Aug 02, 2016 Looks like a standard Atlas 12-36, probably 1950s or earlier. There should be a builder's plate on the end of the bed, that would provide a serial number for tracing the history. The truth of condition lies in the flatness of the bed and compound ways, and if the gears have survived. Also, what type and condition of the spindle bearings. Range of Hercus 9' (Inch) Lathes The standard range of Hercus lathe is made in 3 basic models, A, B & C. With the exception of feed and thread cutting mechanism all 3 models are identical. All models are available with either plain or roller bearings and standard or long bed series. Looks like a standard Atlas 12-36, probably 1950s or earlier. There should be a builder's plate on the end of the bed, that would provide a serial number for tracing the history. The truth of condition lies in the flatness of the bed and compound ways, and if the gears have survived. Also, what type and condition of the spindle bearings. Thanks to Robert Downs in the United States, a single example of a hitherto unknown version of the late-model Atlas has come to light, a Model 12700 with the serial number 106462 - a lathe in all respects identical to the 3995/3996.
See Full List On Vintagemachinery.org
Finding the date of manufacture for a Clausing?
#217 Does anyone know of a decoder for the serial number, online data base or other means of learning the history of a specific machine? Does Clausing keep these records and will they respond to an email requesting this information? I know some brands are very easy to find this kind of info. My Logan for example, I was able to get the date of manufacture and even the purchaser (in my case just a machine retailer so nothing too cool although based on where I got it, I know it didn't go to far from that first sale). I've been looking for a while, as I'd like to know the approximate age of my 8520. Just kind of fun to know a machines history. I haven't emailed Clausing, as I don't see anything on their site suggesting that they do this and as a fairly large company there are lots of different emails, so even if they do good luck sending it to the right one. Logan clearly offers that information at their website. |
#218 I suspect they can give you year of manufacture if you give serial number as they continued making changes on the 5900 series lathes at least. Parts information is specific to machines before or after certain serial numbers. I've purchased some parts for my 5914 and they've been courteous and helpful. Not so sure about place and date of sale. I know mine went to Portland OR retailer and from there to Portland School District where it spent its life serving in shop classes. That information came from the shop teacher when they sold a half dozen 5914s in Summer of 2019. Jerry Does anyone know of a decoder for the serial number, online data base or other means of learning the history of a specific machine? Does Clausing keep these records and will they respond to an email requesting this information? |
#219 Well Scott Logan who runs the Logan site is a descendant of the founder of Logan lathes. (Grandson I think). He has a passion to preserve the legacy of his namesake and he has the family business records of manufacture and sales up until the time the company was sold to Powermatic. Good luck trying to find mfg date and sales info on Powermatic branded Logans. Date by S/N is a best guess. Same goes for probably all corporate brands. Best you will do is year by serial number range. And that is mostly to keep up with revisions and redesigns. |
#220 I realize Logan is kind of an anomaly, as I understand it the lathe department is simply a courtesy to owners of the lathe that bears his family name. Probably more passion and hobby on his part than a serious business. All the real money is in elevator parts or something. I actually do have a late 1970s Powermatic by Logan and he was still able to provide me with the manufacture date and who it was sold to. Scott Logan is pretty serious about supporting lathes that bear the Logan name even those painted green with a Powermatic prefix. Atlas / Craftsman lathes and mills seem to have some pretty detailed listing of serial numbers largely compiled by owners / fans of those machines. I really wouldn't expect Clausing to keep records going back 30-40+ years, but thought others might have found resources to help date their machines whether direct from the company or a user made resource. |
#221 I got the year of manufacture of my 5449 lathe by sending email to info@clausingsc.com. I also posted it on the Vintage Machinery serial number registry (http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=182&tab=5), where you might find useful information. -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Jim Frame jhframe@dcn.org 530.756.8584 Frame Surveying & Mapping 609 A Street Davis, CA 95616 -----------------------< Davis Community Network >------------------- |
#222 Here are a couple of data points. One owner said his serial no. 3355 was purchased in 1961. My serial 3574 was purchased in 1963 from a short lived firm that probably bought it in late 1962 or early 1963. Bruce -----Original Message----- From: Aaron Woods <awoods550@...> To: clausingusers <clausingusers@groups.io> Sent: Wed, Dec 18, 2019 3:41 pm Subject: [clausingusers] Finding the date of manufacture for a Clausing? Does anyone know of a decoder for the serial number, online data base or other means of learning the history of a specific machine? Does Clausing keep these records and will they respond to an email requesting this information? I know some brands are very easy to find this kind of info. My Logan for example, I was able to get the date of manufacture and even the purchaser (in my case just a machine retailer so nothing too cool although based on where I got it, I know it didn't go to far from that first sale). I've been looking for a while, as I'd like to know the approximate age of my 8520. Just kind of fun to know a machines history. I haven't emailed Clausing, as I don't see anything on their site suggesting that they do this and as a fairly large company there are lots of different emails, so even if they do good luck sending it to the right one. Logan clearly offers that information at their website. |
#223 You might try the serial number registry at Vintage Machinery. It's hit-or-miss, but sometimes you get lucky and at least get close. |
#224 AAron, Call Clausings in Kalamazoo, Mi. They have the info for just about all the lathes there, I got the info on my 1942 MK3 12' when it was sold and to whom it was sold, HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH TH FOLKS AT CLAUSINGS, Good luck sir |
#225 Hi Jerry. toggle quoted messageShow quoted textInteresting that some high school shop equipment was sold. I’m in Hillsboro and I missed that. Of course, we all prefer that the school shops all stay open, but if they are selling, I’m buying. Any tips on upcoming sales or other opportunities? Regards, On Dec 18, 2019, at 4:52 PM, Jerry Brown <jerome1@...> wrote:
