Dream Machines: Mike Korsak’s 1943 Oliver 12-in. jointer
With its direct-drive three-phase motor, the Oliver isn't something that you can just plug into any old 220-volt outlet. In order to feed the beast, Mike outfitted his shop with a three-phase rotary converter, something he doesn't regret for a minute.
Mike Korsak does some incredible work in his nicely outfitted shop in Pittsburgh, Pa. It’s outfitted with the usual suspects: tablesaw, planer, drill press, and dust collector. But as soon as you walk in, your eyes are drawn to a beast of a machine, a 12-in Oliver jointer made in 1943. It’s a strange dichotomy when you see something so massive and heavy–both physically and visually–yet capable of, and vital to, the unbelievably fine work that Mike produces.
With its direct-drive three-phase motor, the Oliver isn’t something that you can just plug into any old 220-volt outlet. To feed the beast, Mike outfitted his shop with a three-phase rotary converter, which takes the single-phase power found in most residential neighborhoods and converts it to the three-phase power required to power the Oliver. An expense that normally comes in under $1,000 was easy for Mike to justify because he quickly followed it up with a three-phase planer.
So, if you’re ever looking for an excuse to buy a three-phase machine, the answer may be as simple as buying two!
More on FineWoodworking.com:
- Making Three-Phase Machines Work in a One-Phase Shop
- Master the Jointer – Veteran instructor shows how to get better results and stay safe
- A Man and His Jointer – Tony O’Malley’s 1940s Oliver jointer is proof that woodworking machines can be works of art.
Comments
What, no demo Ben????
You've seen a jointer in action before! Ya, you're right, we should have gotten some footage of it in action.
I have the same jointer. It's fantastic.
Why in God's name didn't you have him turn it on?
I have few regrets in life, but this is one.
Go back. Have him turn it on. Splice it into the video. In a few weeks, no one will know.
Good grief, turn it on.
The simplest way to deal with the 3 phase power conversion issue is with a VFD which is solid state devise converting single phase to three phase.
I have both the rotary system and several VFD's and the VFD is definitely the way to go.
It also give you a lot of other benefits like variable speed, braking, speed ramp up etc.
i want to see and hear it operate !
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