Oliver 2018 User manual

2018 Wood Lathe
Owner’s Manual
Oliver Machinery M-2018.002 03/2019
Seattle, WA Copyright 2003-2019
[e-mail] www.olivermachinery.net

Date
Maintenance Notes:

2
Warranty
Oliver makes every effort possible to assure that its equipment meets the highest possible standards of
quality and durability. All products sold by Oliver are warranted to the original customer to be free from
defects for a period of 2 (two) years on all parts, excluding electronics and motors, which are warranted
for 1 year. Oliver’s obligation under this warranty shall be exclusively limited to repairing or replacing (at
Oliver’s option) products which are determined by Oliver to be defective upon delivery F.O.B. (return
freight paid by customer) to Oliver, and on inspection by Oliver. This warranty does not apply to defects
due, directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, unauthorized repairs, alterations, lack
of maintenance, acts of nature, or items that would normally be consumed or require replacement due to
normal wear. In no event shall Oliver be liable for death, personal or property injury, or damages arising
from the use of its products.
Warning
Read this manual thoroughly before operating the machine. Oliver Machinery disclaims any liability for
machines that have been altered or abused. Oliver Machinery reserves the right to effect at any time,
without prior notice, those alterations to parts, fittings, and accessory equipment which they may deem
necessary for any reason whatsoever.
For More Information
Oliver Machinery is always adding new Industrial Woodworking products to the line. For complete, up-to-
date product information, check with your local Oliver Machinery distributor, or visit
www.olivermachinery.net

3
WARNING
Read this manual completely and observe all warning labels on the machine. Oliver Machinery has made
every attempt to provide a safe, reliable, easy-to-use piece of machinery. Safety, however, is ultimately
the responsibility of the individual machine operator. As with any piece of machinery, the operator must
exercise caution, patience, and common sense to safely run the machine. Before operating this product,
become familiar with the safety rules in the following sections.
•Always keep guards and covers in place and in proper operating condition.
1. If you are not properly trained in the use of a lathe do not use until the proper training has been
obtained.
2. Read, understand and follow the safety instructions found in this manual. Know the limitations and
hazards associated with this machine.
3. Make certain that the machine frame is electrically grounded and that a ground lead is included in the
incoming electrical service. In cases where a cord and plug are used, make certain that the
grounding plug connects to a suitable ground. Follow the grounding procedure indicated in the
National Electrical Code.
4. Wear an approved safety shield, goggles, or glasses to protect eyes. Common eyeglasses are only
impact-resistant, they are not safety glasses.
5. Before operating the machine, remove tie, rings, watch and other jewelry and roll up sleeves above
the elbows. Remove all loose outer clothing and confine long hair. Protective type footwear should
be used. Where the noise exceeds the level of exposure allowed in Section 1910.95 of the OSHA
Regulations, use hearing protective devices. Do not wear gloves.
6. Keep the machine guards and covers in place for every operation. If any guards and covers are
removed for maintenance, DO NOT OPERATE the machine until the guards and covers are
reinstalled.
7. Keep the floor around the machine clean and free of scrap material, saw dust, oil and other liquids to
minimize the danger of tripping or slipping. Be sure the bed is free of all scrap, foreign material and
tools before starting the lathe. Make certain the work area is well lighted and that a proper exhaust
system is used to minimize dust. Use anti-skid floor strips on the floor area where the operator
normally stands and mark off machine work area. Provide adequate work space around the machine.
8. Maintain a balanced stance and keep your body under control at all times.
9. Before turning on machine, remove all extra equipment such as keys, wrenches, scraps, and cleaning
rags away from the machine.
10. Give the work you are doing your undivided attention. Looking around, carrying on a conversation,
and “horseplay” are careless acts that can result in serious injury.
11. Before performing any service, maintenance, adjustments or when changing faceplates or chucks
disconnect the machine from power source. A machine under repair should be RED TAGGED to
show it should not be used until the maintenance is complete.

