Opinion??? Oliver 159 lathe???

[Richn]

I currently have a Powermatic Model 90 lathe, it has been a good ol' machine. I have a need to get a longer lathe and found an Oliver 159 pattern makers lathe that has 72 inch centers.

My question is can any one give me any opinions about this lathe??

What is Olivers reputation?

And what do you think one that is in good operating condition is worth?

Rich

 

[Ken Grunke]

Oliver has been around since about 1900 so it wouldn't have a reputation problem.
Those old machines are loveable but sometimes are more trouble than they're worth.
How about a bed extension for your PM, are they available?

 

[Richn]

Thanks for the response, there are no extensions for a PM 90. So sad. This is why I am considering the Oliver.

 

[Jred]

Thanks for the response, there are no extensions for a PM 90. So sad. This is why I am considering the Oliver.

Oliver is a very well respected brand by old iron fans everywhere. I have never heard a negative. Generally speaking when a machine makes it's way out of a patternmaking shop it is very well maintained since the tolerances that are required by patternmakers are critical. If you can get a well maintained machine you could be a very happy turner.
Modern high end lathes often have features that older machines do not. If you plan on doing faceplate/bowl type work then sometimes those bearings weren't designed to deal with out of balance loads since the primary purpose was spindle turning. Electronic variable speed is another luxury that is available today that many older machines weren't built with. If this is a 3 phase machine then I think you could get variable speed reasonably easily using a phase converter.
If you do buy this lathe pictures would be nice to see. It's nice to see old American machinery put back in service.

 

[Brodie Brickey]

an optional solution.

If you're only doing one or two items you might consider this from Bill Grumbine's personal site:

http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/blkswan8.html