Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - No. 159-A

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:	12" x 36"
Submitted By:	Ian Gifford

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 159-A
Date of Manufacturer:	1955
Serial Number:	86285 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	7/21/2020 5:48:30 PM

Comments:

In May 1956 Wellesley Senior High School a.k.a. WHS in Massachusetts purchased a pair (S/N 86285 & 86286) of Oliver 159-A Wood Motor Drive Speed Lathes for their Wood Shop and in November of 2013 I purchased S/N 86285 and apparently 86286 was purchased by another guy from Southern Maine - I paid $1000 via Craigslist. Both lathes were completely original, working and very well maintained albeit a few of the original minor accessories were missing. I attended WHS 1973-1974. The 159-A swings 12" diameter, 36" between centers with a bed 60" long fitted with a Howell Electric motor and "V" belt driven headstock so as to give any speed from 800-2750 R.P.M. to the headstock spindle. The Howell motor is 3/4 H.P., 1800 R.P.M., 3 phase, 60 cycle, 220 volt motor. I added a Teco/Westinghouse JNEV-201-H1 Micro AC Drive a.k.a. a Variable-frequency drive (VFD) which converts 220V single phase input to three phase inverter output; providing home shop use, lower speeds, forward/reverse switch, etc. In other words 0-2750 R.P.M.

I use the lathe daily in my home shop (about 30 miles from WHS); most of my work is between the centers, I plan to turn tabletops and bowls outboard. Great lathe!

Update: I was able to purchase an Outboard Floor Stand (pic #2); great lathe just got better. Corrected S/N typo above.

Photo 1:

Comments: Seller's shop, headstock
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: My shop, 20Dec18 w/ new stand
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: My shop, headstock Oct14
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: My shop, tailstock
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: My shop, badge
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 6:

Comments: My shop, motor badge
Source: My iPhone

Direct Link
IMG Code