Having a bit of an interest in old machine tools, I thought others might wish to browse the machine tools of yesteryear. I've put a few pages together, illustrating assorted machine tools from the 1880s, most have come from various catalogues of the era. That I started at that period, is just happenstance. I will be adding data before and after over time. That I may list a date alongside a machine tool, is only indicative of the year of the relevant catalogue. Machine tool makers have never been in the practice of yearly change so machines can be listed for more than a decade unchanged. If I can date with certainty, I'll indicate as such... I've tried to keep the images to a size that allows reasonable access speed yet retain detail. As time allows, I will be adding to the files as well as providing notes about the various makers.
Drilling Machines
Gear Cutting Machines
Lathes
Machine Tool Attachments
Milling Machines
Planers & Shapers
Portable Machine Tools
Turning & Boring Mills
Old Drilling Machines
Gleason Suspension Drilling Machine
Suspension Drilling Machine
Built by William Gleason, Rochester, N.Y.
Arranged to fasten to the ceiling, or to a frame-work overhead, this machine is specially adapted for drilling heavy frames or castings, and for boiler work. The body is heavy, cast in one piece. The spindle, which is balanced, is made of best steel, 2-1/2 inches in diameter, and is driven by a cut bevel gear, 12 inches in diameter, 2-1/2 inches face, 1 inch pitch; the driving pinion being 6 inches in diameter. The cone is 13-1/2 inches in diameter; the faces, 3-1/4 inches wide. It is back geared 6 to 1, and, with the bevel gears for the spindle 2 to 1, makes the cone revolve 12 revolutions to 1 of the spindle, this being sufficient for the heaviest work. The spindle has an automatic vertical feed of 20 inches. Speed of countershaft, 220 revolutions per minute. Tight and loose pulleys, 12 inches in diameter, 4-1/2 inches face.
This machine is capable of drilling holes 2 inches in diameter, and can be used for boring out holes and cylinders up to 12 inches in diameter.
Weight, complete, 1,600 pounds.
Price, with countershaft . . . $300.00
Old Gear Cutting Machines
Fully Automatic Gear Cutting Machines
Made by Brainard Milling Machine Company. Hyde Park, Mass.
After many years of study and experiment, we offer an Automatic Gear Cutting Machine, that, for accuracy, simplicity, convenience, efficiency, and economy, meets the highest requirements.
As its name implies, it is Automatic in all its movements. After being set and started, the cutter feeds through the gear blank, returns rapidly to the starting-point, the dividing wheel rotates to the exact place for the next tooth, and repeats the operation indefinitely, without further attention from the operator.
ACCURACY. - The Dividing Wheel, by improved processes, is brought to practical perfection, the final corrections being made under a microscope. This wheel is actuated by a steel worm, with compensating devices for maintaining the original accuracy. It is protected from dust and injury by a close-fitting iron shield, and the actuating worm runs in an oil box.
SIMPLICITY. - Much thought has been given to reduce the mechanism to the simplest forms, and to have all the working parts in sight.
CONVENIENCE. - The machine is so comprehensive in this view, that we simply enumerate its conveniences. A centering device fixes the exact centre of cutter, without reference to the position of the knee or other parts. A dial reading to thousandths of an inch, connecting with the elevating screw, enables the cutter to be set to the correct depth without using lines or depth gauges: One of the quadrants, which sustain the cutter carriage at any required angle, is graduated to degrees. The cutter carriage itself can be set at any angle horizontally as well as vertically, and has a scale, graduated to degrees, fixing the angle.
The Automatic Feed is by differential gears. The cutter carriage runs back 33 times as fast as it feeds forward, yet without shock or any reversal of feed belts or cutter spindle. This movement is the admiration of all mechanics.
An Adjustable Rim Rest is provided, which prevents chattering. The working parts are in the strongest position when cutting the largest gears.
The Cutter Spindle, differing from the usual custom, is not made solid, but has a long taper centre hole to receive the cutter arbor. This feature allows any number or sizes of cutter arbors to be used.
The Cutter Arbor has an outer centre support, which not only prevents vibration, but allows smaller cutters to be used than is possible when the cutter spindle is solid, and cutters must be used close to bearings.
A Radial Clutch upon the feed screw connects and disconnects the feed works. When disconnected, the machine can be worked by hand: so the operator can make the adjustments, and assure himself that all the machine movements are properly timed, before making the automatic connection. It also allows the gear blank to be rotated to any position for examination after one or more teeth have been cut.
