Photo Index - F. S. Babbitt - Babbitt's Combination Lathe

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
F. S. Babbitt
Taunton, MA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Combo Machine
Machine Size:	8 inch swing
Submitted By:	Ed Hobbs

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Babbitt's Combination Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	ca 1875
Serial Number:	n/a
Last Updated	1/8/2017 10:22:07 AM

Comments:

This is an "As Found" F S Babbitt combination machine that was purchased off the internet a few years ago. The machine is complete with the circular saw and scroll saw attachment. One of the past owners wanted to have a longer bed and made a wooden one to replace the original cast iron one but did keep the original which was included. It appears that the original color on this one is black and on one other that I have a picture of shown below. There are a couple of cracks that need to be fixed and she needs to be repainted. Just love the maker's name cast in the treadle!! Will post a final shot when restoration is complete.

There has been a mention that this combination machine was made by N H Baldwin of Laconia, NH. While there are some similarities with the products made by Baldwin and both were relatively early makers, here is some information that seems to show Babbitt was their own manufacturer.

A search of the census records of Taunton list FS Babbitt as a manufacturer in 1879 at a capital investment of $8000 employing 5 people. They had an 8 hp steam engine and sold $7000 of "products." The average wage for skilled workers was $2.25 per day. At about $50 per machine, $7000 in sales would amount to 160 machines. Further, the two towns are over 130 miles apart, a considerable distance for the time. Given all this, it would seem to say Babbitt was a successful manufacturer in his own way.

Photo 1:

Comments: Original online picture
Source: from online

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Photo 2:

Comments: Table saw attachment in place.
Source: from online

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Photo 3:

Comments: Scroll saw attachment
Source: from online

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Photo 4:

Comments: Picture of another one from probably 15 years ago. Nice table addedd
Source: Supplied by owner at that time

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Photo 5:

Comments: Scan of catalog cut describing saw
Source: Scan of Catalog

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