Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - Model 51-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" swing, 30" btwn ctrs
Submitted By:	William Thomas

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 51-A
Date of Manufacturer:	1923
Serial Number:
Last Updated	9/25/2008 2:39:28 PM

Comments:

I recently purchased this lathe from another OWWM member in PA. It's all original except for the levers on the ends of the tool rest bases, which were broken. I replaced the bearings, and away she goes. The 1/2 hp westinghouse motor has four speeds controlled by the handwheel on the left leg, which is geared to a switch inside the stand.

Update, September '08: Through the generous Ruckering of several owwmers, my lathe has grown a foot. A five foot bed was rescued in Colorado and made its way to New Hampshire. Thanks to all who had a part in its journey. The amazing testimony to Oliver's manufacturing skill is the fact that even though the new bed was made twenty years after the rest of the old lathe, every bolt hole lined up perfectly. The legs went on without a hitch, and even the bolt holes for the cast name plate on the front of the bed were in perfect alignment.

Photo 1:

Comments: 51-A lathe in my shop
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 2:

Comments: right hand view of 51-A lathe
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 3:

Comments: 51-A after turning two sets of chessmen from boxwood and ebony
Source:

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Photo 4:

Comments: new bed installed
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 5:

Comments: Inside of drum switch
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 6:

Comments: Cast name plate transferred
Source: Bill Thomas

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