Vintage American woodworking Machinery.

[L.S.Barker1970]

I have a little weakness, I like Vintage American equipment.
There is not a lot over here in Australia, but when you see it, you will under stand, as it stands out with its own beautiful styling and shape.
The majority of our Woodworking equipment was either locally made or imported from the UK and England being part of the commonwealth and all.
But very early in the piece there were several companies bringing in US made woodworking machinery.
H.P.Gregory were one such company for instance, they were merchants for J.A.Fay & Egan who made some of the best US Equipment.
Do any of our forum members here with an interest in old woodworking machinery run any American made stuff ?
If so, love to hear about it if you like !!
Here are some of my machines, some restored, some to be restored...

http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/image_zpsc794f2ab.jpg
1885 J.A.Fay 38 inch Bandsaw.
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/DSC_0332.jpg
Restored 1927 Greenlee 18 inch Table saw
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355109/image-33_zps93457770.jpg
1910 American woodworking machinery 12 inch Jointer
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355149/image-146_zpsunvlieth.jpg
1947 De Walt GE 16 inch Radial arm saw
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355156/DSC_0191_zpsabekzgde.jpg
1890 Rowley & Hermance Sweepstakes moulding machine.
Melbourne Matty.

[jcge]

Nice collection Matty

Lovely machine that JA Fay band saw (aka the Ferrous Wheel :p), and some of those US makers weren't afraid to pour a bit of iron!! Some heavy duty machines there.

Please do post more details/pics.

Regards
John

[scrounger]

that bandsaw & moulding machine are some nice machinery http://d1r5wj36adg1sk.cloudfront.net/images/smilies/happy/biggrin.gif

[L.S.Barker1970]

Nice collection Matty

Lovely machine that JA Fay band saw (aka the Ferrous Wheel :p), and some of those US makers weren't afraid to pour a bit of iron!! Some heavy duty machines there.

Please do post more details/pics.

Regards
John


that bandsaw & moulding machine are some nice machinery http://d1r5wj36adg1sk.cloudfront.net/images/smilies/happy/biggrin.gif

Thank you John and Scrounger !

John I can put more up for sure, I thought I would start with one I nearly forgot, My Brother and I years ago restored a 1903, 32 inch Crescent Bandsaw for our Dad to use.
We found it in very poor condition, no motor, no guards and in pieces.
Basically adapted a 3hp single phase motor and got it all back together, had to make guards and some parts, but my brother is brilliant at that with his own metal shop.
Here are some pic's, needless to say the old man was very happy.

http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355173/image-204_zpsxnazls55.jpg
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355173/image-205_zpso8rtw2zh.jpg
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355173/image-206_zpsvgf9j3pd.jpg
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355173/image-208_zps0ewkt2xl.jpg
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355173/image-207_zpswo9eqpjc.jpg

Melbourne Matty.

[Vann]

Vintage American machinery :2tsup:! I was going to bore you with pictures of post drills. Then I re-read the title and see it's Vintage American woodworking Machinery :doh:, so you're safe...

Cheers, Vann :).

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have shared mine previously but here it is again for those who may have missed it ...... http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=169555&p=1637854#post1637854
It was given a workout last weekend processing very heavy rough sawn spotted gum and with the minor exception of the new starter it didn't flinch at the task. Always a pleasure to hear it winding up to full speed as the lights dim momentarily :U

[camoz]

Matty,

A lot of yours are very early examples, have you looked into this much with your catalogues, was there say a period early on, where there were a lot of authorised distributors spread around the country, and then later it drops down to just one or two in the country?

Cheers,

Camo

[clear out]

Nice gear Matty,
My first bandsaw was a 24 inch Crescent of similar vintage, a mate who was an aircraft sheet metalworker made up guards for it.
I later had a 24 inch Oliver jointer from the 1920s which had a 4 knife round cutter block and direct drive from the electric motor. This was in the late 1980s and I wrote to Oliver and they were able to supply me with original drawing etc for the machine.
The only bit of U.S. Gear I currently own is a 1900 or so scroll or fret saw wot has a timber and leather top bow wot is attached to the roof and a heavy cast iron table which I plan to drive off line shaft. Will post some pics when I get back to Oz.
H.

[jcge]

... restored a 1903, 32 inch Crescent Bandsaw for our Dad to use.....needless to say the old man was very happy.
Melbourne Matty.

I'm sure he was Matty !!! Beautiful work on the guards.
I'm a little bit partial to the Crescent bandsaws. I picked up a 36" version a few months (maybe a year...)ago, but it's not running yet...
Thanks for posting the pics.

