I'm working on a Conover Lathe with a capacity to turn over 13' in length. I'm trying to find out if my Lathe will handle turning mahogony columns 16''in diameter tapering to 12'' over a length of 10'. I'm a little concerned about it handling the weight. I don't have an owners manual that shows guidelines.
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Conover Lathe
- Thread starter chanlon
- Start date
As you probably are aware, the Conover lathe is no longer being manufactured. However, Ernie is still busy conducting classes and writing books, but I'm sure that he would be more than happy to answer your question. He can be reached by email at info@conoverworkshops.com.
Joe
Joe
The Conover is a versatile lathe and can be built out to almost any length. Mine has varied over the twenty years I have had it, mostly determined by the space I'm in. You should have absolutely no problem with the length you are indicating. The key of course is the length of your bed. Do you have the cast iron legs that Ernie originally offered? I hope you catch up with Ernie. He has been most helpful to me.
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Certainly shouldn't be a great problem if the columns are coopered and use a large number of staves to keep thin. Countershafting for very low speed and good, firm hold for the headstock/tailstock spatial relationship. I've done two tables joined by two by sixes, making one double as the "toolrest" to boot. Not with anything as heavy as a Conover, however.
You can make yourself a helper if the columns are too heavy by using plywood discs wedged and centered, supported by rollers on the arms of a "V." Standard woodworkers' planes make great tools at 50 rpm.
You can make yourself a helper if the columns are too heavy by using plywood discs wedged and centered, supported by rollers on the arms of a "V." Standard woodworkers' planes make great tools at 50 rpm.