4
12. Do not turn stock with loose knots, nails or any foreign material in the work piece.
13. If the operator leaves the machine area for any reason, the lathe should be turned "off" and the head
should come to a complete stop before their departure. In addition, if the operation is complete, both
the lathe and work area should be cleaned. NEVER clean the lathe with power "on" and never use
hands to clear sawdust and debris; use a brush or air hose.
14. Use only genuine Oliver Machinery factory authorized replacement parts and accessories; otherwise
the warranty and guarantee is null and void.
15. Do not use this Oliver lathe for other than its intended use. If used for other purposes, Oliver
disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury or damage which may
result from that use.
16. Do not operate this machine while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication.
17. This machine is deigned for turning wood products only. Do not use to turn any kind of substance
other then wood.
18. Never start the lathe while the work piece is in contact with the chisel.
19. Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are:
•Lead from lead-based paint.
•Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products.
•Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as those dust masks that are specifically designed to filter out microscopic particles.
Familiarize yourself with the following safety notices used in this manual:
CAUTION: (This means that if precautions are not heeded, it may result in minor or moderate injury
and/or possible machine damage)
WARNING: (This means that if precautions are not heeded, it could result in serious injury or possibly
even death).

5
Table of Contents Page Number
Warranty........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Warnings .................................................................................................................................................... 3-4
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Uncrating the Machine .................................................................................................................................. 6
Machine Preparation and Setup ................................................................................................................... 6
Electrical Connections................................................................................................................................... 7
Assembly.................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Adjustments .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Centers, Install/Remove.............................................................................................................................. 10
Face Plates, Install/Remove .................................................................................................................. 10-11
Hi/Lo Range Belt Change ...................................................................................................................... 11-12
Controls ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Indexing....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Using the Indexer ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Recommended Lathe Speeds .................................................................................................................... 16
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................ 16
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Specifications
Stock No.................................................................................................................................................. 2018
Swing Over Bed, Inboard (in.)..................................................................................................................... 18
Swing Over Bed, Outboard (in.) .................................................................................................................. 35
Variable Speed Range 1 (RPM) ........................................................................................................ 50-1200
Variable Speed Range 2 (RPM) ...................................................................................................... 150-3200
Spindle .......................................................................................................................1-1/4”, 8TPI, RH thread
Headstock Spindle Taper................................................................................................................. #2 Morris
Tailstock Spindle Taper.................................................................................................................... #2 Morris
Inboard Face Plate Diameter (in.) ................................................................................................................. 6
Outboard Face Plate Diameter (in.) .............................................................................................................. 6
Distance From Floor to Spindle Centerline (in.).................................................................................... 43-1/2
Maximum Distance Between Centers (in.).................................................................................................. 42
Maximum Distance Between Centers with bed extension (in.) ................................................................ 57
Tailstock Quill Travel (in.)........................................................................................................................ 4-1/4
Footprint of Stand (in.) ........................................................................................................................ 69 x 19
Motor ...............................................................................................................2HP, 1Ph, 12 amp, 230V Only
Gross Weight (lbs.) ................................................................................................................................... 950

6
Oliver 2018 – 18” Lathe
Contents
Figure 1
1. Comparator Centers (two)
2. Tool Rests
3. Levelling Pads and Bolts
4. Knockout Rod
5. Motor Tension Rod
6. Comparator/Guard Support Bracket
7. Comparator/Guard Brackets
Figure 2
1. Outboard Tool Rest Holder (Optional)
2. Bed Extension (Optional)
3. Guard
Uncrating the Machine
Retain all packaging materials in case it becomes
necessary to ship the machine to another site.
Machine Preparation and Setup
WARNING!
The equipment used to lift this machine must
have a rated capacity at, or above the weight
of the lathe. Failure to comply may cause
serious injury!
The lathe can be lifted off the skid from over head
using slings ran under the lathe bed.
The lathe must be positioned on a smooth, level
surface. Install the leveling bolts and pads (3,
Figure 1) under the four corners of the lathe.
Clean all rust protected surfaces with a
commercial solvent. Do not use acetone,
gasoline, lacquer thinner or any type of
flammable solvent, or a cleaner that may damage
paint. Cover cleaned surfaces with WD-40 or a
20W machine oil.
Insert the leveling bolts as shown in Figure 4.
Place a level on the bed of the lathe and adjust
leveling bolts until the machine is resting level on
the pads. Tighten the hex nuts against the base
of the lathe to keep the leveling bolts from turning.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4
Pictures and illustrations may vary from
actual product.

