L.S.Barker Combination Machine.

Just when I thought I knew all of L.S.Barkers line up of machines, and along comes this old four in one combination.
I think the the 60's were the zenith of the combination era, Australian firms such as Artisan, Charles & Hunting, Easy Cut, Wolfenden, Durden, Gilbro and Woodfast created great little combination machines.
But this one from Barker is something else, its a shaper with an inch and 1/4 shaft, a 12 inch jointer/buzzer and 16 inch saw bench and a horizontal borer.
Its is for sure a 60's machine looking at the red badge and the Heidelburg address.
A good friend of mine has purchased this one and he's very happy, his work space is a small area and this machine will suit him well.

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Melbourne Matty.

That's an impressive looking machine.
Is is ready to use, or will it get the full treatment?

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Originally Posted by hiroller

That's an impressive looking machine.
Is is ready to use, or will it get the full treatment?

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To be honest I'm not sure about the condition, I would assume by the photos that it is in reasonable condition.
Things like bearings, sharp cutters etc well need to be looked at, but it all depends on what my friend wants to do.
Right now the plan is to get it down to Victoria safe.
I'd like to post more photos of it in detail when we see it, so I'll keep you posted !

Melbourne Matty.

Hi Matty
That's a sturdy looking combo machine (you noted Artisan in your post, and they're chalk and cheese in comparison). That would be a great machine for a small workshop
John

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Originally Posted by jcge

Hi Matty
That's a sturdy looking combo machine (you noted Artisan in your post, and they're chalk and cheese in comparison). That would be a great machine for a small workshop
John

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Hi John, yes I agree, Bursgreen over in england really kicked of the age of sheet metal fabrication, many firms followed even over here in Australia, (Wolfenden also in a similar vain, with welded thick steel fabricated bases) as a cheep and quick way to produce smaller woodworking equipment, for both the professional and Hobbiest woodworker.
But as you say Night and Day as far as a substantial machine goes, the barker gets my vote every time, most of L.S.Barker's machines were all cast iron with sheet metal guards, barker still built woodworking machines the traditional way, the engineering that was put into each machine is something to marvel at !
I was wondering what it would of cost to make one of these in the 1960's, expensive I'm sure, perhaps this is why I have not seen one till now, the big price tag could of meant less of them were produced..?!


Melbourne Matty.

I have been doing a little looking on the net for similar style combination Machines and the "stenberg" from Sweden looks like a match and made well before Barker too.
The wandering axeman: Stenbergs KLE Kombimaskin - combination machine

Melbourne Matty.

That Stenberg is an interesting machine Matty...it looks as though, based on the raised platen, that both the jointing and thicknessing capability is overhand (as opposed to over/under) Is that correct? Is the Wolfenden the same config?

Presumably the saw blade precludes under table thicknessing?

I wonder about the relationship between Stenberg and Jonsered......association by acquisition?

John

Matty,

That really is an interesting machine, I'm glad it will be going to someone who has the need to use it. I am interested to see more of it after it's made it's track south. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Camo