Photo Index - W. F. & John Barnes Co. - Woodworkers Tool Works

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
W. F. & John Barnes Co.
Rockford, IL.

True Manufacturer:
Woodworkers Tool Works, Chicago, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Mortising Machine
Machine Size:	1/2hp
Submitted By:	John Hough

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Woodworkers Tool Works
Date of Manufacturer:	c.1935
Serial Number:	None
Last Updated	8/24/2016 11:19:19 AM

Comments:

I've wanted a Barnes Foot powered mortiser for over a decade. I gave up on the idea when The Woodwright Shop featured Barnes foot powered machines on the show and prices went through the roof. I found this one while surfing that auction site and almost passed because it had been modified and was clearly missing some critical parts. But, after some consideration I figured it WAS a Barnes, and any work I did to it probably wasn't going to effect its historic value, and it was a POWERED foot operated machine and it had a killer cool look. And it was only a little more than an hour and a half away. So, I jumped on it.

I added the switch box and cord assembly, an auxiliary table and clamp pad and made the right side hold down assembly and found a knob to replace the missing one - it's a close match. I also cleaned up some casting flash from the table adjusting wheel. After a cleaning (no evidence of pin stripping) I gave it a rubdown with some asphaltium. The motor, a 110V, 1/2hp Howell "Red Line" RI motor, was in very good condition that only required cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.

From the information I could find, I believe the motor and mortise assembly, table, and clamping mechanism are add-ons to the original Barnes foot powered mortiser. They were either added by or provided by Woodworkers Tool Works of Chicago. The modification of Barnes mortisers by Woodworkers Tool Works was discussed here a few years back: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=89914&p=615479&hilit=barnes+mortiser#p615479.

There is also an entry in the VMO that indicates motor kits where available back in the day to modernize the mortisers and at least one was made by the Brackett Machinery Company in WI. The entry is here: http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/im ... px?id=5402

I'm fairly certain this machine has appeared over on OWWM before in this semi-mysterious post: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49531&p=337751&hilit=barnes+mortiser#p337751 I'm almost certain it's the same machine. There's a story there somewhere and if you know it feel free to email or PM me.

Although it will accept a 1 1/8" chisel, my Atlas mortise chisel and bit matched the chisel and bit collets in the machine so it's fully functional now. It cut a nice sample mortise with much less effort (although a little more coordination) than was required by the Delta drill press it replaced. It's much more robust and easier to use and I really like the moving table and hold downs.

In the end, I think this machine represents the best possible outcome; it's a working powered mortiser, it's vintage, albeit mixed, and it looks great in the shop! I couldn't be more pleased. I hope you enjoyed the photos - thanks for looking.

Photo 1:

Comments: As purchased
Source: Seller's photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: After restoration
Source: John Hough, Nikon CoolPix 51c

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Photo 3:

Comments: Post restoration back of the machine
Source: John Hough, CoolPix 51C

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Photo 4:

Comments: Close up of motor and table
Source: John Hough, Nikon CoolPix 51c

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Photo 5:

Comments: Barnes Co casting marks
Source: John Hough, Nikon CoolPix51c

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Photo 6:

Comments: Mortise table and tilt mechanism (from below)
Source: John Hough, Nikon CoolPix 51c

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