Photo Index - H. B. Rouse & Co. - No. 2 Band Saw

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
H. B. Rouse & Co.
Chicago, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	12"
Submitted By:	Larry Hampton

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 2 Band Saw
Date of Manufacturer:	Prob. mid-1940s.
Serial Number:	None
Last Updated	10/10/2014 11:45:41 PM

Comments:

This saw was manufactured for use in the printing industry, originally intended for precise cutting of lead slugs. As printing technology changed it found use in trimming linotype and, later, photoengraving plates. The only information I have been able to find on this saw comes from a catalog entered in a vintage printing archive: http://archive.org/details/RouseCatalogPriceList19460916/. My inquiries within the vintage printing community unearthed no leads to anyone who owns the saw, but it was mentioned by one source that woodworkers have adopted the saw for fine-detailed work.
It has a fixed 1-3/8" space between the upper blade guide and the table surface. There are two gear boxes beneath the table, the first being attached to the saw's drive spindle. This serves as a transfer case, reducing the RPM and powering a second gearbox by means of a shaft. The second gearbox in turn powers a 24" lead screw which automatically advances the miter guage as the motor turns. This lead screw and the apparatus which attaches to the miter guage are missing, and the owner of the graphics shop from whom I purchased it states that he has not seen that part of the mechanism in the 30+ years that he has worked there. The miter guage has all sorts of precision markings that I have not been able to fully understand since I can't locate a manual.
The saw was extremely rusty and covered internally by decades of lead bits mixed with sawdust and oils. It appears to have been in a fire, as judged by significant warpage of cabinet panels.
I haven't used this saw yet, but I will as soon as I decide which grease to use in the gear boxes. I think it will find a place in my shop for the occasional detailed trimming; if not it has been an interesting project. If anyone reading this can put me in contact with anyone who owns one, I would appreciate it greatly.

Photo 1:

Comments: This is actually the back of the saw.
Source: my shop

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Photo 2:

Comments: Before
Source: my shop

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Photo 3:

Comments: the business side
Source: my shop

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Photo 4:

Comments: "Transfer case" and secondary gear box.
Source: my shop

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Photo 5:

Comments: motor tag; 3 ph, 3/4 hp, 1725 rpm.
Source: my shop

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Photo 6:

Comments:
Source: my shop

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