This lathe was manufactured sometime during 1948, according to Bill Hardin (http://www.homeshopsupply.com/). The lathe is very cute, and looks just like the larger siblings from that era. The 109 exhibits diminutive visual proportions, rather like a miniature model of a full-sized machine, rather than proportions intended to make it as robust as possible for its size. Although it has a capacity similar to the Asian 7x10's, the 109 seems a tad frail in a side-by-side comparison.

I haven't used it very much, mostly because when I acquired it the carriage rocked generously on the ways, like a four-legged stool with a short leg. Tightening the carriage clamp/gib enough to stop the rocking also prevented the carriage from traveling longitudinally. Hence, facing was the only practical operation it could do. In recent weeks I have experimented with mounting the 109 to a piece of 2" x 6" channel, which appears to have removed most of the twist from the bed. The carriage will now sit calmly on the ways without rocking. Haven't had a chance to try turning anything, yet, though.

I've made a few accessories for it, and plan to return it to proper working condition.

It is commonly assumed that all metal-cutting lathes bearing the Craftsman moniker were manufactured by Atlas. However, the 109-series lathes were manufactured by a company identified variously as AA Company, Double A Company, and Dunlap. Sears did sell a different, heavier 6" lathe under the Craftsman brand which was manufactured by Atlas.

• Pseudo turret-style toolpost
• Face plate
• Base machined from 6" x 2" channel iron (had a Bridgeport available to make this one...)
• Brass rocker for original rocker-style toolpost