Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - No. 458 Bench Mortiser/Borer

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Mortising Machine
Machine Size:	N/A
Submitted By:	Keith Bohn

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 458 Bench Mortiser/Borer
Date of Manufacturer:	1940's
Serial Number:	None
Last Updated	8/26/2006 12:00:00 AM

Comments:

Despite its green color this is a Delta No. 458 Bench Mortiser. These were first introduced by Delta in 1931. When they were last sold is unknown. Based on the catalogs they stopped showing up around 1940 but this was also at the same time that Delta began to concentrate on their larger machines and the small machines were given short shrift.

For an idea of how this machine worked please take a look at the 1933 catalog. Page 14 illustrates it best but you might also want to thumb through to page 23 to see how almost ridculous Delta took the concept.

http://www.owwm.com/pubs/detail.asp?id=458

The first thing I notice is the difference in the tables in the catalog to what I have. My first inclination was that the table I have was user made. It is in fact a cast piece and looks as OEM as anything I've ever seen. I was told that the machine once belonged to a pattern maker and that could explain how nice the table is but without information from the 40's it is impossible to tell.

On the other hand the lever hold down looks to be user made.

From the git-go the machine looked to have ball bearings in lieu of the typical bronze sleeves you'd normally see with an item like this.

Eventually I hope to see this mounted onto its own stand. I actually like the green and just may let that go.

Photo 1:

Comments: Delta No. 458 Bench Mortiser/Borer
Source: Keith Bohn

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Delta No. 458 Bench Mortiser/Borer
Source: Keith Bohn

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Delta No. 458 Bench Mortiser/Borer
Source: Keith Bohn

Direct Link
IMG Code