Regards
John

[L.S.Barker1970]

I have shared mine previously but here it is again for those who may have missed it ...... http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=169555&p=1637854#post1637854
It was given a workout last weekend processing very heavy rough sawn spotted gum and with the minor exception of the new starter it didn't flinch at the task. Always a pleasure to hear it winding up to full speed as the lights dim momentarily :U

I'm still very fond of this machine, thanks for reminding me and putting it up !

http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355175/IMG_1309_zps0pwnsawh.jpg
http://i982.photobucket.com/albums/ae301/matty355/matty355174/lisa280_zpssbjv1bhp.jpg
Melbourne Matty

[L.S.Barker1970]

Matty,

A lot of yours are very early examples, have you looked into this much with your catalogues, was there say a period early on, where there were a lot of authorised distributors spread around the country, and then later it drops down to just one or two in the country?

Cheers,

Camo

Cam I think it all stopped after world war ll, 40s and 50s were boom years for english machines and australian manufactures had also come into their own producing very good quality machines as well, some just as good as the english stuff.



The only bit of U.S. Gear I currently own is a 1900 or so scroll or fret saw wot has a timber and leather top bow wot is attached to the roof and a heavy cast iron table which I plan to drive off line shaft. Will post some pics when I get back to Oz.
H.

Thanks Henry !
Now you have my attention, I will hold you to that when you get back, thats a machine I'd like to see.



I'm sure he was Matty !!! Beautiful work on the guards.
I'm a little bit partial to the Crescent bandsaws. I picked up a 36" version a few months (maybe a year...)ago, but it's not running yet...
Thanks for posting the pics.

Regards
John

John, my brother did the work on the guards, he's a gun welder, real neat with every thing he does.
Thanks for your comments.

Melbourne Matty.

[lightwood]

Not as heavy as some, nor as old as some...but it is American.
The only US machine I have.
A "The Driver Line" Scroll Saw by Walker and Turner, Plainfield, New Jersey.
From between the wars I think. Some time after 1930s.
Peter

http://www.petermcbride.com/temp/images/walker_saw1.JPG

http://www.petermcbride.com/temp/images/walker_saw2.JPG

[jcge]

Cool machine Peter

[Stewie D]

Another American scrollsaw. This time a Duro 12". http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc455/stewiesno1/Duro%2012quot%20Scrollsaw%202_zpsusg4zeq4.jpg (http://s1212.photobucket.com/user/stewiesno1/media/Duro%2012quot%20Scrollsaw%202_zpsusg4zeq4.jpg.html)
It is missing the little cylindrical air pump.

Stewie

[L.S.Barker1970]

Pete and Stewie, they are just beautiful little machines !
Thanks for showing !!

Melbourne Matty.

[jayeson]

I like them too. I have these I think, unfortunately all still crated and in storage since our last big move:

'39 Delta 20" Bandsaw
Delta 6x9 belt sander
30's round-base Delta DP-220 14" drill press
30's 11" lathe
'88 Delta Unisaw
Delta belt driven 7" grinder
Delta motorized 7" grinder
A couple of Delta cast iron grinder stands
8" Baldor grinder
8" Baldor long arm buffer
7" Baldor grinder
Pair of smaller Baldor grinder stands
Powermatic 100 Planer
Powermatic 15" variable speed drill press
Clausing 15" variable speed drill press
Late 1800's Tanite grinder (just for looking at)
Late 1800's Perkins mitre trimmer on stand (also just for looking at)

The old Delta stuff is just so well made. Hope to add a Delta 8" jointer to the list at some point. Or maybe a Powermatic. Must be one somewhere in Australia.

- Jayeson

[jcge]

Jayeson...was the Titanium Studio's website yours ?

John

[jayeson]

Jayeson...was the Titanium Studio's website yours ?

John

Yes, that is me.

[L.S.Barker1970]

Yes, that is me.

Great to see you around Jayson !
That's an impressive list !
Discovering your web site years ago I always found it great reading, I was particularly fascinated with the j.sagar and McPhersons catalog cuts. It was probably one of the reasons I got into collecting catalogs years ago !
Hope to see more of you here Jayson.

Melbourne Matty.

[jayeson]

I got the VS drill presses, Delta grinder stand and Baldor buffer from an owwmer named Paul before leaving the USA. At the time I was only after a buffer and Delta grinder stand. In the background of the stand photo Paul had sent me, I saw what looked like part of a Clausing drill press. I asked if he had a nice drill press he would part with and said there was a choice of two. The Clausing is morse taper and the Powermatic has a straight jacobs spindle. I really wanted a Clausing, but also wanted the Jacobs setup. I was already paying to ship a pallet so decided to get both.

I had it shipped to my work which had a loading dock, but no forks. I had to call my wife to bring some gear to me to help with loading onto my ute. It was a bit of an awkward moment loading up a drill press in front of her after having said I would downsize for the move. Not quite as awkward as when I then rolled a second drill press into her view.

