![atlas lathe forum atlas lathe forum](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50492270668_ef0193edd7_z.jpg)
I know that's kind of a broad topic post, but any input or explanation on why the Atlas seems to have such a bad wrap (and ways of fixing it) would be welcome. If I can do that while building a stand, more the better!
![atlas lathe forum atlas lathe forum](https://i.pinimg.com/474x/69/00/20/690020455201be3fc1d2681fdfdea9ad.jpg)
I'm not looking to turn out high precision work with the old atlas, but I would like to get the most out of it that I can. Would be a while before it happens anyways, the budget can only take so much stretching and I'm buying a new welder this month also (Millermatic 211). I'm not doing production stuff so ease and speed of changing tools is not a high priority, but would probably be a welcome addition in the convenience dept. I was also thinking of eventually changing out the "lantern" tool holder for a QCTP, but am unsure if that wold do anything for accuracy or not. I'd probably be tossing it even if it did.
![atlas lathe forum atlas lathe forum](http://shdesigns.org/Craftsman-12x36/lathe.jpg)
The guy I'm buying it from has it mounted on a rather nasty looking 2x4 and plywood arrangement and I don't think it even comes with the lathe. I will have to build a stand for my atlas either way. I like the ease of access to the chip tray, I like the added space under the hand wheels, I like the way it manages dripping oil (or coolant if I ever build that) and if it actually does add a degree of stiffness to the lathe for greater accuracy, I'm sold. I need to build a stand for the atlas and I was thinking I like a lot of the things this gent mentions with a "beam" mounting: Or perhaps it's only "flexible" when compared to a 3000 lb dedicated shop type lathe? Is it the ways that are "flexible"? or is it in the cross slide? the head? I say flexibility since that seems to be the major thing that is usually pointed out. Now, I still haven't picked mine up (10X36 or maybe a 42, remains to be seen) but I would like to address any "flexibility" items while I'm cleaning, restoring and setting it up. Generally, I find the Atlas lathes are put down by professionals and sort "damned with faint praise" by hobbyists (IE:it's good enough).