Rochester Machine Tool Works Ltd. was formed in 1883 as a reorganization of the machine tool builder George E. Brettell. The firm reorganized after 1909 as the Rochester Machine Works. In the early 1900's, they sold their gas engine line to the Rochester Gas Engine Co. George W. Davison was president.
"The Rochester Machine Tool Works were instituted in the mouth of June, 1888. The premises utilized for the business are located as above designated and comprise a machine shop and office of the dimensions of 95x50, provided with all improved appliances which may be calculated to improve the product and lessen the cost. The concern has been established for the purpose of supplying the market with the best of machinists' tools such as lathes, drills, cutters, planers, etc.
While this establishment is prepared to supply all the above-named articles of the best manufacture its energies are especially directed to the manufacture of iron planers of sizes between 26 inches wide and 26 inches high and 7 feet in length to those 30 inches by 30 inches and 10 feet long and ranging in weight from 5,500 pounds to 6,800 pounds. These, as before mentioned, are the specialties of the manufacture and by reason of the large patronage which they have already met with they are enabled to produce them in quantities and at a comparatively low cost.
The planers are provided with every modern improvement and are built with great care and precision. Among other advantages possessed by them we will mention that they are provided with a new reversing arrangement by which the table can be returned three times as fast as it runs against the tool and is also free from any shock or jar and increases thus the capacity of the planer about sixteen per cent, phosphor bronze nuts are used on feed screws instead of iron and the rack and gearing may be relied on as of great strength, being accurately cut from solid blanks; the cross-head is made extra-long, the saddle having a travel of 36 inches in the 26x26 inch planer and a very high belt speed (55 feet in the same size planer and 66 feet in the 30-inch wide to move the table one foot) enables the planer to carry a heavy cut without any undue strain on the belts.
The arrangement of the affairs of the concern are in the hands of the following gentlemen, viz: G. W. Davison. Edwin R Bryant. John Buckley and Elias Mapes, who are all thorough- practical and proficient machinists, giving their close care and attention in supervising the works that nothing shall leave them otherwise than in perfect condition." (Quote from 1884.)
Information Sources
- American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 206
- Industrial Advance of Rochester 1884, pg. 87