Good grief, I just checked through old emails and realize why I had to have them:

Baldor 330B Buffer : $75
Delta Cast Iron Grinder Stand: $95
Clausing 15" 1673 drill press (missing head lock handle, variable speed handles and switch/starter): $175
Powermatic 15" variable speed drill press: $300

The Clausing came out of a school. It doesn't look like it has ever been used. There is some light rust and paint scuffs from storage/moving but not a single usage mark on it. I actually have a bunch of starters but this one I'm going set up with VSD.

- Jayeson

[jcge]

Yes, that is me.

Nice to see you posting here Jayeson.

I found your website whilst looking for info on my grandfathers Advance lathe. The start of my interest in old machinery.

Regards
John

[lightwood]

Cam I think it all stopped after world war ll, 40s and 50s were boom years for english machines and australian manufactures had also come into their own producing very good quality machines as well, some just as good as the english stuff.
Melbourne Matty.
Matty,
Australia had preferential trading partners, and quite high tariffs were imposed to help maintain the effective restriction of trade.
Great Britain was the preferred trading partner over the US up until WW2. A quick google search shows an important May1936 legislation date.

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed_inquiries/1999-02/japan/report/c05
(http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed_inquiries/1999-02/japan/report/c05)
"5.9 In May 1936, the Australian Government further entrenched the principle of preferential trade with the implementation of a new Australian trade policy—a ‘trade diversion policy’. It was intended to increase exports of primary produce, expand secondary industry and increase rural and industrial employment. Certain imports would be restricted with the intention of encouraging their manufacture in Australia while other imports would be diverted from their current source to countries that were valued customers of Australia, in the hope that their economic ties would become even stronger.[8] (http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/Completed_inquiries/1999-02/japan/report/footnotes#c05f8) In effect, tariff rates were to be raised substantially and a special licensing system introduced which would discriminate against imports from countries such as Japan and the United States while favouring British imports"

Post WW2 I think the restrictions against imports of US goods in favour of UK goods was even more severe. Trading licenses were needed, and applications needed to be made for trade.

Cheers,
Peter

[Norcal]

I got the VS drill presses, Delta grinder stand and Baldor buffer from an owwmer named Paul before leaving the USA. At the time I was only after a buffer and Delta grinder stand. In the background of the stand photo Paul had sent me, I saw what looked like part of a Clausing drill press. I asked if he had a nice drill press he would part with and said there was a choice of two. The Clausing is morse taper and the Powermatic has a straight jacobs spindle. I really wanted a Clausing, but also wanted the Jacobs setup. I was already paying to ship a pallet so decided to get both.

I had it shipped to my work which had a loading dock, but no forks. I had to call my wife to bring some gear to me to help with loading onto my ute. It was a bit of an awkward moment loading up a drill press in front of her after having said I would downsize for the move. Not quite as awkward as when I then rolled a second drill press into her view.

Good grief, I just checked through old emails and realize why I had to have them:

Baldor 330B Buffer : $75
Delta Cast Iron Grinder Stand: $95
Clausing 15" 1673 drill press (missing head lock handle, variable speed handles and switch/starter): $175
Powermatic 15" variable speed drill press: $300

The Clausing came out of a school. It doesn't look like it has ever been used. There is some light rust and paint scuffs from storage/moving but not a single usage mark on it. I actually have a bunch of starters but this one I'm going set up with VSD.

- Jayeson


How are you handling, or going to handle the 50/60 Hertz issue with the machines? If they are 3 phase, variable frequency drives takes care of the issue, but 60 Hertz motors do not like 50 Hertz power very well.

[jayeson]

How are you handling, or going to handle the 50/60 Hertz issue with the machines? If they are 3 phase, variable frequency drives takes care of the issue, but 60 Hertz motors do not like 50 Hertz power very well.

You are 100% correct. Everything is 3 phase. Before moving, I did some swaps, and sold, then repurchased other items to get everything in 3 phase. Wasn't ideal - I had some very mint condition Baldor grinders and a long arm buffer in single phase. For grinders and drill presses, the small VFD's are were quite inexpensive. I can't recall exactly, I might have a 3HP motor or two that need either a VFD or possibly just swapping in a single phase motor.

- Jayeson

[bueller]

Jayeson that list is insane. Huge fan of the Delta stuff, a Unisaw is probably my dream machine.

[sawmiller]

Hi Matty,
Could not believe my eyes when I saw your bandsaw, we have exactly the same bandsaw here in Canbera+

[sawmiller]

Hi Matty,
Could not believe my eyes, actually finding someone with exactly the same machine as I have, with only one exception- mine has a ( for want of another word ) spearpoint on the top of the housing behind the top wheel. My machine was manufactured in 1872 and started its working life in Clyde railway yards doing the carriages on those beautiful old trains from back then. After that it was sold to a friend of a friend who painted it with silverfrost without bothering to get rid of the years of accumulated dirt and grime. It was then sold to our friend who used it for many years before selling to us. It is now painted its original deep bottle green with a white and red pinstripe around the outer edges, I might add, thanks to the dirt and grime which was extremely hard to get rid of. The blade is 18 feet long and an inch deep from tip of tooth to back of blade and is an absolute pleasure to use, I live in suburbia and could start the
machine up at 3 a.m and nobody would know it was going. It weighs exactly 1 ton and when I move it will most definitely be going too. All the best with your restoration, would love to see it, but I guess pics. will be just as good.

