Photo Index - Oliver Machinery Co. - 56-A Oliver Motor Driven Speed 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:	12" Swing
Submitted By:	Rene Campos

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	56-A Oliver Motor Driven Speed Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	July 20, 1922 (Eagle Machinery Birth Cert)
Serial Number:	25540 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	1/1/2010 4:44:24 PM

Comments:

Acquired this lathe from a local school district. I ordered the birth certificate from Eagle Machinery. My one lathe came from a set of 5 lathes from Oliver Machinery sold to the school district. As you can see the lathe is "motor driven", but the motor drives the spindle with a belt, which, I think is very cool!

Each lathe was ordered with the following;
"1-set Group "A" turning tools"
"1-3" face plate"
"1-extra 2 1/2" screw chuck"
"Motor for 3 phase -60 cycle-220 volt"
"$295.50 each"

The five serial numbers on the order were 25539, 25540, 25541, 25542, 25543.

The motor that came with the lathe to me was not original; it was a late model Dayton 3/4 hp, 3 phase. I was really looking forward to the original motor, maybe an old General Electric or Century or some other gem. But it was not to be. There was a note on the birth cert. that said "use Menominee motors". I'll have to do some google research on that motor company.

That is it until I restore this baby, it was one of my quest machines. Enjoy!
Thanks, Rene

Photo 1:

Comments: Headstock view, no spindle rod
Source: my sony digital

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Photo 2:

Comments: trailer shot
Source: My Sony

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Photo 3:

Comments: Unfortunate crack in frame and headstock
Source: My Sony

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Photo 4:

Comments: Requisite badge picture
Source: My Sony

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Photo 5:

Comments: another crack picture
Source: My Sony

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Photo 6:

Comments: "shorty" 36" bed
Source: My Sony

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