Oliver treadle Lathes

W.W. Oliver Lathe.

 A heavy iron wood lathe, unmarked, but attributed to W.W. Oliver, in Buffalo, New York. The lathe is 40 1/2" wide (table length), and 45" high (from floor to centers). The 24 1/2" cast iron stepped flywheel has three 1 1/4" wide pulley faces. A new 1 1/4" drive belt is installed. The headstock has a three stepped pulley with 2", 3 1/2" and 5" diameter faces. The spindle is bored for ease of center removal and threaded in a still common size of 1" 8tpi, making modern faceplates and chucks readily available. However, the spindle taper is non-standard. A new spur center, turned down to the appropriate taper, is included. Maximum distance between centers is just under 22". The swing is 8" over bed and just over 6" over the tool rest. The iron is in very good condition, with no breaks or welds in the intricate castings. The bearings are in good shape and this is the smoothest running treadle lathe we have had.

While this lathe is a bit heavy for picking up and hauling to craft fairs, the heavy flywheel and frame are a necessity for a good running lathe. Light flywheels tend to stop when the tool hits the wood and heavy flywheels in light weight, often homemade wooden, frames cause the lathe to vibrate, if not jump up and down when the turning gets rough.

Source;American Artefacts.