Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - Model #20, 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:	20" x 60"
Submitted By:	Dave Potts

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model #20, Patternmakers' Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	1928, March
Serial Number:	35226 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	7/10/2006 1:29:40 AM

Comments:

This machine was found in (of all places) Craig's List. Its owner was moving south and had mapped out his truck loading schematic only to find that the lathe wouldn't fit. With only a few days to sell it, he opted for Craig's List. While not cheap, the machine came with almost 400 pounds of tooling. At least 10 faceplates, 4 screw centers, several sets of spur centers, and about a dozen different live centers... all #4 Morse taper. The carriage included the lantern-style toolholder with many toolholders, boring bars, bits, etc. Also present is the woodworking toolrest adapter for the carriage, as well as the ways-mounted banjos (3 of them). Toolrests run from 4" through 24", including the corner-rest. There are also 3 or 4 finger-type chucks that I have not seen before.

The former owner acquired the lathe from the Bridesboro section if Philly, where his dad had had a cabinet business. About 20 years ago he borrowed an indexing head from Palmer Sharpless (well-known turner from PA's The George School) and Sharpless delivered it to this fellow's shop. When Sharpless saw this lathe, he told him to never let it go-- take it with you always. The lathe travelled to the fellow's new shop in Hatboro, PA, but will not be making the trek to Florida.

I was hesitant to buy this machine because it didn't have the length capacity I had a hankerin' for. However, this machine is heavy enough and right now I'm glad it only has a 8' bed.

Photo 1:

Comments: At 1900 lbs, the lathe is too heavy for my tractor, the lathe will be taken off in pieces.
Source: My wife's new camera

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Photo 2:

Comments: Here are a sampling of the tooling that came with the lathe. The left-most spur center is from my PM 90. Next to it is the Oliver's #4 MT spur center
Source: My wife's new camera

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Photo 3:

Comments: The obligatory "tag shot"
Source: My wife's new camera

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