7
Electrical Connections
Grounding Instructions
Electrical connections must be made by a
qualified electrician in compliance with all
relevant codes. This machine must be
properly grounded to help prevent electrical
shock and possible fatal injury.
This machine must be grounded. In the event of
a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides
a path of least resistance for electric current to
reduce the risk of electric shock. Improper
connection of the equipment grounding
conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
The conductor, with insulation having an outer
surface that is green with or without yellow
stripes, is the equipment grounding conductor. If
repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug
is necessary, do not connect the equipment
grounding conductor to a live terminal.
The Oliver lathe is supplied with an electrical
pigtail cord. A 230-volt three prong plug capable
of handling 12 amps must be purchased and
installed on the cord. The black and white wires
will attach to the line in terminals on the plug and
the green ground wire will attach to the ground
terminal on the plug.
Assembly
1. The bed extension (optional) can be used to
facilitate outboard turning or it can be used to
extend the main bed. Installation for either
application is as shown in Figure 5. The
mounting bolts are stored from the factory in
their correct mounting holes on the side of the
machine. Use an 8mm Allen wrench to
remove them and re-install with the extension
in place.
Figure 5
2. Install the outboard tool rest holder (optional)
onto its bed by sliding it into the end of the
bed as shown in Figure 6. Line up the
pressure disc B with the T-slot of the
bed. It may be necessary to push or pull
locking lever A to adjust the pressure disc
to the correct height. Once on, push
lever A to lock the holder into place. If the
holder will not lock into place it may be
necessary to adjust the lock nut (C).
Figure 6
3. Insert the tool rest into its holder as
shown in Figure 7 and when the desired
position is found, lock into place with
handle A.
Figure 7
4. Mount the comparator/guard support
bracket to the back of the machine as
shown in Figure 8. Use the supplied
6mm Allen head bolts to securely mount
the bracket to the machine.
Figure 8

8
Assembly (cont.)
5. Mount the headstock side
comparator/guard bracket on top of the
support as shown in Figure 10. Use
the supplied 6mm Allen head bolts.
Figure 10
6. Mountthe second comparator bracket
to the tailstock as shown in Figure 11
using the supplied 6mm Allen head
bolts. As well, the comparator pin A has
been installed. Notice the flat part of the
pin faces the bolt of the lock handle.
Figure 11
7. Your Oliver lathe is equipped with a
safety shield. Install the mounting post
of the shield, in the direction shown by
the arrow in Figure 12, into the
comparator/guard bracket and lock into
place with the lock handle. Loosen the
lock handle to adjust the guard position
as necessary and then re-tighten.
If desired, the safety shield can be
removed in order to install the second
comparator pin.
CAUTION!
Eye protection must always be worn whether
the safety shield is installed or not!
Figure 12
8. Install the motor tension rod as shown in
Figure 13. Once threaded in, lock into
place with the jam nut A.
Figure 13
9. The inboard tool rest can now be
installed in its holder as shown in
Figure 14. Once set in place lock it
using the handle A.
Figure 14

9
Adjustments
Tailstock
Depending on the length of your work piece, the
tailstock can be moved accordingly. Simply push
or pull handle A of Figure 15 to loosen and allow
the tailstock to slide to the correct position. Once
in position lock it into place with handle A. Fine
adjustment can be achieved by turning the
handwheel to lengthen or shorten the tailstock
spindle.
Figure 15
Cam Adjustments
If the tool rests or tailstock do not tighten to the
bed lathe when the locking handle is engaged, it
may be necessary to tighten the locknut as seen
in Figure 16. The adjustment is the same for all
three.
Figure 16
Tool Supports
Your Oliver lathe comes with an inboard and if
ordered with optional bed extension and outboard
tool rest as seen in Figure 17. Each tool rest can
be adjusted for height, position on the bed, and
angle to the work piece.
Loosen the lock handle A to slide the rest forward
or back as well as to angle it with respect to the
bed. Once set to the desired position use handle
A again to lock it into place before using the lathe.
Loose handle B to adjust the height and angle of
the tool rest itself. Once set, lock it into place
before using the lathe. Note that the small handle
B is a ratchet type handle and can be positioned
so that it is out of the way when working.
Although not seen in the picture, there is another
hole on the opposite side in which the small
handle can be inserted if desired.
Figure 17

10
Centers – Installing and Removing
Headstock
1. To install a spur center in the headstock the
center should first be mounted to your
workpiece and both should be inserted into
the headstock at the same time. Make sure
both the spur center shaft and the headstock
spindle mating surfaces are clean and free of
debris.
Warning: Do not drive the workpiece into the
spur center while it is in the headstock or
bearing failure will occur.
2. To remove the spur center, first remove the
workpiece from the lathe, insert the knockout
rod through the hole in the outboard spindle
then firmly tap the end of the spur center
shaft. See Figure 18a.
Note: Make sure to hold onto the spur center
while knocking it out so as to prevent it from
falling on the floor and damaging it.
Figure 18a
Tailstock
To remove the live center from the tailstock
simply turn the handwheel in order to retract the
tailstock spindle into the body as shown by the
arrow in Figure 18b.
Figure 18b
Face Plates – Removal and Installation
Inboard
1. To remove the face plate first loosen the
two set screws ‘A’ of Figure 19. Insert the
indexing pin ‘B’ into one of the three
holes and screw it in until it fully engages
one of the indexing holes in the spindle.
You may have to turn the face plate by
hand until you can feel the pin engage
the hole. The spindle should now be
locked. The face plate can now be
unscrewed counterclockwise off the
spindle. If more leverage is needed
insert the knock out rod into hole ‘C’.
2. Use the reverse procedure to install the
face plate back onto the spindle.
Note: Do not use the knock out rod to
tighten the face plate or thread damage
can occur. Hand tighten only.
Figure 19

11
Face Plates – Removal and Installation
(cont.)
Outboard
1. The outboard face plate removes in the
same fashion as the inboard. Figure 20
shows the face plate already removed from
the spindle. Before removing, loosen the
two set screws ‘A’ then lock the spindle
using the indexing pin as described in the
inboard face plate removal instructions.
The face plate diameter should be large
enough to give sufficient torque to unscrew
by hand. This is done in a
counterclockwise rotation. If the faceplate
does not budge, insert two metal dowels
into two of the mounting holes on the face
of the plate. Then use a leverage bar
between the two dowels to loosen the face
plate.
Figure 20
2. Use the reverse procedure to install the
face plate back onto the spindle. Hand
tighten only.
Hi/Lo Range Belt change
Moving the position of the poly-v belt to the other
step on the motor sheave and the idler sheave
changes the Hi or Low speed range on your
Oliver lathe.
1. Remove the access panel located under the
outboard face plate a shown in Figure 21.
Loosen the three screws just enough so that
the panel can slide free.
Figure 21
2. See Figure 22 and loosen the lock handle
‘A’ and lift up the motor using the handle ‘B.
Once it is up all the way, tighten into place
with handle ‘A’.
Figure 22

12
Hi/Lo Range Belt change (cont.)
3. Figure 23 shows the motor pulley and Figure
24 shows the idler pulley once the headstock
door is opened. At this point simply move the
poly-v belt to the desired step on each pulley.
Figure 23
Figure 24
4. Re-tension the belt making sure that the
grooves up the belts are seated properly and
aligned with the corresponding grooves of
both pulleys. Use only light pressure on the
motor tension rod and then lock into place
with handle ‘A’ of Figure 22.

