Photo Index - American Machinery Co. (Grand Rapids) - universal saw bench

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
American Machinery Co. (Grand Rapids)
Grand Rapids, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Table Saw
Machine Size:	14" (x2)
Submitted By:	T.J. Forrester

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	universal saw bench
Date of Manufacturer:	1902
Serial Number:	(View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	6/30/2005 12:44:35 PM

Comments:

The Universal saw bench has dual arbors, tilting table, and a left side sliding table that also opens to allow the use of dado heads. I bought this machine 6 years ago in a very small town called Cheshire in Oregon. The guy I got it from said the original fence and quadrant were missing. I would like to find replacements for these to keep the saw complete. The "serial number" that is stamped on on nearly every machined surface, including the miter is #38. Apparently there isn't much known about these early American Machine Co.(Oliver) serial numbers. Given the company was so new into power driven tools during this time, I like to think it was either the 38th power driven tool made that year, or the 38th universal saw bench made. There are various casting marks on several pieces as Joe Oliver farmed out a lot of the casting work during this time. The saw was originally a line shaft driven machine, but was converted to V belt with a 3 hp Century "squirrel cage" electric motor sometime in the 1940's. It still uses babbitt bearings and has the original idler wheel, albeit in a different configuration than line shaft driven. I have taken pains to not permanently modify the machine any further. The Biesemeyer fence and arbor yoke turning handwheel "offset" mechanism are bolt ons. The machine was originally covered with a tar-like paint called "Japanning". I painted it to match this original coating. The tables still have the original quadrant marks and rip scale, too shallow to regrind. I just gave it a polish - it has lots of "character" marks! Thanks to all who supplied information and restoration tips. This saw should go another 100 years!

Update 6-30-05: With the addition of Rick A's USB, we have better determined that the #38 is indeed the serial number. Whether or not the number is sequential for all machines produced or for this model only is still unknown, although given the small size and production capability of AMC during this time period, the numbers may possibly be sequential for all machines produced.

Photo 1:

Comments: Ready to run with steel Simonds blade supplied with the saw. New carbide on the way.
Source: digital camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Disassembled. Lots of brushed on machine gray paint! Base alone weighs about 800 lbs
Source: digital photo of a snapshot

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Note the missing yoke pivot (removed for photo). Oliver literature says the saw can run two 14" blades with it and up to a single 20" blade without.
Source: digital camera

Direct Link
IMG Code