Photo Index - P. Blaisdell & Co. - Old, Heavy

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
P. Blaisdell & Co.
Worcester, MA

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Lathe, Wood
Machine Size:	12"
Submitted By:	Phin Walker

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Old, Heavy
Date of Manufacturer:	Best Guess Early 1900's
Serial Number:
Last Updated	4/1/2004 11:52:31 AM

Comments:

A friend told me about a really old wood lathe he was going to buy from a co-worker. He eventually asked me if I was interested becauase he did not have room for it. I was quite surprised at the apparent old age, good condition and weight. This thing is really heavy. The best surprise was the $60 price tag, this guy just wanted it out of his basement. He said it had been in the family for many years but no one ever used it. It is marked P. Blaisdell, maker, Worcester MA and the #22 on a smaller tag. the motor attachment is a more recent addition although it could be 30-50 years old from the look of the GE motor on it. It was designed to run of an overhead shaft, like in the old mills. There was an ill fitting flat leather belt on it that soon fell apart. I found that if you turn power link belts upside down they make reasonable flat belts in a pinch. I soon discovered why probably no one had used it due to a lack of centers and the odd Jacobs #33 taper head and tailstock. I own a metal lathe also so was fortunate, I thought, to have some #2 morse taper centers on hand to use this thing. It became apparent rather quickly that these just do not fit. Careful measuring and a 1935 machinist apprentice handbook led me to think these are #33 Jacobs but I do not know where I would ever find drive centers for it today. This taper is common to drill chucks even today but not lathes. I can manufacture my own but would rather buy them so I can start using this thing. Any information about the machine or the company would be appreciated.

3/2004 I have finally turned the centers to accept #2 Morse taper. The tailstock holder was easy because it screws all the way out. The entire rotating portion of the headstock had to come out of the saddle to be chucked up in my 9" modle A Southbend metal lathe- no easy task. I ordered a new live center and drive spur from Grizzly and the whole thing works pretty good.

Photo 1:

Comments: Angle view showing motor and drive
Source: My Digital Camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Makers Badge
Source: My digital Camera

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: closer look at headstock and pullys
Source: My digital camera

Direct Link
IMG Code