13
Controls
1. Start / Stop Paddle Switch: Insert
the yellow safety lockout key and lift
up on the paddle to start the lathe.
Push down on the paddle to stop the
lathe. If leaving the lathe
unattended, remove the yellow
safety lockout key to prevent
unauthorized usage. Store the
lockout key in a safe location for
authorized persons only.
2. RPM Indicator: Displays the current
spindle speed.
3. Speed Control: Spindle RPM’s are
controlled with this control. To
change the speed, rotate the control
until the desired speed is displayed
on the indicator.
Important: Only change the speed
when the motor is running or
damage may occur.
4. Reversing Switch: The reversing
switch can be used to change the
spindle rotation.
Important: Allow the motor to
come to a complete stop before
reversing direction or damage
may occur.
.

14
Indexing
The indexer makes it possible to cut evenly
spaced features in a workpiece while keeping the
lathe headstock spindle locked; for example,
when cutting flutes on a spindle blank with a
router, while the spindle blank is secured within
the lathe centers.
There are 12 holes in the spindle collar spaced
30° apart, and 4 holes in the headstock casting
which accept the index pin (see Figures 27 & 28).
The combination of these holes will allow you to
mark your workpiece for evenly spaced features.
1. To use the indexer, thread the index pin
(Figure 27) into one of the four holes until the
index pin engages the spindle and prevents it
from turning. This will be your first indexing
position.
2. Unscrew and remove the index pin, and look
down the hole, carefully counting the number
of holes as you rotate the spindle. Continue
to rotate the spindle until you reach the hold
needed for your second flute cutting, then re-
insert the index pin.
3. Refer to the chart on page 15 to determine
which holes to place the index in relative to
the number of flutes desired in your
workpiece.
Figure 27
Figure 28

15
Using the Indexer
Using the chart
The indexer is shown as viewed from the tailstock
end of the lathe. Points, A, B, C, and D are the
holes in the head casting. The holes in the
spindle collar may be considered as numbered 1
through 12.
Example: You wish to rout 8 flutes on your
spindle blank. Locate the ‘8’ in the ‘No. of Flutes’
column; each flute angle will be 45°. The index
pin should first be inserted into hole combination
‘A-1’. Make your first flute at this position. Back
off the index pin and while looking down the ‘A’
hole rotate the spindle so the number 4 hole is
aligned with the ‘A’ and re-insert the pin. Repeat
for flutes 7 and 10. Finally back off the index pin
and rotate the spindle until the index pin can be
inserted into hole combination ‘D-2’ then ‘D-5’, ‘D-
8’ and ‘D-11’.
# of
Flutes
Angle
A
B
C
D
1
360
1
2
180
1, 7
3
120
1, 5, 9
4
90
1,4,7,10
6
60
1,3,5,7,9,11
8
45
1,4,7,10
2,5,8,11
9
40
1,5,9
4,8,12
12
30
1 thru 12
18
20
1,3,5,7,9,11
2,4,6,8,10,12
2,4,6,8,10,12
24
15
1 thru 12
1 thru 12
36
10
1 thru 12
1 thru 12
1 thru 12

16
Recommended Lathe Speeds
Diameter of Work
Roughing RPM
General Cutting RPM
Finishing RPM
Under 2"
1520
3000
3000
2" to 4"
760
1600
2480
6" to 8"
510
1080
1650
8" to 10"
380
810
1240
10" to 12"
300
650
1000
12" to 14"
255
540
830
14" to 16"
220
460
710
16" to 20"
190
400
620
Maintenance
WARNING!
Before doing maintenance on the lathe,
disconnect the lathe from its power source.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury!
Maintenance on your Oliver lathe should be done at
periodic intervals to ensure that the machine is in
good working order. Inspection and maintenance
should be performed at least twice a year but more
often if the lathe receives constant use.
1. Check all fasteners to make sure they are tight
and check all adjustments that they are in order.
2. Clean and oil the late beds so that the headstock,
tailstock and tool support base will slide easily.
Clean any rust spots that may develop on the bed
with a commercial rust remover.
3. Use compressed air to blow out the interior of the
headstock in order to keep chips and sawdust
from accumulating on the belts and pulleys.
4. Clean out the morse tapers on both the
headstock and tailstock. Commercially available
cleaners may be acquired form tool stores.
5. Check the drive belt for tightness. It should be
snug but not overly tight.
6. Use a mill file to remove any nicks or dings from
the tool rests.
7. Clean and lubricate the tailstock ram and locking
mechanism.

