From the May 1884 issue of Carpentry & Building
This firm seems to have grown out of R. L. Orr & Co., Ltd. of Pittsburgh, makers of a variety of products, including fence pliers and the "Ajax" wood boring machine. Sometime between November 1884 and September 1886, the boring machine was being made by the Ajax Manufacturing Co., of Pittsburgh.
The "Ajax" boring machine was introduced in about May of 1884. The depth could be set, and when the bit reached that depth, it automatically withdrew from the hole as the bit continues to be rotated. In addition, it did not require proprietary bits.
Information Sources
- According to the EAIA's Directory of American Toolmakers, this firm made beam boring machines, saw gummers, and other saw-related tools. Ajax operated from at least 1892-1911, and possibly both before and after those dates.
- Article in May 1884 issue of Carpentry & Building.
- Brief mention in November 1884 issue of American Agriculturalist.
- Brief article in September 1886 issue of Carpentry & Building.
- Undated advertisement that appeared in the September 1996 issue of the Western New York Antique Tool Collectors Association newsletter.