Not sure what you mean by "tool restoration" but if it includes machining of welded items then you'll want a heavier lathe than an Atlas as an interrupted cut (particularly a weld bead) will shake the little Atlas and shatter expensive carbide inserts. A steady-rest made for that machine should be there too even if you can't envision when you'll use it (you likely will). A QC gearbox is almost mandatory, changing gears is a PITA. There's plenty to be said for more tooling included in the purchase price but it all depends upon what you intend to do with the lathe. I've never met anybody that had regrets on purchasing a better made lathe but heard from plenty that wish they hadn't purchased a light duty machine. Sooner or later a task will appear that calls for heavier cuts on a sturdier machine. If you think you'll move in a decade or so then buy lighter machinery that can be moved when you're older and not in the same physical shape you're in now.Īn Atlas is only good for very light cuts, as has been mentioned before.
I've done this and moving an entire machine shop is not a pleasant task. Also to consider is whether you'll ever have to sell your house to move to another. I say this because when the time comes to quite cranking machine handles have you gotten enough enough out if it to warrant the expense? If you have many years ahead of you then buy the heaviest machine that's still in good shape. If you're young-ish (under 40) then you have many years to use the machine. What should be considered is how many years you'll expect to be using this. Just an opinion as a machinist for over 40 years.
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