Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 18
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Post W Thornley & Sons History and info

    Thornley Logo.jpg
    Thought I would start a new thread where information can be pooled regarding Thornley machinery, History etc. There seems so little information around that is publicly available yet I would think it is out there. Share info Pics of your Machinery whatever is related to W Thornley & Sons.
    Here is the man who started it all William Thornley 1857 -1911.
    William Thornley Portrait.jpg
    A Corner of their showroom 1924
    Thornley Machinery Showroom 1924.jpg

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Here are some images I found of a Thornley 133P saw bench.
    Thornley 133P 1.jpgThornley 133P 3.jpgThornley 133P 4.jpgThornley 133P 5.jpg

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    This machine is on Gum Tree at the moment. The badges have been removed but has all the hall marks of a Thornley as well. Correct me if I am wrong and I will remove it from the thread.
    Saw Bench 1.JPGSaw Bench 2.JPG
    This is a 24" saw and run with a 15hp electric motor.
    Here is an image from the 1924 Catalogue that shows a lot of similarities.
    Thornley 30-36 inch Rigid saw bench 1924.jpg
    Last edited by Gaza58; 24th April 2017 at 07:38 AM. Reason: Add additional Image

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    1,766

    Default

    I've got a Thornley table saw in bits downstairs. I've always wanted to set it up and get it going. It's all there, just don't have the room.

    Cheers
    Bevan
    There ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk!!

    Tom Waits

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Here is another rather large Thornley Ripping saw that is on eBay at the moment .... situated in Victoria. Just adding some pics for reference.
    Thornley Ripping Saw Ebay 2017 001.jpgThornley Ripping Saw Ebay 2017 002.jpgThornley Ripping Saw Ebay 2017 003.jpgThornley Ripping Saw Ebay 2017 004.jpg

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,501

    Default

    There is a nice post here on the Lithgow Blast Furnace that was run by W. Thornley prior to setting up his own business.
    https://deephill.wordpress.com/2011/...blast-furnace/

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,501

    Default

    There is also a rich amount of stuff on Trove.
    Here is an ad from Nov 1926.
    https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-308559146...e/n16/mode/1up

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Thanks Hiroller....I did find the artical about the Lithgow blast furnace. I also bought a copy of the 1924 catalogue that e national library has in their collect....... I am willing to share this as long as it isn't on sold or placed in a collection of docs to be sold... The catalogue has heaps of information. I would like to find info from the 30's and 40's or later

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,501

    Default

    Here's the main search I used on Trove. You can then filter by decade.
    Search results for '"W. Thornley & sons"' - Trove

    Here is the notice of the founding of the company.
    20 Jan 1909 - THE SYDENHAM IRONWORKS. - Trove

    I'll look a bit more this evening. The company was liquidated in the 1990s.
    They seem to have spent a bit of time in court.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,501

    Default

    The State Library of NSW has company files up until 1946 and a family history written by Cassie Thornley in 2016. Might be worth requesting a copy.
    https://primo-slnsw.hosted.exlibrisg...tains,Thornley

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Been seeing a few odd Thornley machines popping up in various sale sites lately. Not sure if they were off the shelf or customer orders.
    Thornley Saw Bench 0001-1.jpg
    This little saw bench is currently for sales on the Vintage tools for Sale Australia F..book site. An interesting little saw bench with grinder attached.

    MBT_Jointer_Compressor 001.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 002.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 003.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 005.jpg
    Here is another interesting Combo. This is a MBT machine sold by Thornley- a Jointer with a compressor built in under the frame. Not sure why you would want this combo..maybe it had some sort of Pneumatic clamping or power feed system. Note the holes in the bed on the infeed. This one was sold on G..Tree in Brisbane recently.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gaza58 View Post
    Been seeing a few odd Thornley machines popping up in various sale sites lately. Not sure if they were off the shelf or customer orders.
    Thornley Saw Bench 0001-1.jpg
    This little saw bench is currently for sales on the Vintage tools for Sale Australia F..book site. An interesting little saw bench with grinder attached.
    The guy selling this was kind enough to send through some extra photos....... Turns out this saw is actually a Thornley Grinder.
    Here is a copy of page 27 of the 1924 Catalogue showing it in its former glory.
    Thornley 1924-27.jpg
    It came in a number of sizes with varying shaft thicknesses. I am guessing by the picture this one is a number 3.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Found another Saw Bench on Gumtree that is for sale at the moment
    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kyog...ase/1155415891

    It looks in pretty good nick but missing a few bits. The Riving Knife and Top Blade cover would be dead easy to re manufacture, however there is a cast bottom cover for the blade that is missing.... would be a good project if someone had one that wasn't in great shape.
    Thornley Saw Bench 0002-1.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-2.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-3.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-4.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-5.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-6.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-7.JPGThornley Saw Bench 0002-8.JPG
    I have no connection to this sale what so ever..... Just thought I would share another Thornley for those that may be interested.
    Here are some more pics of a different specimen that I found on the net that shows the cast bottom cover.
    Thornley saw Bench 0006-1.jpgThornley saw Bench 0006-2.jpg

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Stockton
    Posts
    291

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Gaza58 View Post
    Been seeing a few odd Thornley machines popping up in various sale sites lately. Not sure if they were off the shelf or customer orders.
    Thornley Saw Bench 0001-1.jpg
    This little saw bench is currently for sales on the Vintage tools for Sale Australia F..book site. An interesting little saw bench with grinder attached.

    MBT_Jointer_Compressor 001.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 002.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 003.jpgMBT_Jointer_Compressor 005.jpg
    Here is another interesting Combo. This is a MBT machine sold by Thornley- a Jointer with a compressor built in under the frame. Not sure why you would want this combo..maybe it had some sort of Pneumatic clamping or power feed system. Note the holes in the bed on the infeed. This one was sold on G..Tree in Brisbane recently.
    Gaza did you end up getting the grinder stand?

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Thornley Bench Saw Reno
    By Gaza58 in forum ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE MACHINERY
    Replies: 45
    Last Post: 31st October 2019, 12:22 AM
  2. Thornley table saw ... any info?
    By NickJ in forum TABLE SAWS & COMBINATIONS
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 14th April 2017, 07:17 PM
  3. Thornley machines St Peters Sydney NSW
    By clear out in forum ANTIQUE AND COLLECTABLE TOOLS
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 29th January 2015, 11:03 PM
  4. My sons toy box
    By pellcorp in forum FURNITURE, JOINERY, CABINETMAKING - formerly BIG STUFF
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 14th November 2011, 08:57 PM
  5. thornley combination saw
    By alan hughes in forum TABLE SAWS & COMBINATIONS
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 18th June 2004, 12:38 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •