New Guy Questions

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tinnerjohn

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After wanting a lathe for as long as I can remember, I found an Atlas 612 with the change gears, a 4 jaw chuck,Faceplate. dogs and centers, as well as a straight and left toolholder and bits. Can anyone point me in the right direction for a cutoff tool holder to fit this? Eventually I'd like to upgrade to a quick change tool post, but for now I'm using what I have. Also, can anyone suggest a good book on basic machine shop practices (layout, drilling, turning etc.) 40 or 50 years ago the local library had a bunch, now I need to refresh my memory, they aren't there. Thanks for any help you can give, John
 
It is hard to go wrong with a copy of "How to run a Lathe" by South Bend Lathe Company, that covers the basics of running a lathe.
 
Hi John, congratulations on your new lathe! Does it use the standard lantern tool post and Armstrong tool holders? If so, here's some cut-off tools available on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sop=1&_nkw=armstrong+lathe+cut+off&_frs=1&_jsoff=1

But, with that said, I would consider bitting the bullet and purchase a QCTP for under $100. It will be the best upgrade you can do and will make your life a lot easier learning and using.

On machine shop practices, some of your best information can be gotten here on the forum. Below are some references of links and books, which might be of interest.

I do not have any general purpose machine shop practices, except for an Army Manual on Machine Work.
Downloadable PDF:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Basic-machining-informationtextbooks/

For lathes:
http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_to_use_a_lathe.htm

Grinding your own lathe tools:
http://sherline.com/Wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/grinding.pdf

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Here's a list of books that can be purchased.

Machine Shop Trade Secrets I've been told is good:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0831132272/

Machine Shop Essentials:
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Shop-Essentials-Questions-Answers/dp/0975996339/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51U7YHBpjjL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL480_SR336,480_&refRID=04HSG5PRRRAXBCMFPSNM

I'm referencing lathe type books here.

How To Run A Lathe: For The Beginner: How To Erect, Care For And Operate A Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
South Bend Lathe Works

How to Run a Lathe; The Care and Operation of a Screw Cutting Lathe
O'Brien, John Joseph

Basic Lathework for Home Machinists
Bray, Stan

Care and Operation of a Lathe
Co, Sheldon Machine

Metal Lathe for Home Machinists
Hall, Harold

The South Bend is a classic.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I have the South Bend book and downloaded the Atlas MOLO as well as everything else I've come across on the net. In addition to having a tool addiction, I'm also addicted to technical reference books, especially those prior to 1980 or so. The Audels book and the Starrett and Brown & Sharpe books I have are useful also. John
 
I first ran into one of these in 1973 and have wanted one ever since. In 2013 I was at an auction where one in pieces in a box was offered. It was all there so I bid on it and got it cheap. Not because I needed it but because I wanted it. That cuteness factor you know.

You probably should subscribe to the 618 news group on yahoo.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/atlas618lathe/info

They also have a files section with lots of info for beginners.

On youtube there is a series of 11 videos called "Journey to Journeyman" by a complete beginner using a 618. He includes his mistakes as well as his successes so you might learn alot.
https://www.youtube.com/user/jster1963/videos

More general youtube videos for beginners are posted by:
mrpete222: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrpete222/playlists
and
THATLAZYMACHINIST ( He talks very slow. I recommend playing his videos back at 150% or 200% speed until you reach something you have to think about.):
https://www.youtube.com/user/THATLAZYMACHINIST/playlists
 
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