Photo Index - Charles E. Francis & Brothers - Veneer Press

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Charles E. Francis & Brothers
Cincinnati, OH; Rushville, IN

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Other
Machine Size:	12 feet long
Submitted By:	Roger Birkhead

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Veneer Press
Date of Manufacturer:	Circa 1898-1920
Serial Number:
Last Updated	1/11/2008 3:44:41 PM

Comments:

This machine was a part of a group of woodworking tools originally used by the National Showcase Company of Columbus Georgia. In 1953-54 it was purchased by Charles Howell and his brother who set up shop in Phenix City, AL building cabinetry, and displays for the nearby Bickerstaff Brick yards. He closed the shop in 1997.
This is a huge machine. The bed is 12 feet long.
All the clamps can be moved along the "I" beams. One of the "I" beams had the name "Jones & Laughlin" cast into it. I presume this is the company that supplied the "I" beams.

The last picture is a detail of one of the feet which has the company name cast into each one and also the pair of special wrenches used with this press. The patent date on the wrenches is Nov 22nd, 1898. The company name is also cast into the wrenches.

Photo 1:

Comments: Operator Side note name plate at top left
Source: Roger Birkhead

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Side view, Jones & Laughlin barely visible on right side of "I" beam by rivets
Source: Roger Birkhead

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Composite photo, detail of clamp foot showing cast name and pair of adjustment wrenches with name and patent
Source: Roger Birkhead and Barbara Howell

Direct Link
IMG Code