A big surprise!

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I had two little Atlas lathes. I probably spent $125. buying them. A few years ago, I faced the truth, I wasn't going to restore them. I gave them to a friend I knew would treat them well. I hoped he could make one from two. His restoration was over the top! He perfected each tiny part, replacing many, machining others, 3D printing accessories, & re chroming tiny widgets not available. I kidded him it was too perfect, he'd never use it. He has used it many times, each time cleaning it & oiling to show quality perfection. He was dismayed to learn the base was not original, but a base from another machine altered to fit, he built new closely matching the specs of original.A couple years ago he had a stroke. He's mostly recovered, but a bit shaky. This late spring he needed a new roof on his 1960s ranch house, couldn't find a roofer. Several calls failed to find anyone with available time. I drove past, was surprised he had the roof stripped & covered with roll sheeting, then no progress. I asked about it. He was desperate, roof was leaking. He stripped it, covered with roll underlayment, but couldn't find a roofer to reshingle. He confessed he didn't trust himself on the roof.Seth & I shingled his roof. It wasn't his idea, I volunteered, I wouldn't accept payment.Today, he presented me with the second lathe restored. The first was 1941 model year, I think a low production year for small lathes. Mine is 1945, I think also low production.

An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:This is the kind of thing I like to read, thanks for posting it. You did a good thing, twice. I hope he gets better. Enjoy your lathe.Tony
Reply:That was a dam nice gesture from both of you.  There should be more people like the both of yuh's.

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Reply:what a great story!:
Reply:

Originally Posted by Willie B

Seth & I shingled his roof. It wasn't his idea, I volunteered, I wouldn't accept payment.