I like old tools, and I like old lathes. This thread is inspiring.
My current user is an early '60s Oliver 2159. The lathe was torn down, cleaned, new bearings were installed in the headstock and motor, and of course it received a new coat of paint.
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I have just recently purchased this Oliver 159A that I will restore for my wife to use.
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I am also working on this American Sawmill Machinery Company lathe from the early 19-teens. The headstock shaft on this lathe is solid and has a Jarno taper, so I am having a new one made with a Morse taper and inboard and outboard threads that match my Olivers, enabling me to share faceplates, drives and chucks. I will be pouring new Babbit bearings as well. It will have a jackshaft for changing speed ranges and a 3 phase motor driven by a VFD for additional speed control. I have not made up my mind about the wooden ways and legs yet. I can get a heavy set of cast iron South Bend ways and legs if I want them. I am inclined to go with the South Bend ways just because they are 8' long!
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