Advice for Atlas 10100 lathe
 

I bought an Atlas model 10100 lathe. In setting it up, I have run into a problem I can't figure out. I hope someone else can.

When in high-speed configuration, it functions fine. But when I deploy the back gear, all 3 shafts lock up in both directions, and I can't see anything which is causing this. If I remove the drive belt and disengage the back gear, all 3 shafts (motor, idler, and lathe drive) spin freely. Engage the back gear, and they are all locked together. The back gear lever moves easily and snaps into both engaged and unengaged position without problem.

Not sure about the atlas but on my south bend when I engage the back gear I need to pull the pin on the front of the main (large) gear or everything locks up like yours.

See if there isn't a pin that you can pull that allows the main gear set to "free wheel". Then engage the backgears and see if it works..

DonT

Yours might be the later MKII version. If so, look at the left end of the headstock pulley shaft. There will be a small cup, held on with a snap ring. You simply pull that cup to the left to disengage the gears.