The Locking Disk makes but one revolution, whatever the number of teeth to be cut; and the locking bolt, having but one seat in the disk, necessarily locks it always in the same place. Mistakes in dividing are, therefore, impossible when the change gears are properly set.
To the locking disk is secured a second disk of equal size, fixed to the worm shaft, and laid off in degrees. By slacking the connecting bolts, this disk can be rotated to any degree; thus turning the dividing wheel, and with it the gear blank as desired, while all other movements are stopped. The "set over"for bevel gears is thus fixed with accuracy and certainty.
The Change Gears-50 in number-are fitted in a wooden case occupying the body of the machine, each in its own compartment; any gear, therefore, can be selected without loss of time, and all are kept clean and bright. As accuracy of work depends nearly as much upon the perfect condition of the change gears as upon that of the dividing wheel, the custom of hanging change gears in the dust and dampness of a machine shop, or leaving them on the benches or floor, results in inferior work.
On the 24-inch machine, and all other larger sizes, an overhanging arm is furnished when so ordered. This answers two purposes: first, supporting firmly the outer end of mandrel, thus allowing strings of gears to be cut more perfectly than is possible when supported by one end only; and, second, gear blanks, after having been made ready in the lathe, can be transferred without removal from the mandrel to the gear cutting machine, and cut between centres, obviating the making of nume rous special mandrels.
The EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY of a good automatic gear cutting machine over any other form of gear cutter is self-evident. Only in the hands of an expert workman can a hand-feed machine give good results, either in quantity or quality of work. The half-automatic style -i. e., a machine arranged with automatic feed-is a great improvement over the old style hand-feed, and in many cases proves entirely satisfactory; but for quantity and uniformity of work, with the highest economy of cutters and time, the full automatic machine is pre-eminently the machine of the age.
Sizes made are 18 inch, 24 inch, 30 inch, 36 inch, and 48 inch. The 18 inch cuts spur gears only. All other sizes cut bevel and worm gears.
A rack cutting attachment furnished when desired.
Price . . . $600.00
Whiton's Gear Cutting Machine
This machine is simple, strong, and compact, and designed for the use of cotton factories, tool and general machine and repair shops. It will perform all classes of gear cutting with great accuracy and despatch.
It occupies a floor space of 24 x 48 inches, and weighs, when ready for shipment, about 900 pounds.
It will cut every number to 100, every even number to 186, and has a very wide range of higher numbers.
It is furnished with all necessary change wheels, tables of division, wrenches, etc., one blank arbor, with nut for withdrawing same, and an adjustable rim rest. Two driving pulleys are furnished with each machine, thus allowing one change of speed.
It will cut spur, bevel, and worm wheels to 32 inches diameter by 8 inches face, up to 6 diametral pitch, in steel, iron, brass, or wood, and is especially effective on all sizes under 15 inches.
It may be set at any desired angle for bevel gears by an accurately graduated arc, and has a graduated adjustment either side of the vertical, so that it may be easily set for cutting wheels to be operated by worms of almost any pitch; also for trimming the sides of bevel gear teeth, when set over at any angle. The cutter may be adjusted to the centre, or half an inch either side if desired.
The cutter is fed through the blank by hand, as shown, -a method necessary by reason of the low price of the machine, and also one by which the largest amount of work (particularly of light work). may be accomplished.
The countershaft should make about 275 revolutions. Pulleys are 7 inches diameter by 2-3/4 face.
It is thoroughly well made throughout, and is a complete and very convenient machine, with all the adjustments required in modern practice, and has given excellent satisfaction wherever used.
Price . . . $275.00
Old Lathes
Bancroft
Bancroft Lathe (1887)
10 Inch Swing, Hand or Speed Lathe
Made by W. F. Bancroft & Co.
The cut above represents our 10-inch swing, Hand Lathe, with short legs mounted upon an iron table. This table serves as a receptacle for chips or oil, and is convenient for holding work or tools. The lathe is furnished with or without table as desired. Counter shaft and T rest, with two T's, accompany the lathe. Has 1/2 inch hole through Head Spindle. Length of bed, 4 feet; distance between centers, 30 inches. Screw and Lever Feed on Tail Spindle.
Speed of Countershaft 425 Revolutions per minute. Tight and loose pulleys 5 inch diameter, 2-1/4 inch face.
Weight complete, with table, 285 Ibs; without table, 185 lbs.
Price complete, as shown in cut . . . $80.00
Blaisdell Engine Lathes
Blaisdell 14" Lathe (1886)
14 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
Built by P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester, Mass.
