Lathe Gear Metal

[uncrichie]

I have a cracked lathe gear that is made from "Zamak", which is a combination of aluminum, magnesium, copper and zinc of which the proportions are unknown. I want to try and repair it. I think a solder will be my only choice? Any suggestions? Uncrichie.

[enlpck]

Clean thoroughly

Groove the break both sides

JB weld together

I have had success with this technique, but have not really run across anyone with regular success soldering or welding these gears (let me guess: Atlas lathe?)

[uncrichie]

Yup its an atlas, early 9" model from the 1930's. I have a replacement gear but want to try the repair to have a spare. Its a neat little lathe but as you know parts are at a premium, if they can be found. Thanks for the JB weld idea. Uncrichie.

[greywynd]

Do a search for Zamac alloys. They are primarily zinc, with little bits of other stuff thrown in. Soldering? Nope....zinc melts around 800F, you'd melt the gear before the solder likely. Saw a thread recently discussing parts availability for these lathes....will see if I can recall where it was. Talking new parts here, from the current owners (Clausing maybe?)

[mhttruking]

Look on ebay under metal lathe,I have seen alot of parts for Atlas lathes,also you can by gears from an power and drives dist. ,take the old gear and they can match it for you.

Clausing machine tool co. is the current owner of Atlas Lathe,they should have the parts to.

[FarmallMan]

Clausing gets a small fortune for parts... :eek: :eek:

I know Boston Gear stocks change gears, but I don't know if they have the right hub for your machine. That is if you need a replacement for your replacement. :D

Nick :cool:

[enlpck]

I picked up steel gears a couple years ago that were supposed to be the correct ones. They were the right pitch, but wrong bore and keying. So, as I need them, I rebore to size, and file the keyway by hand. I may eventually pop the cash for the right broach and bushing, but haven't bothered yet.

Still looking for a few tooth counts, but got most of what I have needed.

Much cheaper than buying from Clausing of Boston Gear. They do turn up. I would have preferred filled nylon, but couldn't find them at the right price.

[usmcpop]

Zamak 3 is the most common alloy, by a wide margin as far as I recall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZAMAK

http://www.eazall.com/diecastalloys.aspx

[bandsawguy]

I broke a Zamak shifting collar on my 10" Atlas last week. After searching on ebay and not finding the correct one I e-mailed 3 guys that were selling parts for Atlas lathes on e-bay and got lucky. Someone had it and put it up on e-bay for my. While searching I saw lots of gears there as well as other parts.

Doug

[uncrichie]

Thanks everyone for all the info. Uncrichie

[Hammack_Welding]

One other place to keep in mind. I have a sears Craftsman lathe. (Atlas with Craftsman tags on it.) I hardly ever use it much except for gun work, but all the parts are still available from Sears. I ordered some not long ago. Might be worth it to check with Sears parts if you ever need a part you can't find. Might just get lucky.

[aametalmaster]

Here is some good reading on the Atlas, Craftsman Atlas, and Craftsman AA lathe...Bob
http://www.lathes.co.uk/craftsman/index.html

[uncrichie]

Thanks again everyone. Uncrichie.

[out in the shop]

i just put ALL of my craftsman atlas 10/12" lathe gears on ebay for very reasonable b.i.n. prices. there are about 23 total. i had all the gears for every feedrate. my ebay name is cttodd06082......todd