Subject: Re: Fair price for Atlas 12x36 lathe ??

From: NJRich <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 06 Dec 1996 21:10:23 -0800

Glenn Goens wrote:
> 
> I'd like to solicit opinions as to a fair price for an Atlas 12x36 lathe.
> The lathe in question is to be offered at auction later this month in
> Cincinnati, OH.  The description of the lathe in the auction flyer reads
> as follows:
> 
> " 12" x 36" atlas Model 3996 Cabinet Type Engine Lathe; s/n 106622,
>   6" 3-jaw chuck, collets and draw bar, 16 spindle speeds 28-2072 RPM "
> 
> Considering the nature of the auction (bankruptcy sale) it is doubtful
> that the machine can be inspected under power.  The machine was used
> in an industrial setting by an electronic equipment manufacturer.  This
> is the largest lathe that is listed (the others are a 10x24 South Bend
> and a 9x18 Hardinge) for the auction.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Glenn Goens -- [email-masked],

I bought one recently from an old sailor for $475.00. It is a beautiful
looking machine, especially since he dissambled it cleaned it up and 
painted it. I am in the process of installing it and finally checking
it out. To me it is a very easy to service machine however time 
consuming.
Oh yes, one thing about pre-inspecting is that it's very easy to 
determine wear on those flat ways. You can see it or feel by running
you fingers on the ways.
This is my fourth metal lathe purchase and I think if I had the chance
to go back to lathe number one, that I would buy a Myford or Emco Maier
and forget about monkeying with the used lathe. Yet I appreciate the 
learning experience I'm going through. Since my little shop has a 
vertical mill, a small horizontal mill and a drill press and etc, I
will monkey with those but the lathe is key and would rather have that 
one as flawless as possible. I hope this helps some way.

All the best!
Rich

---

From: Glenn Goens <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 6 Dec 1996 14:07:58 -0500

Thanks

Glenn Goens -- [email-masked]

---

From: [email-masked](Dave Ficken)
Date: 9 Dec 1996 00:59:08 GMT

In <[email-masked]> Glenn
Goens <[email-masked]> writes: 
> This is the largest lathe that is listed (the others are a 10x24
South Bend and a 9x18 Hardinge) for the auction.
Sorry for not jumping right in on this and similar posts, I am busy
moving my entire store- pretty much by myself.
Several things listed in the description make this machine desirable.
1) the 36" center distance is a desirable feature.
2) The collets and collet closer are worth some money as an accessory.
3) A cabinet model is more desirable (read valuable) to many users.
Assuming the lathe has a quick change gear box and is in good
condition, it can be worth between $850 and $1500 or more. The range is
for good to excellent condition and depends on several other factors.
These factors include how bad you really want or need the machine, how
scarce such machines are in your part of the country, and how many
accessories are included. 
 While the Atlas is the *biggest* machine listed, don't miss
considering the Southbend or the Hardinge. I wouldn't consider trading
my 10"x18" Southbend for a 12"x36" Atlas.
 You should be able to find out enough info about the condition of the
machine without running it. I rarely if ever get to run machines before
I buy them.
  Once you get to the auction, determine what you want to pay for the
machine long before the bidding starts. If the machine goes over the
amount walk away. That way you will avoid "auction fever" and its
expensive aftermath.
Good Luck

Dave Ficken
Meridian Machinery
http://hre.com/meridian