Jeff Childs
12-16-2016, 12:42 PM
Gentleman of the Creek......Should I or shouldn't....
Local woodsmith moving and wishing to sell an old monster. 1944 'ish Oliver 25A. 2hp Louis Allis DC motor, inverter to accept 220v, rheostat for speed control. Am told it purrs like a kitten, and runs 'true'...although I haven't seen or heard it run (but certainly will prior to any purchasing). This is one of the pattern making lathes built during WWII. Six foot bed, 16" swing, certainly not pristine...many layers of paint, minimal rust, brushes look brand new. Cross slide works fine, tailstock works smooth, 8 inch step chuck, mulitple rests, a few older used hand gouges (Sorby), and....lots of various left over turning wood of mostly local origin (Pacific NW).
I do not need another lathe, already have a small Delta 46-460 and a large one (VB36), but......am in that vortex that you are all aware of. Would probably do my best to rehab it to make it look pretty as well fine tuning. Would love to see it in my arsenal. My main question is what your thoughts are re a reasonable price...if down the road I should not wish to keep it. I realize it costs money to have fun, but just don't want to go to far in the red. Ballpark figures are just fine. I searched CL and eBay, so have a general idea, but wishing for perhaps someone with a working history of these quality monsters to comment.
Of course, no pics available at this time.
Thanks gents.....should I feel abit guilty if I happen to buy myself a Christmas present? One of those wants and needs issues.
Local woodsmith moving and wishing to sell an old monster. 1944 'ish Oliver 25A. 2hp Louis Allis DC motor, inverter to accept 220v, rheostat for speed control. Am told it purrs like a kitten, and runs 'true'...although I haven't seen or heard it run (but certainly will prior to any purchasing). This is one of the pattern making lathes built during WWII. Six foot bed, 16" swing, certainly not pristine...many layers of paint, minimal rust, brushes look brand new. Cross slide works fine, tailstock works smooth, 8 inch step chuck, mulitple rests, a few older used hand gouges (Sorby), and....lots of various left over turning wood of mostly local origin (Pacific NW).
I do not need another lathe, already have a small Delta 46-460 and a large one (VB36), but......am in that vortex that you are all aware of. Would probably do my best to rehab it to make it look pretty as well fine tuning. Would love to see it in my arsenal. My main question is what your thoughts are re a reasonable price...if down the road I should not wish to keep it. I realize it costs money to have fun, but just don't want to go to far in the red. Ballpark figures are just fine. I searched CL and eBay, so have a general idea, but wishing for perhaps someone with a working history of these quality monsters to comment.
Of course, no pics available at this time.
Thanks gents.....should I feel abit guilty if I happen to buy myself a Christmas present? One of those wants and needs issues.