Regards
Graham

[L.S.Barker1970]

Hi Graham
Well I'm just as surprised as you !
My J.A.Fay Bandsaw was built around 1880 so a little later, earlier machines had the spear head hat, mine just seems to be smoothed of.
Its a machine that I feel very privilege to own, I am still very grateful to the previous owner Daniel for the opertunity to purchase it !
I'm very happy to hear you have one as well, and like finding a long lost relative I have so many questions.
Was your machine imported by H.P.Gregory ?
Has your machine had a conversion from flat belt and pulleys to electric motor ?
I have not converted mine yet but I have got a hold of a beautiful 7.5 HP vintage electric motor for the old girl.

[sawmiller]

Hi Matty
First of all, I must apologise for not replying sooner but I have had broadband issues, so, consequently no internet for nearly 3 weeks. My bandsaw was imported by H.P.Gregory of San Francisco and has an oval brass plaque attached to the gooseneck next to the J.A Fay & Co that is moulded into the machine. The bandsaw was converted before we bought it, apparently many years ago as we have the original leather belt which is very very old and bootlaced together. The motor is a 3.5 h.p 3 phase Noyes & Compton with a serial no. of 483 so that alone tells how old the motor is. I've had a new belt made and had oil bottles replaced which were missing. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need info of any sort. If you want to see my machine, it is on the OWWM website (prior to restoration).

Regards
Graham

[L.S.Barker1970]

Hi Graham
Please don't apologize, I can totally understand !
I've been flat out my self and I'm finding that getting on the computer is a luxury these days.
Thanks for all the information, I had a quick look on vintage machinery at your saw and I was amazed !
Its a magnificent saw, you have a great piece of history right there !
As soon as I get a chance I will put up some more pic's of mine for your viewing pleasure !
Till then take it easy !
Melbourne Matty.

[Tazzy Shane]

Hi Matty, Great job your brother has done on the bandsaw covers, i have a very old bandsaw made by Bells Asbestos in the UK, it is a huge big machine with the dog leg spokes in the band wheels, just needs an early
electric motor to complete it. but very dangerous with out blade covers.
Matty do you know of a Dewalt radial arm saw "GE Model" or a GP that up for sale.
Regards Shane

[Camelot]

I have an old American machine that could be earlier than the 1890's due to the maker using "The" in the name plate. It is a Disc & Bobbin Sander made in Rochester New York504700

[L.S.Barker1970]

Hi Matty, Great job your brother has done on the bandsaw covers, i have a very old bandsaw made by Bells Asbestos in the UK, it is a huge big machine with the dog leg spokes in the band wheels, just needs an early
electric motor to complete it. but very dangerous with out blade covers.
Matty do you know of a Dewalt radial arm saw "GE Model" or a GP that up for sale.
Regards Shane

Hi Shane, I'm affraid l don't at the moment..but l can always keep an eye out for you..
Melbourne Matty.

[L.S.Barker1970]

I have an old American machine that could be earlier than the 1890's due to the maker using "The" in the name plate. It is a Disc & Bobbin Sander made in Rochester New York504700

Hi there, l think I remember your machine being for sale a while back. Probably the only one in Australia. Very nice
Melbourne Matty.

[L.S.Barker1970]

While I'm here, here is my latest aquesition ..
Many thanks to the wonderful Gaza for the heads up...

504745

504746

504747

504748

Melbourne Matty.

[Vann]

One of these Matty?

504749

Catalogue cut courtesy of the NZ Timber Museum, Putaruru, NZ.

Cheers, Vann.

[L.S.Barker1970]

One of these Matty?

504749

Catalogue cut courtesy of the NZ Timber Museum, Putaruru, NZ.

Cheers, Vann.

Geez Vann yes that's the one !!
How on earth did you get a hold of a F&E catalog from the NZ timber museum ??
Melbourne Matty.

[Camelot]

Hi there, l think I remember your machine being for sale a while back. Probably the only one in Australia. Very nice
Melbourne Matty.

Thanks here are a couple more pics that I thought I had attached earlier

[Vann]

Geez Vann yes that's the one !!
How on earth did you get a hold of a F&E catalog from the NZ timber museum ??

I was looking for Wadkin catalogues Matty. I only got to touch the F&E catalogue - and take a few photos.

Cheers, Vann.