In 1922 the Mitchell Engineering Co. was established by Raymond C. Mitchell and Paul A. Schaefer, who had both worked at the Webster & Perks Tool Co. The new company manufactured polishing and buffing "lathes", including a Model No. 5 that was very similar in appearance to an earlier model from Frederic B. Stevens, even the model number being the same. There does not appear to be any connection between Mitchell and Stevens, so perhaps Raymond C. Mitchell was took inspiration from the design of the Stevens lathe. Mitchell received a patent for the bearing design of his machine.

We do not find any evidence that the polishing and buffing lathes were in production for more than a year or two. The company remained in business, a a low-profile way, for some decades.

Information Sources

• September 1922 Machinery: "Mitchell Engineering Co., Springfield, Ohio, announces that it has recently been incorporated for the manufacture of a line of polishing and buffing lathes. The products are the design of R. C. Mitchell, who for a number of years was designer and factory manager for the Webster & Perks Tool Co. of the same city. P. A. Schaefer, vice-president and general manager of the new company, was formerly in charge of sales and advertising for the Webster & Perks Tool Co." From elsewhere in the same issue: "Polishing and Buffing Lathes: Mitchell Engineering Co., Springfield, Ohio. A line of polishing and buffing lathes of which the No. 5 has two independent spindles. With this construction the stopping of one spindle for changing wheels or for other causes does not interfere with the operation of the second spindle. Either or both spindles may be removed with their bearings by releasing clamps and may be readily replaced without disturbing the alignment. The No. 5 machine may be driven by a motor mounted in the base connected to the spindles by belt. The No. 6 machine has a single spindle arranged for carrying a wheel on each end. The distance between the wheels on the No. 5 machine is 57 inches, and the diameter of the flanges is 4 inches. The approximate weight of the machine is 950 pounds."
• 1993-12-22 Greensboro News & Record. "CHARLES A. MITCHELL, SPRINGFIELD, Ohio—Charles A. Mitchell, 92, died at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1993, in the Ohio Masonic Home. He was born Jan. 17, 1901 in Springfield, the son of Raymond Casto and Catherine (Stehle) Mitchell. He was president of Mitchell Engineering and vice-president and general manager of Udylite Corporation. ..."