Photo Index - Tannewitz Works - Model U

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Tannewitz Works
Grand Rapids, MI; Jenison, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Table Saw
Machine Size:	16-18 inch
Submitted By:	William Thomas

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model U
Date of Manufacturer:	1951 serial # 11400
Serial Number:	(View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	12/27/2005 7:05:01 AM

Comments:

I bought this Tannewitz model U table saw in June 2005 from HGR Surplus in Ohio. There is a metal tag on the front which says that it was originally in the GE ordinance division at their plant in Pittsfield, MA. Another tag indicates that it was originally sold by Wm Field of Boston, MA. The serial # is 11400, which indicates it was made in 1951.

The U, along with the XJ is Tannewitz's modern saw with the base welded from very heavy (5/16") sheet steel. Every detail of this saw is massive and well designed. The rip and miter fences are huge. The back of the rip fence features T-slots to allow it to be set in any position front to back according to the user's requirements. The cast iron tilting arbor and blade elevating mechanism is designed for rigidity. With the front bell of the 5hp direct drive S. A. Woods motor cast integrally with the arbor elevating ways, there is no chance of the blade getting out of alignment. The motor arbor is threaded and stub arbors from 1" to 1 1/2" diameter and up to 4" long could be supplied. The cabinet has a closed bottom with a slope to dump sawdust towards the rear dust collector flange. The casting surrounding the blade also has provision for attaching a dust duct directly to the lower corner. I made a sheet metal adaptor and attached a flexible hose, which improved the dust collection significantly.

This saw had obviously been in continuous use for many years. Attempts had been made to improve the dust collection setup, including custom made sheet metal covers for all the base openings, supplimented with lots of duct tape. The original aluminum blade guard was with it, but had been so chopped up from hitting the sawblade that it was entirely encased in pop-rivetted sheet metal (and more duct tape). The paint job is Tannewitz grey, chipped from use. I've never believed that a new paint job has improved the function of a machine, so for now, at least, grey it shall remain.

One special Tannewitz feature is the "frosting" on the table surfaces. This hand-scraped surface finish is usually reserved for machine tool ways. Another thoughtful feature of the table is the replaceable sections in front of and behind the blade. These sections, which take the most wear, can be popped out and replaced. The main table insert around the blade is stamped with the saw's serial number, as is the side extension table, indicating that they were all surfaced together.

Photo 1:

Comments: Overall view
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 2:

Comments: hand-scraped frosted finish on table
Source: Bill Thomas

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Photo 3:

Comments: Tannewitz and Wm. Field nameplates
Source: Bill Thomas

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