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Machinery Photo Index
Manufactured/Badged by:
Oliver Machinery Co.
Grand Rapids, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class: Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type: Shaper, Wood
Machine Size: 120 Cycles
Submitted By: Chuck Hess
Machine Specifications
Description/Model: Louis Allis Frequency Changer
Date of Manufacturer: 1956
Serial Number:
Last Updated 4/4/2005 1:49:03 AM

Comments:
Aloha, Here is the exotic and interesting Louis Allis Control panel, motor and frequency changer needed for an Oliver direct drive shaper. It is the only one I have ever seen. Inside the panel is immaculate, a real time capsule. Came with the original 1956 blue line drawing of electrical layout. It came with the Oliver 287 shaper; see that photo index for the story. Very Cool!

Hess Custom Woodwork Inc. Research on Frequency changers;

American Wood Working Machines for pattern shops 1920 American #30-A & 20-A Double Spindle Shapers on page 53. "7200 R.P.M is the speed recommended for the spindles, and at this speed the motors develop 4 H.P. each. I order to obtain this speed, a frequency changer is required which generates 120 cycle. When a number of shapers are located near each other, one frequency changer serves them all."

American Wood Working Machinery Co. 12th edition catalog 1920 lists same as above page 210.

American Wood Working Machinery Co. 13th edition catalog 1921 lists same as above page 212.

Oliver #22 1922 catalog lists on page 239 Oliver No. 483 High Speed Double Spindle Shaper. 483-D being Motor on Spindle Drive consisting of two 3 HP shaftless 7200 rpm motors. #487 is the single spindle version of same.

Yates American 1st edition 1925 catalog lists on page 180, Whitney #250 Motor Driven Double Spindle Shaper . Specs are 7 ½ H.P. motors at 120 cycles with push button control. Page #182 Whitney #139 Double Spindle Direct Motor Driven Shaper with 4 HP motors rated at 120 cycles, 7200 RPM. Whitney #134 Double spindle Direct Motor Driven Shaper with 4 HP motors rated at 120 cycles, 7200 RPM.
Whitney #117 & 127 Double Spindle Direct Motor Driven Shaper with 2 HP motors rated at 120 cycles, 7200 RPM. No 182, 155 & 165 are also listed as having 120 cycle motors. Check out Whitney No. 386 Heavy Duty Double Spindle Shaper page 181 says each spindle is driven by 18 HP motor! Frequency changer is shown on page 190. "The advantages of frequency changer over other methods of drive such as belts, friction devices, etc., are; positive drive of spindles, spindles keep up to speed, push button control for each spindle, no mechanical drive to get out of order, spindles run free from any exterior pressure and always remain true, no belt expense and no wearing elements to be replaced."

Yates American 25-S 1930 catalog frequency changer listed with shapers on page 99. Page before list Whitney #134 Double spindle Direct Motor Driven Shaper with 4 HP motors rated at 120 cycles, 7200 RPM.

Oliver #288 Double Spindle Shaper- 1949 Brochure lists the 288-D "Oliver" Motor-On-Head Double Spindle Shaper, with two 7 ½ h.p. 7200 r.p.m., 3 phase, 120 cycle 220 or 440 Volt Shaftless motors.

Oliver #287 Single Spindle Shaper - 1952 Brochure lists the 287-D "Oliver" Motor-On-Head Double Spindle Shaper, with two 7 ½ h.p. 7200 r.p.m., 3 phase, 120 cycle 220 or 440 Volt motor.
If anyone else has one of these drop me a line I would like to compare notes. Thanks.

Aloha,
Chuck

Photo 1:

Comments: Control Panel, motor is on right, freak on left.
Source: My beautiful wife's camera.
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Photo 2:

Comments: Motor Badge.
Source: My beautiful wife's camera.
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Photo 3:

Comments: "Freak" Badge.
Source: My beautiful wife's camera.
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