Tool Talk

Woodworking Forum => Woodworking Forum => Topic started by: DarrinCC on April 08, 2012, 10:10:30 AM

Title: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: DarrinCC on April 08, 2012, 10:10:30 AM

I picked this up Sat at a garage sale 5 houses down. I didn't even know the guy. This was his grandfathers set. I bought everything for 80 bucks. The lathe is in great working shape and all original. The tools in the original box speak for themselves. Everything has the same logo so I wonder if it came as a set? It made my day since I have been collecting old Craftsman woodworking tools for about a year or so now. Anyone have a good idea on age?

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: m_fumich on April 08, 2012, 10:36:00 AM

Holy Cow. That's a top notch find.

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: john k on April 08, 2012, 10:52:38 AM

The tools are in a wooden box?  Much sign of use?   I'm impressed all to pieces on a buy like that.  I just know the underlined Craftsman script and the wooden box possibly predates WWII.  How fast did you get the cash out?

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: scottg on April 08, 2012, 11:41:53 AM

I am thinking right around wartime though.  No earlier.
It has a die cast zinc tailstock handle.

 Its got bronze bushing as opposed to ball bearings. Oilcups give that away.
 So its not much newer than wartime either. 

 I'm guessing 40's. Just after the war probably.
 yours Scott

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: johnsironsanctuary on April 08, 2012, 11:49:09 AM

I am sooooooo jealous! That is BEAUTIFUL!! Nice score!! I vote for a you suck award! 80 Bucks??

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: Dakota Woodworker on April 08, 2012, 01:37:43 PM

That's a great score!  I've looked into those old Chraftsman lathes a bit . Yours is probably from the 40s,  this site, http://www.yankeetoys.org/lee/craftsman-sold.htm  has several craftsman lathes from the 30s 0n up.  Lee has restored them and has a lot of info there.  Pretty cool that you got the tools too.  I'll bet they were purchased at the same time he bought the lathe.

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: rusty on April 08, 2012, 02:50:39 PM

Made by Atlas Press Co, could be as old as 1934, no later than the 50's, other people were making Craftsman's wood lathes by then.

Nice well behaved lathe, just keep your fingers out of the speed change box when it's running ;P

And you stole it.....

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: BruceS on April 08, 2012, 03:27:55 PM

Ditto the made by Atlas,  I have an Atlas and it is a twin.

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: Papaw on April 08, 2012, 06:52:18 PM

That IS a suckage class score!

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: geneg on April 08, 2012, 07:58:59 PM

Its even worse than that!  It was only 5 houses away- 

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: DarrinCC on April 08, 2012, 10:30:30 PM

Thanks for the info guys. What type of oil do you suggest I use to lube it? Thanks again everyone!

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: DarrinCC on April 08, 2012, 10:32:59 PM

The tools don't seem to have much use and are razor sharp. I found that out the hard way with a nice little slice on the end of my finger. haha. It won't keep me home from work but damn whoever sharpend them was a pro. The box is wooden and seems to be in great shape:)

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: Branson on April 09, 2012, 10:16:25 AM

Quote from: john k on April 08, 2012, 10:52:38 AM

The tools are in a wooden box?  Much sign of use?   I'm impressed all to pieces on a buy like that.  I just know the underlined Craftsman script and the wooden box possibly predates WWII.  How fast did you get the cash out?

I recognize the box.  Amertrac posted a picture of one fairly recently, and I've seen two or three on eBay.  I hope I can find one someday at a price I'm willing to pay -- I have a set of the C-man lathe tools, boxless, that came with my ShopSmith.

Very cool find!

Title: Re: Vintage Craftsman Lathe and tools:)
Post by: JessEm on April 11, 2012, 06:49:58 PM

Score. I love old tools, especially old machines. Awesome deal.