Photo Index - J. D. Wallace & Co. - No. 4 Bench Jointer

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
J. D. Wallace & Co.
Chicago, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jointer
Machine Size:	4 inch
Submitted By:	Jim Frahm

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 4 Bench Jointer
Date of Manufacturer:	1915-1925 ?
Serial Number:
Last Updated	4/16/2005 7:33:22 PM

Comments:

This "No. 4 Wallace Bench Planer" was manufactured in Chicago, probably sometime between 1915 and 1925. Its low serial number, 1434, and several minor details visible in the pictures, suggest that it's pretty early, probably around the US entry into WWI.

Wallace's ads from 1915 (on this website) seem to show a slightly different machine, but their ad from 1918 is spot on, except for the "optional cutter guard" or lambchop which this example lacks. The 1926 catalog again shows a different "No. 4 Wallace Portable 4" Planer", although it is also quite similar in appearance.

The jointer's overall length is 19-1/8" and it weighs approximatly 34 pounds, prepared for shipping. Its cutter head width is 4" and there are two knives in the cutter head. Catalog info says this jointer was sold both with and without a neat direct drive 1/4 hp GE motor and bracket; this example has the simpler pulley arrangement on the back - and no motor. The jointer's fence is adjustable, both in and out and for angles, and there is a brass nameplate on the front of the main casting, in the center. The machine has plain babbit bearings.

Photo 1:

Comments: Front view. The bottom lip on the bed casting shows the machine's early vintage.
Source: eBay Seller, Photoshop enhanced

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Photo 2:

Comments: Top view from front. The subtle cut on the infeed table near the front bearing also appears on later examples, but not in the 1915 ad. The fence mechanism and its tightening knob also looks like the 1918 ad, but not the ad from 1915.
Source: eBay Seller, Photoshop enhanced

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Photo 3:

Comments: Top view from rear. There seem to be screws and mounting pads on the base casting for a direct drive motor mount, but only a pulley is present. Was this example belt driven from the factory, or later converted?
Source: eBay Seller, Photoshop enhanced

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