Photo Index - B. J. Spilker Manufacturing Co. - Miter chopper

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
B. J. Spilker Manufacturing Co.
Cincinnati, OH

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Universal Trimmer
Machine Size:
Submitted By:	Jeff Joslin

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Miter chopper
Date of Manufacturer:	Ca. 1900
Serial Number:
Last Updated	10/26/2006 9:52:08 AM

Comments:

This miter chopper is the property of Lauryn Weissbaum of New Zealand. The machine is labeled, "B. J. SPILKER MFG. CO. / PAT'D JULY 2 1895. / CINCINNATI O. USA". This type of machine is used to cut picture-frame moldings or muntin bars at a fixed 45-degree angle. It cuts both pieces for a joint at the same time. The patented features of this design relate to supporting the rabbeted underside of picture-frame moldings.

To cut a larger molding, the cut can be made in several steps. A lever is used to move the fence away horizontally from the knives. When a cut is made the work-piece receives a 90-degree notch on its inside face, at 45 degrees to the back. The lever is advanced and another cut is made, which enlarges the notch. Repeat until the lever is against its stop, which puts the fence so that it just intersects the knives. Cutting one more time severs the work-piece in two, with each piece having a 45-degree end.

One more refinement: the back fence is actually split in two. By changing the angle of these pieces so they are not collinear, angles of other than 45 degrees can be cut.

Photo 1:

Comments: Front view
Source: Lauryn Weissbaum

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Photo 2:

Comments: Side view
Source: Lauryn Weissbaum

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Photo 3:

Comments: Label
Source: Lauryn Weissbaum

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