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#226 Hi Bill, The High School was replacing the Clausings which dated back to about mid 1980s if I remember. They bought new Jet brand Lathes so Vocational Education will continue in select high schools in the Portland OR. area. I think the District concentrates Voc. Ed. in three high schools in the School District. The Clausings were pretty well worn and new parts are getting harder to find but some wear items like cross feed screws and nuts and lead screw can be sourced directly from Clausing. I don't remember just where I heard/read about the sale but it was most likely Craigslist. I jumped on it as soon as I read it and got there the first hour the first day the machines were available. I asked the shop teacher which was the best lathe even though all of them had some obvious problems. He was helpful in pointing out two of the six or so that were for sale as being in the best condition. I was not totally comfortable just seeing them run and listening for issues but other buyers were coming into the shop area so I made a quick decision and am glad I did. Other Government entities sell their surplus equipment through their own surplus sales. In Oregon there is a State agency that handles surplus sales in Salem. If you search Google for Oregon Surplus Sales you can find them. Surplus Federal equipment is sold in WA. at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma. There is generally machining and fabricating equipment available at both State and Federal sales. You just have to search the Internet for the locations and then read the upcoming sales notices on a regular basis. I think other States handle their surplus sales in much the same way but an hour or less on the computer will provide the information you need. The biggest issue with these sales is the equipment is generally not under power and you have to be willing to take a risk that it operates. Good luck in your search. I assume you check ebay and craigslist regularly as there is always equipment for sale on them. Jerry Hi Jerry. |
#227 Thanks Jerry. toggle quoted messageShow quoted textI really appreciate your thoughtful response. I'm glad the shops are still going. I donated in the past to keep high school shops going . It was a really important part of my education. I keep a close eye on Craig's list, but good stuff is pretty rare and some buyers are fast. I found a nice South Bend 10L and just recently a Clausing 8520. I'm making progress in my little shop. Next on the list are a Rotex rotary punch and foot shear and a few other items...really, there will be no end :) I'll check-out some of the goverment sites. I think Boeing has or had one as well. Thanks again, -----Original Message----- From: Jerry Brown <jerome1@...> To: clausingusers <clausingusers@groups.io> Sent: Thu, Dec 19, 2019 8:44 pm Subject: Re: [clausingusers] Finding the date of manufacture for a Clausing? Hi Bill, The High School was replacing the Clausings which dated back to about mid 1980s if I remember. They bought new Jet brand Lathes so Vocational Education will continue in select high schools in the Portland OR. area. I think the District concentrates Voc. Ed. in three high schools in the School District. The Clausings were pretty well worn and new parts are getting harder to find but some wear items like cross feed screws and nuts and lead screw can be sourced directly from Clausing. I don't remember just where I heard/read about the sale but it was most likely Craigslist. I jumped on it as soon as I read it and got there the first hour the first day the machines were available. I asked the shop teacher which was the best lathe even though all of them had some obvious problems. He was helpful in pointing out two of the six or so that were for sale as being in the best condition. I was not totally comfortable just seeing them run and listening for issues but other buyers were coming into the shop area so I made a quick decision and am glad I did. Other Government entities sell their surplus equipment through their own surplus sales. In Oregon there is a State agency that handles surplus sales in Salem. If you search Google for Oregon Surplus Sales you can find them. Surplus Federal equipment is sold in WA. at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma. There is generally machining and fabricating equipment available at both State and Federal sales. You just have to search the Internet for the locations and then read the upcoming sales notices on a regular basis. I think other States handle their surplus sales in much the same way but an hour or less on the computer will provide the information you need. The biggest issue with these sales is the equipment is generally not under power and you have to be willing to take a risk that it operates. Good luck in your search. I assume you check ebay and craigslist regularly as there is always equipment for sale on them. On 12/19/2019 7:41 PM, Wbcor via Groups.Io wrote: Hi Jerry. Interesting that some high school shop equipment was sold. I’m in Hillsboro and I missed that. Of course, we all prefer that the school shops all stay open, but if they are selling, I’m buying. Any tips on upcoming sales or other opportunities? Regards, On Dec 18, 2019, at 4:52 PM, Jerry Brown <jerome1@...> wrote: I suspect they can give you year of manufacture if you give serial number as they continued making changes on the 5900 series lathes at least. Parts information is specific to machines before or after certain serial numbers. I've purchased some parts for my 5914 and they've been courteous and helpful. Not so sure about place and date of sale. I know mine went to Portland OR retailer and from there to Portland School District where it spent its life serving in shop classes. That information came from the shop teacher when they sold a half dozen 5914s in Summer of 2019. On 12/18/2019 3:41 PM, Aaron Woods wrote: Does anyone know of a decoder for the serial number, online data base or other means of learning the history of a specific machine? Does Clausing keep these records and will they respond to an email requesting this information? I know some brands are very easy to find this kind of info. My Logan for example, I was able to get the date of manufacture and even the purchaser (in my case just a machine retailer so nothing too cool although based on where I got it, I know it didn't go to far from that first sale). I've been looking for a while, as I'd like to know the approximate age of my 8520. Just kind of fun to know a machines history. I haven't emailed Clausing, as I don't see anything on their site suggesting that they do this and as a fairly large company there are lots of different emails, so even if they do good luck sending it to the right one. Logan clearly offers that information at their website. |
#228 Thanks for the replies and nice to know it sounds like Clausing will respond to these kinds of questions. I feel kind of silly now, last night I was going through the stuff that came with my mill and ran across the original manual. It is oil soaked so in a plastic bag and I've been using a reprint. Out of curiosity to see if there was any indication of the date, and right there on the cover in faded ink, dirt and oil staining was stamped the mill's 'birthday' Nov 4, 1965. Sometime answers are right under our noses. This makes the mill almost exactly 2 years older than me. |