The cut above represents this lathe with double carriage, having raising and lowering screw at the back.
14-inch swing, 6-foot bed, takes 3 feet 6 inches between centres. Swing over double carriage, 6-1/2 inches. Swing over plain gib carriage, 9-1/4 inches; over swivel gib carriage, 11 inches.
Cone takes 2-inch belt. Front bearing,. 1-7/8 inches diameter, 3-1/4 inches long. Countershaft has 10-inch pulleys, 2-1/inch face, should make 160 revolutions.
These Lathes can be furnished with 3/4-inch hole in head spindle.
Weight, 1,250 pounds.
Price, 14-inch swing, 6-foot bed . . . $310.00
" extra per foot . . . 5.00
" for power cross feed . . . 15.00
" hollow spindle . . . 9.00
" taper attachment . . . 50.00
If lathes are wanted for plain turning only, deduct from list price, for screw and screw gearing, $25.
If back gears are not wanted, deduct from list price $30.
Blaisdell 16" Lathe (1886)
16 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
Built by P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester, Mass.
A double carriage, with raising and lowering screw at the back, is shown in cut of this Lathe on opposite page.
16-inch swing, 6-foot bed, takes three feet between centres. Swing over double carriage, 7-3/4 inches. Swing over plain gib carriage, 10-1/4 inches.
Cone takes 2-1/2-inch belt. Front bearing, 4 inches long, 2-1/4 inches diameter. Countershaft has 11-inch pulleys, 3-inch face; should make 150 revolutions.
Can furnish these Lathes with 1-1/4-inch hole through head spindle.
Weight, 1,800 pounds.
Price, 16-inch swing, 6-foot bed . . . $380.00
" extra per foot . . . 10.00
" for power cross feed . . . 5.00
" hollow spindle . . . 15.00
" taper attachment . . . 60.00
If lathes are wanted for plain turning only, deduct from list price, for screw and screw gearing, $30.
If back gears are not wanted, deduct from list price $40.
Blaisdell 18" Lathe (1886)
18 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
Built by P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester, Mass.
The cut above represents this lathe with plain gibbed carriage.
18-inch swing, 8-foot bed, takes 4 feet 6 inches between centres. Swing over carriage, 12 inches.
Cone takes 2-3/4-inch belt. Front bearing, 2-5/8 inches in diameter and 4-1/2 inches long. Countershaft has 12-inch pulleys, 3-3/4-inch face; should make 150 revolutions.
Can furnish these lathes with 1-7/16-inch hole through head spindle.
Weight, 2,400 pounds.
Price, 18-inch swing, 8-foot bed . . . $500.00
" extra, per foot . . . 12.00
" for power cross feed . . . 25.00
" hollow spindle . . . 25.00
" taper attachment . . . 70.00
If lathes are wanted for plain turning only, deduct from list price, for screw and screw gearing, $35.
If back gears are not wanted, deduct from list price $45.
Blaisdell 22" Lathe (1886)
22 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester Mass.
A plain gibbed carriage with power cross feed is shown in the cut above.
22-inch swing, 10-foot bed, takes 6 fcet between centres. Swing over carriage, 14-1/2 inches.
Cone takes 3-inch belt. Front bearing, 2-7/8 inches diameter and 5-1/2 inches long. Adjustable side block for turning pulleys can be furnished. Countershaft has 14-inch pulleys, 4-inch face; should make 125 revolutions.
Can furnish these Lathes with 1-11/16-inch hole through head spindle.
Weight, 3,300 pounds.
Price, 22-inch swing, 10-foot bed . . . . . . $660.00
" extra per foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.00
" for hollow spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.00
" taper attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70.00
Price of 22-inch lathe includes compound rest and power cross feed.
If lathes are wanted for plain turning only, deduct from list price, for 8-foot screw and screw gearing, $35, and for each extra foot, 45 cents If back gears arc not wanted deduct from list price $45.
Blaisdell 24" Lathe (1886)
24 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathe
Built by P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester, Mass.
The cut above represents this lathe with power cross feed, and prices include compound rest.
24-inch swing, 12-foot bed, turns 7 feet 6 inches. Swing over carriage, 14-3/4 inches.
Cone takes 3-1/2 inch belt. Front bearing is 3-1/8 inches diameter, 5-1/2 inches long. Countershaft has 16-inch pulleys, 4-inch face; should make 85 revolutions per minute.
