Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - model 173

Machinery Photo Index

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

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jig or Scroll Saw
Machine Size:	36"
Submitted By:	Doug Westlind

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	model 173
Date of Manufacturer:	July/August 1942
Serial Number:	(View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	3/27/2005 12:00:00 AM

Comments:

Sometimes it's funny how things work out. I answered an ad in the paper for a drum sander. I got there and the machine was a nice Kuster 24" double drum sander, the price was right, so I bought it. The owner was retired from a local pattern shop and had put together a pretty nice shop at his home. Him and his wife were both in there late 70's or 80's now though and they were selling out and moving to a smaller place. He had sold a big planer, band saw, and some other machines so I was only seeing the dross. I did however spy this scroll saw tucked away in the corner and inquired about it. He said "oh, that old thing. It came from the shop I used to work in. I"m going to have a hell of a time getting that to the dump." Now, I don't take subtle hints all that well but even I saw an opportunity here. I offered to take it off his hands free of charge. He was so happy it made me feel even more guilty than I already did. The next day My son and I arrived with a tilt bed trailer borrowed from a friend. We backed into the shop, pried the saw up onto a couple 3/4" water pipes and rolled it to the door. My 14 year old son (with supervision) winched the jig saw onto the trailer and strapped it down secure all in less than 20 minutes.

The saw uses blades 1/8" to 1/2" wide and 10" to 18" long, the stroke length is 3" with 10" under the guide if using an 18" blade. The handle shown in the third photo is pulled down to release tension on the blade. Blade changes can be made in seconds. At a list weight of 1700 pounds it runs vibration free. I don't have a lot of need for this saw but it is fun to use. These saws are not in very high demand and when sold often go cheap. My kids love it.

Photo 1:

Comments: Full on
Source: Doug Westlind, with spots on lens

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Photo 2:

Comments: blade top guide assembly
Source: Doug Westlind

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Photo 3:

Comments: Tension spring assembly, If you've wondered what was up there now you know!
Source: me again

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