identify old lathe

[Snallygaster]

Hello,
I am new to this so please excuse my ignorance on anything. I just bought an old lathe. I know a little about it from looking online. I think it is an early version of a 9 inch atlas or craftsman. I will try and post pics. All the part numbers on the lathe start with 9. The number on the bed is 3865. There is also the power switch that says metalcraft and copyright 1933. GThose are the only numbers on it. I also need help with the belt sizes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all very much.

 

[dtsh]

Just a guess, but looks like a Craftsman/Atlas to me with the flat ways.
My old Seneca Falls used leather belts, but when my last one broke, I switched over to serpentine belts, much better power transfer, but I can't tell if that takes flat belts or some sort of v-belting.

 

[CluelessNewB]

Early Atlas!

http://www.lathes.co.uk/atlas/page7.html

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=14047

 

[Snallygaster]

Just a guess, but looks like a Craftsman/Atlas to me with the flat ways.
My old Seneca Falls used leather belts, but when my last one broke, I switched over to serpentine belts, much better power transfer, but I can't tell if that takes flat belts or some sort of v-belting.

It takes v belts. I have been trying to fiqure out the sizes. I think they are 30" and 31" from what i have seen online but im not sure.

 

[Snallygaster]

Early Atlas!

Thats what I was thinking to from what I have seen online. I wasnt sure how old though.

 

[dtsh]

It takes v belts. I have been trying to fiqure out the sizes. I think they are 30" and 31" from what i have seen online but im not sure.

I've had fair luck using a bit of rope or old belting to wrap around and measure the length. Is there an idler or whatnot to take up the slack? You last pic shows what looks like an arm the motor assembly appears to be mounted to, but I can't see for certain. If so, I'd take it to it's minimum adjustment, measure from there and get a belt just a tad longer so that it's snug when the slack it taken up.

 

[CluelessNewB]

Manual:

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/20077.pdf

Another version with parts list:

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/222/18022.pdf

 

[LF_WS]

That looks to be an Atlas lathe, marketed by Sears under the Metalcraft name in the early 1930s. Check the VIntageMachinery site:
-Metalcraft Late
-1932 Sears Catalog (PDF page 16, paper pages 28-29)

 

[Superburban]

Thats one of the first lathes I worked on, a few lifetimes ago.

In case the belts and pulleys confuse you, the two on the right, are a belt version of a back gear. The others are for ca]hanging the speeds, like one would think.

 

[Snallygaster]

Thank you to everyone for the information. It has been very helpful, especially the manuals. Are these lathes from the early 30's rare or pretty common? I noticed that the bracket is broke that holds the lead screw. I guess this is a common problem. Does anyone know where to get one of these, either aftermarket or original. I would make one , but i am a newb. Lol. I love the thought of eventually being able to do that though. I added a pic of the bracket. Thanks again for all the help.