Thread: Atlas Saw Bench-Jointer Combo

I have managed to get some images that Might help. I have no idea what something like this is worth..... The guy reckons the fences etc are all there... But an old girl like this will be missing something for sure.
Atlas_Saw_1.jpgAtlas_Saw_2.jpgAtlas_Saw_3.jpgAtlas_Saw_4.JPG

No Wonder I couldn't find an Atlas machine that look like this........ After more research it looks like it may be an Alta machine and after close inspection of the images I was sent.....there are two different machines in these images....think I am being conned ... check the handle on the adjustment wheel in image one compared to image four... might be a worthwhile project machine but alarm bells start ringing when you are sent image 4 as what the machine looks like and then when you ask for more images you get the actual machine in images 1-3....

Gaza58,

I saw your post last night, but also got confused with the "Atlas" instead of "Alta". I remember Melbourne Matty doing a post on them, but couldn't find it last night.

Now that I have searched Alta I have found it, here it is if you have not already seen it:

The Charles & Hunting "Alta" Combination Machine.

I can see what you are saying with the differences in handles (I am guessing he has sent you an old photo as apposed to a different machine, the red handle I think may be the black handle having broken down, although it's hard to tell just by these photos, either he didn't want you to see the condition, or he couldn't get to the machine to take a photo from that angle, but he should have let you know it was an earlier photo and the condition was not the same if that was the case). With that said, if you are after a project, I wouldn't necessarily walk away from the deal if the price is right. I have spoken to Matty about these machines (I have not seen one in person yet), and he likes them. For me, his opinion counts for a lot, he has restored a few, and he not only knows his machines (he is the catalogue king), woodworking is his trade, not just a hobby. The people he has restored them for are people with limited space for a workshop.

Have a good look at his post as he lists a few things to look for (if memory serves me, they have a tendency to tip if not moved correctly, which can result in damage). From your first post, this machine sounds like it might be a good fit. If it was me, I would go and have a good look. Most people will run away from anything that is rusty, so you should be in a good negotiation position if you are willing to do some work to remove some rust. Look at some restoration posts if you haven't already (many will actually be in "Antiques and Collectables Tools" sub forum as few have been transferred across to this newer sub forum). You will be surprised how quickly a tabletop can be bought back to shinny if you follow the tips in these restorations (feel free to ask if you are unsure or can't find the detail).

If your new to restoring, my best piece of advice is to assume the worst:

* if you can't see the motor run, assume it needs replacing, if you can see it run, assume it still might need replacing, as it might have issues that cause it to overheat, or at least assume it will need new bearings
* if you can't see inside or it's stuck in a corner, assume there is something that might need fixing that you can't see.
* if it has belts, bearings etc., assume they will all need replacing
*if it's rusty assume something will refuse to come undone, and at best will need soaking in some penetrating fluid, and potentially even heat or worse still drilling out etc.
* if you really need it, or it's rare, be prepared to pay more if you have to
* don't be afraid to walk away if things don't look right or the seller is being unrealistic about price
* find something you can definitely add value to, this way if you start the project and find it's not for you, you can always relist it, having made improvements and you should sell it without loosing money, and perhaps even earn a little money for your time (although don't expect to make an hourly rate).

this is not to say all these things will happen, just be prepared, say to yourself "if I pay $### will I be willing to cover the possible issues that might come up.

You asked what it might be worth, but unfortunately that's always a difficult question to answer, as it depends on a lot of factors. In it's current state, most buyers will not even want to buy it (that's not to say it is not worth buying for the right price, just that most people want plug and play), so that's an opportunity to negotiate. The best suggestion I can make for price is do your research, google the machine and look for past sales, don't be afraid to share the information with the seller, as often they also have no idea what it is worth. The reality is as they say it is worth what you are willing to pay, and what the person is willing to sell it for.

best of luck, hope some of that was helpful.

cheers,

camo

Thanks Camo... Great thread...... I had sort of made up my mind that I wouldn't grab it...but after reading this I think I should reconsider. As any restoration it will end up costing more than it is worth.... but you can't buy the enjoyment that a restoration brings when you use it for the first time......The guy is looking for $275 and seems like he isn't going to budge on that... He has two machines and I think the better looking one that was shown in image 4 is the one he is wanting to keep and unload the cruddy one...... I would do the same thing...... By the look of the switch on this one it may be one of the Woodfast versions.... It is damaged and I don't know if it could be restored or just buy a new switch box and have the added safety that brings.

Ended up giving this machine a miss the guy selling it just started stuffing me around and there seemed too many inconsistencies in his story. Ended up buying two other machines for less dollars.