Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - 232-D Table Saw

Machinery Photo Index

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

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Table Saw
Machine Size:	12-14"
Submitted By:	Dennis Peterson

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	232-D Table Saw
Date of Manufacturer:	1961 october
Serial Number:	93578 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	6/7/2006 10:25:06 PM

Comments:

Just got back from the Oliver mother ship in Grand Rapids MI, with my Oliver 232-D that I had been looking for for some time. I need a second saw to set up to do miter work and came across this 232. I actually went up to western michigan to look at a tanniwitz but it was to rough to consider getting. Being only 30 miles from The origional Oliver factory in Grand Rapids I decided to drop by and see the old arn works. I had never been there and with me only living 4 hours away it seemed like a good day to get nostalgic and a visit was way over due. I pulled up to the factory off of Cedar street and immediately saw this beautiful brick Oliver Building with the inscription, Oliver Machinery Co. Plant #1, painted with white letters on a black background.( I have posted a picture of the factory for your enjoyment). It was so cool and as, I gazed upon the scene in front of me, I reminised about the machines and quality of work and pride that this Oliver co and America was built on in days goneby, I knocked on the small rust red locked door. I waited a minute and a freindly gentleman by the name of Rich Fink greeted me and told me to come in. Rich and some of his brothers and sister work there and provide parts and machining for our beloved Old Oliver Arn treasures. Well you guessed it he had an Oliver 232-D just what I was looking for and I happily handed over the money for that beauty. It was made in Oct of 1961 and only went down the road 30 miles, to West Ottawa Public High School in Holland Michigan. Yes you guessed it the students didnt have a lot to do one day and painted the beautiful Oliver green a hand brushed dark green. I hope their woodworking skills were better than their painting technique. O well will just have to redo their paint job.
Well after a great visit with Rich, and oh, by the way, take advantage of what he has to offer, yes it costs to get things of quality but dont we all complain of all the cheap poorly made so called woodworking machinery out there, Well that is why its cheap and when you buy it you end up regretting it and say to your self I should have bought the older American Arn and fixed it up.
I headed home with the Oliver 232-D and felt that it was one of the most satisfying days I had spent and was refreshed and thankful that there are people still doing things right. I will post other pics of the restored 232 later. Thanks and good Arn hunting.

Photo 1:

Comments: 232 Oliver table saw in front of the factory
Source: My Photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: Old Arn woodworker himself
Source: My Photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: Owner Rich Fink in front of the Oliver Bldg.
Source: my photo by permission of Mr Fink

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