Conover lathes

It was reported that they went out of business last summer.

-- Jack Novak Buffalo, NY - USA (Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)

I suspect it is because demand was too low. They were fairly expensive and were not complete, requiring wood bed bars and brace to be added. As an advanced kit, their high price seemed a little much.

Derek

Conover Lathe was purchased by Alpha Machine in 1990 from Ernie Conover. They went out of business (or at least ceased manufacture of the lathe) in August 2002

I was very sorry to see Conover Lathes come to an end. Alan Stytler (past co. president )said they were unable to be competitive with some of the newer lathes on the market. One thing to remember, The Conover was a different breed of lathe. This lathe was designed, buy making your own bed, to be most any length, up to 14 feet or longer between centers. It was and is a very fine machine. I belive it was designed to be more of an Architectural turning lathe, then a bowl lathe. Although it works fine as both. The headstock can be placed at either end of the bed. With the headstock on the right side of the bed, one could turn a

40" diameter piece, using a floor stand toolrest. It is a standerd 16" swing, but could be made up to 20" with riser blocks. I'm happy with mine, there are some things that could have been made different. The cast iron is very high quality, 1.5" X 8 TPI spindle with adjustable Timpkin Roller bearings. Oh, Buy the way, I have one of the last ones made. Jim CONOVER LIVES (BG)

A few days ago I spoke with a lady who turns on a Conover. She wouldn't trade it for anything else. I was unaware that Ernie had produced lathes prior to chatting with her. So naturally I investigated, and discovered they were out of business. I hope to see one in the flesh (iron?) some day.

Max

Stop by any time Max. Jim

Thanks for the offer. Where are you?

Max, in Indiana