I am looking for some info folks on some Oliver machines. Please excuse the ignorance in advance, as I really am not familiar with the Oliver machines.
First question. A friend has an Oliver Model 285T shaper with an 1 1/8" spindle(?). He wants to convert it to 1 1/4" . He has called Oliver and the price for this new spindle is steep, over $1K.
What parts/components are really being changed? Is there another place to get one? or Can one be manufactured, for less?
Second question. I have an option to buy an Oliver 260D sliding tablesaw with all of the parts. Miters, slider, fence etc.. It's a little bit dirty, and needs cleaned up, but otherwise appears fine.
What should I be looking at when I objectively evaluate this machine? what are the weak points to look out for? What pitfalls are associated with an Oliver, ie unique blades or something like that? What is an insulting offer? and what is acceptable?
TIA.