Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - Model 51-B

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Oliver Machinery Co.
Grand Rapids, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:	48" Bed x 12" Swing
Submitted By:	Mark DeCain

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 51-B
Date of Manufacturer:	1931
Serial Number:	38417 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	11/6/2016 2:52:48 PM

Comments:

I found this online and rotting away in a garage full of junk. It was painted a putrid shade of green that was cracked and peeling. The magnetic starter had been bypassed and it was wired up with a light switch. Most of the parts were present with the exception of the tool rest. I started the project by stripping off the paint, which took me over 60 hours. Along the way I had some nice help from the OWWM members with wiring the new/old stock mag starter (Furnas ~1976) and more. Many of the new parts came from McMaster. The mobile base frame was created with treasures found in a dumpster. The chuck is a new SuperNova2. The S/N is 38417 which according to the site puts it early in the 1931 production run. The label says it is a 51-B, So a 'B' it is, but I thought the models with the Kimble motor were 51-K.

I don't know anything about where it started life or how it found its way to the garage where I rescued it. It is interesting to see the sellers faceplate under the Oliver tag, and also to find a small one for the person who installed it. This is a variable speed motor and it sure purrs nicely. It does not have a spindle lock or a brake which is interesting, because I believe models with earlier S/N's did have these. See the very nice write-up on the Kimble motor written by Jeff McVey. About the only thing I could wish for is a longer bed.

Photo 1:

Comments: Ready to go to work!
Source: Mark DeCain

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Photo 2:

Comments: Ain't she purdy?
Source: Mark DeCain

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Photo 3:

Comments: A bit of history ...
Source: Mark DeCain

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