Photo Index - Witherby, Rugg & Richardson - Witherby, Rugg & Richardson Lathe

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Witherby, Rugg & Richardson
Worcester, MA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:	20” by 10’ ?
Submitted By:	John Downing

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Witherby, Rugg & Richardson Lathe
Date of Manufacturer:	1900 (?)
Serial Number:
Last Updated	3/30/2018 6:35:14 AM

Comments:

Purchased on 27 March 2018. Wooden ways had been shortened, apparently for easier transportability. Also, the original three step, wide belt pulley was replaced with a three belt v-pulley and the lathe has a Dayton variable speed 1 1/2 HP motor. The 4’ chisel rest was lost when the seller originally purchased the machine when it fell out of the trailer on the way to his home. There is also a wheel and threaded rod missing that will have to be fabricated. Currently, the metal parts need to be cleaned, the tailstock is very stiff and needs to be disassembled and thoroughly serviced, and the headstock bearings need to be serviced and oil ports replaced. The motor sounds and acts like one or more bearings are shot. If I am able to restore the motor, I am thinking about upgrading the controller to provide reversing capability. I suspect that this lathe was built around 1900 as the company was merged into another company in 1903.

Update 29 March 2018: Found what looks to be the long (51”) tool rest on EBay and purchased it. All parts excep the ways are on one pallet, pending restoration.

Photo 1:

Comments: As found
Source: John Downing iPhone 6+

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Tailstock with components
Source: John Downing iPhone 6+

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Headstock with Motor
Source: John Downing iPhone 6+

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: Disassembled for Transport
Source: John Downing iPhone 6+

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: WR&R Factory, Worcester, MA Circa 1890
Source: CT eMuseum

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 6:

Comments: WR&R Employees Circa 1890
Source: CT eMuseum

Direct Link
IMG Code