New kid on the block? Oliver lathe

[Odie]

Every time I've ever heard of Oliver lathe, I think of some old defunct lathe from a company that has been long out of business. I believe Rude Osolnik used to use one of these......

I just happen to see this ad on ebay for a new Oliver.

Anyone know anything about this?

click:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oliver-2018-2hp...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d271ec611

Power Requirement AC 230V
Motor (1ph) 2HP, 220V
Motor (3ph) 2HP, 220V or 440V
Prewired 220V
Swing Over Bed 18"
Distance Between Centers 42" / 57" w/ bed extension (included)
Variable Speed 200-2500 RPM
Speed Range 1 200-600 RPM
Speed Range 2 600-2400 RPM
Spindle 1-1/4"-8TPI RH headstock
Index Spindle every 30 degree(1 hole)
every 10 degree(3 hole)
Spindle & Tailstock Tapers MT2
Spindle Bore 9/16"
Face Plate OD 6"
Centerline of Spindle to Floor 42-1/2"
Overall Dimension (in) 69x48x18
Weight 732 lb

 

[Odie]

Apparently this is a Reeves drive with a two position step pulley......

I wonder why any newly offered lathe would have this kind of drive, considering how unpopular Reeves drive is when compared to electronic variable speed?

200rpm minimum. For most of us, this would be fine, but I've had need for slower speeds.

I had a Reeves drive Northwood lathe once. Slow to change speed. I wouldn't have one again. My electronic variable speed is the best I've had.

I like the idea of having the outboard turning attachment double as a bed extension.....that's a great idea!



ooc

 

[David Wilkins]

A two step pulley setup for a reeves drive, when someone already added a 220 single or three phase motor. At that point and with this size of lathe I would expect an electronic variable speed. Seems to me that things have gone downhill or someone is capitolizing on the Oliver name.

 

[john lucas]

I like the 9/16 spindle bore. I'd like to be able to put larger work through the spindle or bore lamps with a larger hole.
The Powermatic 3520B has a bed extension that can be lowered to become a bowl lathe. It's used on the inboard side so you don't have to turn in reverse or use lefthand faceplates.
If it has a reeves drive it probably doesn't have reverse.

 

[steelguy]

Oliver

John - My General International has reverse and a Reeves drive. The reverse function is in the motor control, not the drive. For my purposes, the main advantages of VFD lie in the 50 - 200 rpm range. If you need that range, then it is a must. As for reliability, I have never had issues with several Reeves drives. They are all over the countryside in systems up to 50-200 hp, and are very reliable if properly sized to the application. As long as a lathe is being used for the intended loads, Reeves drives are an economical choice. Turning 100 lb blocks on 200lb lathes with 300 lbs of sand holding them down will eventually cause problems.

We all eventually overload lathes as our interests change faster than our lathe budgets grow. I know - I even once bent a spindle!🙂

Jerry

 

[waltben]

My first lathe had a Reeves drive and it was fine for the price point of that model. Reeves are reliable if you don't abuse them, and are much less expensive than electronic variable speed. While this Oliver is a good sized machine, I don't see the benefit when it's priced at $4k plus shipping. Here's a 20" mustard for less: http://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-13...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1260374300&sr=8-1

 

[Mark Warden]

Looks unstable

!st thing I notice is the narrow base at 18" it would almost have to be bolted to the floor to prevent tipping.

 

[john lucas]

I would have to measure but I don't think my Powermatic is much over 18" at the base. You've got me interested now. I'll have to go measure when I get home.

 

[Robert Manning]

The Real Deal

When someone mentions Oliver machinery, I think of those woodworking behemoths from our industrial past.

As far as I know, they are still in use at most of the movie studio propmaker woodshops. They were precision, heavy, and elaborate, but lack some modern features.

This is an Oliver patternmaker's lathe:

http://www.olivermachinery.com/ReferencePhotos/MachinePics/20.jpg


Check out the reference photos on this page for the real deal:

http://www.olivermachinery.com/welcome.html


I wonder how many of these beauties have been melted.

 

[rjones]

Why pay 4k for a lathe this size and no vfd. if it was a lot less might be interesting. Look at all the things that come from other makers.Spindle the same size with larger hole has less mass. imo

 

[Michaels]

When someone mentions Oliver machinery, I think of those woodworking behemoths from our industrial past.

As far as I know, they are still in use at most of the movie studio propmaker woodshops. They were precision, heavy, and elaborate, but lack some modern features.

This is an Oliver patternmaker's lathe:

http://www.olivermachinery.com/ReferencePhotos/MachinePics/20.jpg

My dream lathe remains the Oliver Patternmakers 21 or 22 such as this gorgeous piece of iron:

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/images/585-A.jpg

They used to make some of (if not THE) finest woodlathes in the world. Of course, you have to have a 6" thick concrete slab to use some 😉

Michael

 

[MichaelMouse]

Those who speak ill of the Reeves drive are probably speaking of the current price point tin imitations. They certainly aren't talking about the Reeves drives that students have abused for years and years on the old iron.

Oliver, Rockwell, Bell and Howell, none of which were, and more to come. Name game.