Photo Index - Yates-American Machine Co., Inc. - J-138

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Yates-American Machine Co., Inc.
Beloit, WI; Roscoe, IL; Liberty, NC

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jointer
Machine Size:	8"
Submitted By:	William Pierce

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	J-138
Date of Manufacturer:	1950s?
Serial Number:	F-525
Last Updated	2/24/2006 11:33:28 AM

Comments:

Here's a shot of my Yates-American J-138 jointer showing the fence angled for shear cutting. I purchased this machine from another OWWM member who has assisted me in refurbishing several vintage woodworking machines. The jointer sported a number of layers of paint; at the time I obtained it, it had been done in red and orange. After stripping the several layers I found the original silvertone color in very poor condition, so I repainted in the dark machinery gray you see. The red guard is a concession to modern safety standards, but should I decide to eliminate the red it should be a much easier task than the initial stripping! The motor is not original, nor, of course, is the switch. That's not a house switch, though; it's a heavy duty motor-rated switch which works great till I find something more appropriate. The huge 12 ga. heavy duty cable may be original. Most importantly, the top and fence surfaces are in good shape after careful cleaning and polishing; however they show their age with numerous scratches and scrapes.

A gentleman who has worked many years for Brodhead-Garrett which later purchased the J Line from YA was kind enough to supply me with a manual which, although showing the Brodhead-Garrett ownership, otherwise appears to be a virtual copy of the YA original. From photos/drawings in the manual I was able to fabricate a pointer for the jointer's depth guage--YA had a unique design here for certain!

Besides stripping and painting, I've replaced the cutterhead bearings and installed rubber between the machine and the stand and a Power-Twist belt to dampen vibration.

Those familiar with YA will note that the logo/label is missing from the side of the machine casting below the guard. Additionally, the fence bevel scale is missing. Anyone knowing where I might procure those items is encouraged to advise me! This "old girl" works like brand new.

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