The Oliver 2019 18" Professional Lathe is built for woodworkers who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and solid construction. With an all-cast iron frame, it offers a stable platform that reduces vibration and supports consistent turning.
The reversible 2HP motor, paired with a wide variable speed range and digital RPM display, provides precise control across a variety of applications—from shaping spindles to detailed bowl work. A unique bed extension increases the working distance up to 41", giving flexibility for larger projects when needed. Dual-purpose headstock spindles simplify outboard turning, and thoughtful additions like a spindle index and auxiliary power switch on the tailstock support ease of use.
This lathe is designed for craftspeople who demand practical performance without distractions, offering a tool that stays out of the way and lets the work take focus. Whether you're refining your craft or tackling custom pieces, it’s built to handle the job reliably over time.
Bring more control, consistency, and confidence to your woodturning projects with a lathe that’s built to meet the needs of serious craftsmen. The Oliver 2019 Professional Lathe isn’t just a tool—it’s a dependable work partner designed to support the precision and care that experienced woodworkers put into every piece.
Its design allows you to work at your own pace, dial in the right turning speeds, and make smooth, repeatable cuts that reflect the time and skill behind your craft. For hobbyists and professionals alike, it’s the kind of equipment that fits easily into your workflow—sturdy, thoughtful, and ready for years of steady use. It doesn’t promise shortcuts or flashy features. Instead, it delivers the reliability and balance that allow you to do your best work, project after project.
The lathe is built entirely from cast iron, offering a solid, vibration-dampening foundation. This results in smoother operation, allowing for greater control when working on fine or detailed projects. A stable platform supports consistent cuts, especially with harder or uneven wood stock.
Its 2-horsepower motor provides steady torque for both small and larger-scale turning tasks. The motor’s reverse function is especially useful for sanding operations or clearing shavings without needing to reposition the workpiece, improving efficiency without compromising safety.
With an adjustable speed range from 50 to 3,200 RPM, the lathe can be tuned for everything from slow-speed roughing to high-speed finishing. This flexibility is ideal for users who work on multiple types of wood or switch between projects frequently.
The integrated digital readout shows exact spindle speed in real time, helping users match speed to material and technique. This allows for more predictable outcomes and reduces trial-and-error adjustments that waste material or time.
An optional bed extension increases the working distance between centers from 26" to 41", offering flexibility for turning longer pieces such as table legs or bed posts. The extension can also be positioned for outboard turning, saving space while expanding utility.
With a built-in 36-position index, users can lock the spindle in set positions. This is useful for fluting, decorative carving, or layout tasks that require precise angular spacing, adding versatility for more intricate or repeatable work.
The headstock includes threads on both ends, simplifying the setup for outboard turning. This allows for shaping larger or irregular pieces without needing an entirely separate setup or lathe, saving both shop space and setup time.
An auxiliary power switch located at the tailstock provides added control when working on long pieces. This reduces the need to walk back and forth, improving workflow and minimizing disruption during focused work.
With a footprint of 46.5” x 16.25”, the lathe is compact enough for smaller shops yet wide enough to offer a solid stance. This makes it easier to integrate into existing workspaces without sacrificing usability or floor space.
Users can further tailor the lathe to their workflow with compatible accessories such as a protective guard or a tall banjo for outboard turning. These additions enhance safety and expand the types of work that can be accomplished, depending on the user’s focus.
