I vote yard art and would consider a gearbox and indexable toolpost must haves to warrant shop space.

Originally Posted by Hotrod Lincoln
I'm about to modify one of my 12 inch swing Atlas/Craftsman lathes by raising the headstock, tool post, and tailstock by 3 inches so I can swing a bigger faceplate- - - -16 inches, I believe. I plan to use that one for refacing flywheels and boring the big ends of Babbit connecting rods for insert bearings.
Jerry

This is exactly the opposite of using the right tool for the job. Every modification described is destructive to rigidity so results will speak for themselves. Atlas/Craftsman lathes are banned from discussion on the Practical Machinist forum as they are considered home shop hobby machines and not serious metal cutting equipment used by professionals.

1952 1300 Canadian 1/2 ton restomod
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