Photo Index - Wilson Brothers - TCB

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Wilson Brothers
Leeds Manchester England.

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Tenoning Machine
Machine Size:	5 Head
Submitted By:	Charl Benckendorff

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	TCB
Date of Manufacturer:	1960s
Serial Number:
Last Updated	4/6/2025 4:22:21 PM

Comments:

My latest purchase, a Wilson TCB 5 Head Tenoner. I always wanted one of these not because it would get a lot of use but purely because it looks out of this world! You can absolutely do tenons on a variety of machines like a bandsaw but the pure enjoyment and efficiency in using this machines gives me a smile from ear to ear. I bought this machine through an auction down in Moonee Ponds in Victoria and had it sent to me in Brisbane.

The previous owner was self-taught and ran a joinery workshop for the most part of he's life as I understand it.

The machine seems in very good condition and doesn't look like it's had a whole lot of us over the last 65 years from what I can tell. I haven't had a good look but I think the only thing I can notice is its missing a hand wheel for the 5th head (chop off saw).

I was originally looking for a Wadkin ECA, one had popped up for sale only a few weeks earlier for much cheaper but I wasn't ready to buy. Neither machine are common here in Australia so it all was a bit of a case of 'right place right time'. I think I could have gone either way with a Wadkin, Robinson or Wilson as they are all much the same from what I can tell BUT there is a gentleman down in NSW who has owned a variety of tenoners (English & Aussie made) and he swears by the Wilson as being the better of the lot - you can find he's video on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GxhP990GiI

I've posted this mahcine here too: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f299/wilson-tcb-5-head-tenoner-259594

I have a Wilson Chain & Chisel Mortiser which is in dire need of restoration which will complement this tenoner. I'll post the mortiser on here once it's complete for record keep as I've yet to find another like it online and at a guess must be a 1940s machine!

Photo 1:

Comments: If a machine is being transported for a significant distance I would always recommend wrapping it.
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Photo 2:

Comments: Moved the machine into place - it is damn heavy (~950kg) . I've got to re-think my layout of the workshop as it takes up a fair bit of space.
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