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Atlas 10-inch "Unit Plan" Lathes
Early models as made circa 1934
Click here for LATER UNIT PLAN Models
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The aim of marketing the "Unit Plan" lathes (as distinct from the company's Utility Models) was to have system whereby the impecunious owner could start with a basic but functional lathe in non-backgeared, plain-turning form and then add, as funds became available, all the items necessary - motor countershaft unit, backgear and screwcutting attachment - to turn it into a fully specified machine.
The range was based at first on the 9-inch compound V-belt drive lathes but with the swing increased to 10 inches and a countershaft, when fitted, resembling that fitted to the first of the later 10-inch screwcutting lathes. The model available encompassed a basic machine, the $39.50 10A, with a plain slide rest, no rack feed along the bed and no backgear or countershaft unit (this lathe was also the basis for a new range of wood-turning lathes that were introduced by Sears, Roebuck in 1935 and sold under their
Craftsman label). The $49.25 Model 10B added a complete 8-speed countershaft unit but retained the non-backgeared spindle and plain compound-slide rest whilst the $54.75 10C was, in effect the fully specified ($87.50) model less the screwcutting equipment. All versions were available with between-centres' capacities of 18", 24", 30" and 36" and a choice of plain (babbit) or, at an additional cost of $18.50, Timken tapered roller bearings in the headstock
The countershaft assembly was $12.50; a rack-and-pinion drive for the carriage from $13 to $13.75 (depending on bed length);  the 10C-type compound slide $9.85; a backgear assembly $8.35 and  the screwcutting attachment with changewheel set, reversing gearbox and bracket from $12.75 for the shortest-bed version to $15.95 for the longest.
The next range of "Unit Plan" lathes were offered at lower prices and based on the much improved 10-inch lathe with a "ribbed" front to headstock casting..

The basic machine in the "Unit Plan" range was the $39.50 Model 10A with a plain compound slide that featured a long-travel top slide, no rack feed along the bed and no backgear or countershaft unit.
This lathe was also the basis for a new range of wood-turning lathes that were introduced by Sears, Roebuck in 1935 and sold under their
Craftsman label.

The $49.25 Model 10B added a complete 8-speed countershaft unit but retained the non-backgeared spindle and plain compound-slide rest. 

A payment of $54.75 secured the 10C that was, in effect the fully specified ($82.50) model but without its screwcutting equipment. Because this lathe had a rack-and-pinion carriage feed the compound slide (with its shorter-travel top slide) was from the screwcutting model.
Click HERE for details of later-type "Unit plan" Atlas lathes.


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E-MAIL   Tony@lathes.co.uk

Atlas 10-inch "Unit Plan" Lathes
Early (1934) Models
Click here for LATER UNIT PLAN Models
Atlas Home   Atlas 6"    Atlas 6" Mk. 2   6" Accessories    Atlas 9"     Atlas 10"   
10" & 12" Accessories   10" Gearbox details    Pick-o-Matic Threading    Atlas Late Model 12"    Utility Lathes   Catalog Covers   Atlas Factory   Early Basic 10" Model   Later Basic 10" Models   Sphere Clone   Halifax Clone