On a lathe this old and being a speed controller - it is :

1. mechanical I say no.
2. Thyratrons running two for control of AC rectification and power
control. It might be powered by them and driven by a pulse width
signal that drives more or less current. Pulse-width-modulation...

(the beginning of the SCR controllers SS Thyratrons and frequency
controlled motors.)

I'd expect the latter since it is a DC motor with a speed control.

I'd not worry much as long as it can be demonstrated running....

I have some 1000 amp Thyratrons - and made a Flip-Flop that pulsed the
units on/off automatically and it was a light show and fun.


Martin

On 3/16/2017 6:38 PM, Electric Comet wrote:
On Mon, 13 Mar 2017 19:08:44 -0700 (PDT)
" wrote:

1960s-1970s car or 2010 car? I think a lathe fits into the
sophisticated category. An electric motor makes it sophisticated.
The one on this lathe says 2hp, 7.7 amps, and 400/2000 rpm. Not sure
how the rpm works with two speeds. A motor would not specify two

not sure how the speed is controlled
the controller does not reveal how it works to me

pulleys. 12 or 16 inch swing? I think you would be better off with

try the outboard setup and turn 6 foot bowls like the ad says

a comparable priced new Jet lathe. Or finding a Rikon/Woodfast which
is basically identical to this except variable speed. Or save a few

they are not identical since the oliver is built like a tank
this kind of lathe is not for someone that would buy a jet lathe

this guy has several oliver lathes
http://rogturning.com/gallery

http://rogturning.com/yahoo_site_adm...1658_large.JPG


these oliver lathes are in a class alone

maybe robust and oneway comes close but you know what they say about
close