Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - No. 20-C Patternmakers' Lathe

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:	24" swing (84" outboard), 73" C-C
Submitted By:	Jeff McVey

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 20-C Patternmakers' Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	1942 (S/N 54671)
Serial Number:	(View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	9/20/2004 1:59:36 PM

Comments:

I purchased this lathe from Reliable Tool of Irwindale, CA, in August of 2004 via an eBay auction. I'd always wanted a big Oliver lathe, and I couldn't resist this one, as it was in good condition and had several of the hard-to-find original accessories. I picked up the 3000-pound machine with a borrowed flatbed trailer and towed it home with my minivan. The round trip of about 1750 miles took 2-1/2 days and was completed without problems.

I had to rent a forklift and machinery skates to get it into my shop, but everything went smoothly. Once positioned, the next hurdle was the fact that the lathe was powered by a 5-HP, 2-speed (600 & 1200 RPM), 440 VAC (only), 3-phase motor. I'd run 3-phase machines with my homemade phase converter for years, but they were all 220 VAC. I purchased a used 3-phase 440-to-220 volt transformer, and hooked it up backwards. I was pleasantly surprised that my converter (with its little Baldor 5-HP idler motor) started the huge lathe motor. I can hear the converter straining when I push the start buttons, but it starts the lathe in any of its eight speeds.

I spent some time today doing minor cleaning. I removed the awful "institutional green" paint from the rims of the handwheels and the carriage apron to return them to their original polished state. I've got to finish leveling it, but my floor jack picks up either end effortlessly, so that should be an easy task. Then, I can start turning! If I can find a suitable (24" by 73") hardwood log, my first project will be a toothpick.

Photo 1:

Comments: It weighs more than the car!
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: 3-phase transformer underneath
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: Actually, it slides easily
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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