Oliver Lathe Restoration

Oliver Lathe Restoration

Xerocraft has a Oliver pattern makers lathe model 25A. Oliver Machinery Company was based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was ordered by the Air Corps at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio in February, 1941 and shipped to San Antonio, Texas in May of that year. Original price $1325, which is $22,140 today. It found its way to Xerocraft via the furniture maker previously in the building. The lathe is still in remarkably good shape.

Pattern making was an integral part of almost every manufactured metal component since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Wooden models were made to precise specifications. So the Oliver can be used to make furniture, even without much woodturning experience.

My project has included the making of a router adapter, an indexing plate adapter, and drill guides. I made carbide tools to fit in the quick change tool holder. That holder is the same as used on a metal lathe. The router adapter fits any router with a 3 1/2" diameter barrel, such as the venerable Porter Cable router pictured below.

I have added the ability to create precise cylinders, accurate round tenons, flutes, sliding dovetails, mortises and angled holes. It now has an indexing plate to easily space these features. I have made spindle adapters for 1"-8 tpi and 1 1/2"-6 faceplates and chucks. Traditional spindle turning is also possible.

Suggested projects include table legs (3 or4 legs, trestle or pedestal), hat or coat stands, Shaker candle stands or the ultimate Queen Anne table. Open segmented bowls should be straightforward. A rolling pin would be a simple introduction.