The Shop > Tools

New Old Shaper - Atlas 7b

(1/9) > >>

rockknocker:
6 months ago, my Brother bought a hobby machine shop from a family trying to liquidate a deceased family member's posessions. A small metal shaper came along with the shop and tickled my fancy, so I bought it off of him.

I believe I've identified it as an Atlas 7b. I have not deciphered the serial number yet, so I don't know its history. Everything turns and slides freely, although the vertical slide has a lot of resistance. I'm not sure if the resistance is in the slide or somewhere else. The electric motor may need to be replaced, we plugged it in to test it out and while it did turn, it emitted a lot of sparks from the rear vent, so we stopped and unplugged immediately.

I plan to (1) get the shaper operational and safe to run, (2) use it long enough to determine if it's something I'd like to keep, and (3a) sell it or (3b) restore it for my own use. Based on my internet research up to now, I'm leaning towards keeping it. While they are widely considered obsolete and inferior to modern mills (a subject of much debate), they are very cheap to operate and are neat to watch! Plus, it doesn't take up much floor space.

rockknocker:
I'd like to point out that I'm inexperienced with shapers in any form. If anybody sees something I'm missing or has a tidbit of information I should know, I welcome any comments!

First, some observations about the machine.
* The slides are all in good shape visually, but have been sitting unused for a long time.
* The ram dovetail slides are in similar shape.
* No major rust, the machine was oiled up good before sitting.
* Everything moves like I think it's supposed to if I move the pully by hand.
* A slight grinding noise comes from the motor when turned (never a good sign).
* The longitudinal table feed is in good shape (from the outside), the ratchet assembly works and the housing is not cracked.
* The belt covers appear to be non-stock, but are well made and I don't think they look bad on the machine.
* All other covers are present and accounted for.
* I can't get the table support to move more than 1/4", not sure if I'm loosening it incorrectly or if it's just stuck.
* The drive shaft is lubricated with grease using cup-type dispensers. The grease is partially dried out.
* The paint is not original and is flaking in several places. A fingernail can scrape it off in some places.
* The original table is in good shape.
* The wiring is in bad shape, with insulation flaking off in several places to expose bare copper.

I'll note further observations as I go along.

All in all, this isn't too bad for a tool that hasn't been used in a long time.

tomrux:
repairing an old shaper myself.
One word of warning. be very aware of it when running. possibly one of the most mesmerising machines to watch working.

there is things these machines do easier than a mill and as you say nowhere near the tooling costs.
A sturdy vice and some general lathe tools and you are making chips.

Tom R

vtsteam:
I have one yet to be restored (this summer, maybe?).

Interested to see your progress! Here's a good source for info:

http://www.wentztech.com/metalworking/equipment/altas-shaper/

nrml:

--- Quote from: tomrux on February 26, 2015, 02:53:33 AM ---
One word of warning. be very aware of it when running. possibly one of the most mesmerising machines to watch working.


--- End quote ---

Tell me about it! I saw a video of a shaper while randomly browsing the interweb after having had a few too many and I had a 'I've got to get me one of those' moments. So I trundled over to ebay still wearing my beer goggles and I ended up buying an Alba 1A for far more than what it is worth. The only saving grace is that it was in a pretty decent condition mechanically for it's age. I've learnt my lesson about not mixing ebay with alcohol.

There is something really satisfying about using the shaper even if it is just whittling down a piece of metal to size. It has a very steampunk appeal for me. Unless I crash and break it, I will definitely get my money's worth of pleasure using it despite the price I paid.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page