These Lathes-can be furnished with 1-7/8-inch hole through spindle.
Weight, 4,300 pounds.
Price, 24-inch swing, 12-foot bed, complete . . . . . . . . . $870.00
extra, per foot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20.00
for hollow spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40.00
taper attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00
If lathes are wanted for plain turning only, deduct from list prices, for to feet screw and screw gearing, $45, and for each extra foot 50 cents. If back gears are not wanted, deduct from list price $55.
Blaisdell 26" & 28" Lathes (1886)
26 and 28 Inch Swing Screw Cutting Engine Lathes
Built for us by P. Blaisdell & Co., Worcester, Mass.
Compound rest and power cross feed are shown on carriage of this lathe in the cut on opposite page. 26-inch swing, 12-foot bed, turns 7 feet 3 inches. Swing over carriage, 16 inches.
Cone takes 4-inch belt. Front bearing is 34 inches diameter, 6 inches long. Countershaft has r6-inch pulleys, 4-inch face; should make 85 revolutions per minute.
These lathes can be furnished with 2-1/8-inch hole through spindle.
Weight, 5,100 pounds.
Price, 26-inch swing, 12-foot bed, complete . . . . . . . . . $970.00
extra, per foot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.00
for hollow spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.00
taper attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00
28-inch swing, 12-foot bed, turns feet 3 inches. Swing over carriage, 18 inches.
Cone takes 4-inch belt. Front bearing is 3-3/8 inches diameter, 6 inches long. Countershaft has r6-inch pulleys, 4-inch face; should make 85 revolutions per minute.
These lathes can be furnished with 2-1/8-inch hole through spindle.
This lathe can be made to swing 30 inches if required.
Weight, 5,200 pounds.
Price, 28-inch swing, 12-foot bed, complete . . . . . . . . . . $995.00
extra, per foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00
for hollow spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.00
taper attachment .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.00
Draper
Eddy
Fifield
Flather
Fox
Fay & Scott
Gleason
Hendey
Niles
Pond
Putnam
Prentice
Reed
Rivett
Interesting Planer Chuck (Vise)
Universal Planer Chuck (1888)
Greenwood's Universal Planer Chuck
Made by Pedrick & Ayer, Philadelphia, Penn.
Though the leading feature of this chuck is its wonderful facility and capacity for planing circular curves of large radius, it still possesses other adaptations, including all those of the best planer chucks. For this reason it is very properly styled the "Universal" Planer Chuck.
The cut above gives a good idea of its external appearance; it being shown complete with the guide bar, its bracket, and pivot, and the arc or quadrant by which the guide bar is set to plane any particular circle. But without these, the chuck as shown will answer all the purposes of the best chucks. It will revolve horizontally to any angle of cut, and can be set by the dial shown graduated upon the edge of its base.
The vise is pivoted to two supports,-one on each side, and at the lefthand end in the cuts. These supports project up from the chuck body, within which the vise is placed. Room is allowed at the bottom of the second piece to allow the vise to rise and fall at the righthand end. It is made to rise and fall in dressing circular surfaces by the cross head projecting at the back side of the chuck, and sliding upon the guide bar. When the latter is elevated at the end toward the right, a concave surface is "planed" and when depressed, a convex surface is cut. To change the degree of convexity or concavity, the inclination of the guide bar is to be changed; it being horizontal for planing straight. The guide bar is fixed at one point by a pivot, about which it swings in being raised or lowered at one end. This pivot is supported by a bracket fastened firmly to the frame of the planer below the platen.
The vise may be fastened in a horizontal position at any inclination. When clamped at an inclination, a wedge may be planed, or a key and gib for a connecting rod, etc.
The jaw of the chuck has a graduated arc by which the inclination for any wedge or key is easily given; also the guide bar has a graduated arc for setting it to any given circle arc: A table is prepared for use in setting the bar at once and correctly. A segmental rack and pinion is applied to the jaw of chuck in such a way that the weight of the jaw is easily lifted by applying a wrench.
Thus we have in this Universal Planer Chuck the ordinary chuck, a chuck for planing tapers and keys, and the extraordinary novelty of the circle planer for long radii; so that the possession of this chuck enables the workman to do all the various kinds of work described, with the cross feed of the common planer found in every machine shop, and without other or additional appliances. The chuck is comprised in three principal parts,the bottom plate L by which it is fastened to the planer table, the vise C by which the work is held, and a guide bar G held by a bracket on the planer bed. With these parts it is possible to produce a great range and variety of work.
Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$275.00
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