• Congratulations to Rick Moreton, People's Choice in the July 2025 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Jaramiah Severns for "Stacked Forms II" being selected as Turning of the Week for August 4, 2025 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

conover lathe

Joined
Oct 12, 2021
Messages
8
Likes
4
Location
Fort Myers, Fl.
So I made the trip to check out the Conover lathe. Unfortunately could not negotiate on a price. It seemed to be a heck of a machine for its day, 1985. Had a 1 hp Leeson DC motor and speed control. The spindle was 1 1/2" x 8 thread with adapters for 1" and 1 1/4". There seemed to be a problem though with the bearings running warm to hot to the touch. Even though they were recently replaced. temp problem was there prior to change out. the bed was impressive, made from 4x8 Mahogany and a total of 96" overall length. I believe I probably would have bought it if it was 2 foot shorter. Could not fit it in my 1 ton work truck.
Not completely giving up on it yet, There has to be that certian person thats willing to buy it- other than myself.
Maybe if the price comes down....
It is located in central Florida. If anyone is intrested I can hook you up.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_101e.jpg
 
Conover built a good machine. I had one and built a bed with laminated Baltic Birch. It's not uncommon for those tapered bearings to get hot.
What you looked at would be good for long work, but reaching under the bed to change the banjo/tool rest and the tailstock position can get tiring.
 
Back
Top