serial Numbers and Bearing Dates (if applicable) For Database Entries
- Thread starter wa5cab
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2011
- Messages
- 10,511
I guess that someone already clued you in to the fact that full access to Downloads requires Donor status (any level). If you click on the Donations tab in the main tool bar, you will see a chart with the details.
Also, the bed length is measured as LOA. So it includes the roughly 18" under the head stock. Your machine has a 54" bed.
You will find the users & parts manual sorted with 101.27430 (the 12x24 version). Note that other than the presence of a QCGB, the 101.27430 and 101.27440 are the same as the change gear 101.07403. The first and only original illustrated part list on the 3/8" bed 12" lathes with or without QCGB dates from 1951. I have been "building" illustrated parts lists on the earlier 12" but have only completed two or three.
You will find instructions for using Downloads in a file in the Sticky area at top of the Atlas forum, and in the general instructions for using the site.
The part of the scroll (half-nut actuator) that should stick out the front of the apron could be sheared off but shearing it off should have damaged the apron, which I see no sign of. It is more likely that someone removed the actuator lever and pushed the scroll back. The scroll and lever were made two different ways. Most had the lever retained by peening the shaft in place. Later ones had internal threads in the end of the shaft and the lever was retained by an oval head (rack & Panel) machine screw. Assuming that the shaft is not broken off, modify the shaft and lever and retain with a screw.
Also, the bed length is measured as LOA. So it includes the roughly 18" under the head stock. Your machine has a 54" bed.
You will find the users & parts manual sorted with 101.27430 (the 12x24 version). Note that other than the presence of a QCGB, the 101.27430 and 101.27440 are the same as the change gear 101.07403. The first and only original illustrated part list on the 3/8" bed 12" lathes with or without QCGB dates from 1951. I have been "building" illustrated parts lists on the earlier 12" but have only completed two or three.
You will find instructions for using Downloads in a file in the Sticky area at top of the Atlas forum, and in the general instructions for using the site.
The part of the scroll (half-nut actuator) that should stick out the front of the apron could be sheared off but shearing it off should have damaged the apron, which I see no sign of. It is more likely that someone removed the actuator lever and pushed the scroll back. The scroll and lever were made two different ways. Most had the lever retained by peening the shaft in place. Later ones had internal threads in the end of the shaft and the lever was retained by an oval head (rack & Panel) machine screw. Assuming that the shaft is not broken off, modify the shaft and lever and retain with a screw.
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2011
- Messages
- 10,511
No and yes. Yes, you gave me enough info to add the machine to the database.
But no, this is not an early fifties machine. The first 12" Craftsman lathes appeared in the 1936 power tools catalog. These were the 101.07360 (no back gears) and the 101.07380 (came with back gears installed). These both had babbit spindle bearings and the externally visible characteristic was a fabricated change gear cover and an electrical junction box mounted on the fixed portion of the change gear cover,. The following catalog year (1937) these two became 101.07361 and 101.07381. The cast cover appeared, the motor switch was moved to a hole in the front of the headstock and the junction box wasn't used. There were some other changes, too. And the first Timken bearing model appeared, the 101.07400. There does not appear to have ever been a Timken equipped model without back gears.
In 1938 they were 101.07362, 101.07382 and 101.101.07401.
In 1939 they were 101.07383 and 101.07402. The same year the 10F was introduced and I think all models got the new change gears with the longer hub. I think also that the model without back gears was dropped. At least no 101.07363 have ever turned up.
Anyway, your machine was probably built in 1939.
But no, this is not an early fifties machine. The first 12" Craftsman lathes appeared in the 1936 power tools catalog. These were the 101.07360 (no back gears) and the 101.07380 (came with back gears installed). These both had babbit spindle bearings and the externally visible characteristic was a fabricated change gear cover and an electrical junction box mounted on the fixed portion of the change gear cover,. The following catalog year (1937) these two became 101.07361 and 101.07381. The cast cover appeared, the motor switch was moved to a hole in the front of the headstock and the junction box wasn't used. There were some other changes, too. And the first Timken bearing model appeared, the 101.07400. There does not appear to have ever been a Timken equipped model without back gears.
In 1938 they were 101.07362, 101.07382 and 101.101.07401.
In 1939 they were 101.07383 and 101.07402. The same year the 10F was introduced and I think all models got the new change gears with the longer hub. I think also that the model without back gears was dropped. At least no 101.07363 have ever turned up.
Anyway, your machine was probably built in 1939.
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2011
- Messages
- 10,511
So far we have no firm dating on the 101.07301. However, based on the current highest known serial # of 30965, probably 32000 were made between about 1939/01 and about 1957/07/01.
Based on a simple straight line calculation, yours would have been made around mid 1947. However, production probably dropped at the end of WW-II so that might push yours back to say mid 1945.
Based on a simple straight line calculation, yours would have been made around mid 1947. However, production probably dropped at the end of WW-II so that might push yours back to say mid 1945.
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I just bought a Master Craftsman badged lathe. I'm still going over it in fine detail. So far I can confirm there's a stamping on the operator side of the bed near the tailstock. It's stamped MODEL NO. 101-L5A 4016S. The bed is 36". It's an odd combination, a 12" lathe with 18" between centers. It has 8 speed belt drive, babbitt bearings, no back gears, no quick change. It has the square feet, and the oval faceplate around the on/off switch. It's a cast change gear cover door, hinged at the back, with a 96T threading chart (part L5-28A).
It's got 2 mil slop horizontally and 4 mil vertically in the front bearing. There's still at least one shim left, so I'll be pulling the bearing caps soon. Otherwise it seems in decent condition. The previous owner added a tachometer, and the motor is an Emerson 1/3 hp with a fabricated steel mounting bracket added, but otherwise looks stock. It doesn't look like it was repainted but I still can't find a model/serial plate.
It's got 2 mil slop horizontally and 4 mil vertically in the front bearing. There's still at least one shim left, so I'll be pulling the bearing caps soon. Otherwise it seems in decent condition. The previous owner added a tachometer, and the motor is an Emerson 1/3 hp with a fabricated steel mounting bracket added, but otherwise looks stock. It doesn't look like it was repainted but I still can't find a model/serial plate.
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By the way, this discussion was a key part of my research in deciding to buy this lathe. I've read enough on this site to know modern lathes in this price range take a lot of work to make them even functional. Knowing how many Atlas Craftsman lathes are in service and that parts are mostly available really helped. Restoring and using an antique will give me some satisfaction as well.