17
Troubleshooting
Trouble Probable Cause Remedy
Motor fails to develop full power Power line overload Correct overload condition
Undersize wires in power supply Increase supply wire size
Worn motor Replace motor
Motor or spindle stalls or will not
start
Excessive cut Reduce depth of cut
Improper belt adjustment, or
worn or broken belt
Adjust or replace belt as needed
Improper cooling of motor Blow out sawdust from motor cooling
fan
Worn spindle bearings Replace bearings
Worn motor Replace motor
Excessive vibration Workpiece warped, out of
round, has major flaw, or was
improperly prepared for turning
Correct by planning or sawing
workpiece, or discard entirely and use
new workpiece
Worn spindle bearings Replace spindle bearings
Worn drive belt Replace motor
Motor mount lock handle is
loose
Tighten lock handle
Lathe on uneven surface Adjust levelers
Tools tend to grab or dig in Dull tools Keep tools sharp
Tool support set too far from
workpiece
Reposition tool support height
Improper tool being used Use correct tool for operation being
performed
Tailstock moves when applying
pressure
Cam lock needs adjusting Tighten cam lock nut
Lathe bed and tailstock mating
surfaces are greasy or oily
Remove tailstock and clean surfaces
with a cleaner/degreaser. Re-apply
light coat of oil to lathe bed surface

HEADSTOCK
95

Index Part's Number Description Specification QTY
2.1 051037-902 Faceplate 2
2.2 001903-105 Set Screw M8*1.25P*8 2
2.3 360956-902 Collar M35*1.5P 1
2.4 030202-002 Ball Bearing 6007 1
2.5 006714-100 Wave Washer WW6305(47.2*60.2) 1
2.6 360957-902 Bushing 1
2.7 010014-000 S-Ring STW-35 1
2.8 300089-000 Pulley 1
2.9 001901-101 Set Screw M5*0.8P*5 6
2.10 380951-902 Bushing 3
2.11 660120-000 Sensor Ring 1
2.12 361127-000 Spindle 1
2.13 012006-001 Key 8*8*40 1
2.14 001902-105 Set Screw M6*1.0P*12 6
3380950-902 Knock Out Bar 1
9051257-000 Headstock 1
15 030223-002 Ball Bearing 6208 1
18 922506-000 Spur Center Assembly 1
18.1 380952-901 Spur Center 1
18.2 380443-906 Tip 1
19 000804-104 Round Head Screw M5*0.8P*6 1
22 173742-904 Cover 1
23 000805-101 Round Head Screw M4*0.7P*6 2
24 014344-000 V-Belt 540J-8 1
25 000105-105 Cap Screw M10*1.5P*40 4
26 006307-100 Spring Washer 10.2*18.5 12
27 006001-069 Flat Washer 10*20*3t 12
28 921915-000 Knurled Screw Assembly 1
29 001602-701 Pan Head Screw w/Flat Washer 1
30 660002-000 Pan Head Screw M5*0.8P*10/5*12*0.8t 2
31 008302-100 Set Screw M5*0.8P/(8B*6H) 2
32 006001-012 Flat Washer 5.3*12*1.0t 6
33 230316-902 Long Hinge 1
34 003301-203 Pan Head Screw 1/4"-20NC*5/8" 1
35 172660-164 Guard 1
36 230156-615 Knob 1
37 000804-107 Hex Socket Screw M5*0.8P*12 12
38 361124-901 Shaft 1
39 000303-103 Pan Head Screw M5*0.8P*10/5*12*0.8t 1
40 923683-000 Digital Display Switch Box Assembly 1
40.1 830004-001 Safety Switch 1
40.2 240057-000 Knob 1
40.3 572468-000 Switch Box Plate 1
40.4 250783-615 Digital Display Switch Box 1
40.5 490884-000 Digital Display 1
2018 Parts List
HEADSTOCK