1944 oliver

I don't know. I know everyone talks about how great things were 50-60-70 y ears ago. And maybe simple things were built better back then with more la bor quality and raw material quality. But anything with any sophistication to it, I'll take modern over old. 1960s-1970s car or 2010 car? I think a lathe fits into the sophisticated category. An electric motor makes it so phisticated. The one on this lathe says 2hp, 7.7 amps, and 400/2000 rpm. Not sure how the rpm works with two speeds. A motor would not specify two pulleys. 12 or 16 inch swing? I think you would be better off with a comp arable priced new Jet lathe. Or finding a Rikon/Woodfast which is basicall y identical to this except variable speed. Or save a few more dollars and get the Powermatic 3520. Its only an extra $1500 right now.

not sure how the speed is controlled the controller does not reveal how it works to me

try the outboard setup and turn 6 foot bowls like the ad says

they are not identical since the oliver is built like a tank this kind of lathe is not for someone that would buy a jet lathe

this guy has several oliver lathes

maybe robust and oneway comes close but you know what they say about close

On a lathe this old and being a speed controller - it is :

1. mechanical I say no.
2. Thyratrons running two for control of AC rectification and power control. It might be powered by them and driven by a pulse width signal that drives more or less current. Pulse-width-modulation...

(the beginning of the SCR controllers SS Thyratrons and frequency controlled motors.)

I'd expect the latter since it is a DC motor with a speed control.

I'd not worry much as long as it can be demonstrated running....

I have some 1000 amp Thyratrons - and made a Flip-Flop that pulsed the units on/off automatically and it was a light show and fun.

Mart> >

why not just slip pulleys a.k.a. reeves drive

thyratron sounds pretty exotic for a wood lathe

The large motor likely has to much for slip.

If you mean a CONE pulley on both sides - likely. Then why not an AC drive.

If slip - why not a AC drive.

No need for DC motor if not electronic speed control. Those were in use at that time.

AC motors are lower cost than DC.

Mart> >

good points and questions oliver may have drawings still of the mechanism

the motor maker is still doing business and looks to be high quality stuff

blurb says motors up to 20,000hp

also the lathe was made in late 1940 according to the serial number