Conover Lathe Questions

Hi John, Your best bet is to contact Ernie Conover at

John:

I have a Conover. In fact, the one I own was John Jordon's lathe and (I'm told) one of the first batch of Conovers made. It's all I've turned on for the last 12 years, and it had countless miles on it when I received it.

It's a fabulous and heavy-duty lathe, made to configure as you see fit, very easy to maintain and keep in perfect order. My heart sank when they went out of business and I bought one each of most of the accessories and replacement parts while they were still available, even though I had little use for them. If I knew where there was one that was unwanted, I buy it for a spare... my grandkids might need it.

Might take a couple of days, but I can post the instructions, which contain plans for Ernie's stand.

Michael Latcha - at home in Redford, MI

John:

Here is the Conover Owner's Manual (5Mb pdf), which contains Ernie's bed/leg plans:

This site has good price for many products. I have used it many time.

I have a Conover. It uses the same bearing as a Ford 150, morse taper #3. Nice lathe, but I believe the company is out of business so there may be an issue getting parts. My stand is cast iron but there are plans to make hollow stands from plywood and fill with sand for stability.

Thanks to all. It sold before I could get there! It has happened to me more than once! I have my eye on some other older iron not as big of swing but its cheaper. More of a fixer upper. Thanks!