Photo Index - Onsrud Machine Works, Inc. - W-200

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Onsrud Machine Works, Inc.
Niles, IL; Chicago, IL; Wheeling, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Shaper, Wood
Machine Size:	5hp 2 speed, 1 1/8" shaft
Submitted By:	George R. Hoelzeman

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	W-200
Date of Manufacturer:
Serial Number:	4032
Last Updated	4/25/2009 12:19:31 AM

Comments:

This and a green version were acquired from Art Fuege. Tim the Toolslinger helped Art get it out of the shop, Mark Blum ruckered it from N.Jersey to Maryville, IL, and Allen Hunt and Eric LaVelle helped load it on my trailer for the trip down to Arkansas. This epic is well documented in the OWWM.org archives so I'll spare everyone the horror, except to express again my deepest appreciation to all of them for their efforts.

Once the two machines were home I started working to get this one (the Black Machine) up and running. I chose this one because it was more complete and in better physical condition than the Green machine. The process of restoring it to operation rivaled the rucker for mad twists and unexpected turns, beginning when I dropped the black one during unloading and broke the foot pedal.

First, although the two machines appeared identical there were numerous difference between them. Apparently, this is not uncommon with Onsruds, since virtually everyone who contributed their knowledge on these noted variables between theirs and these.

Second, I discovered that this machine had a 3hp 3ph dual voltage high speed motor - not good for general shaping work. The Green machine had a 5hp 3ph, 2 speed motor, but was 440v single voltage. So, a transformer had to be acquires. Also, the 5hp motor was significantly larger than the 3hp which necessitated drilling and tapping the motor mounting plate. Even then it did not fit, so the original cast iron mounting plate had to be replaced with the plate steel plate from the green machine.

Eventually, everything went back together and, after quite a bit of wrangling and assistance from Art Walker on the electricals its up and running again!

Photo 1:

Comments: The Black Machine in all its radiant . . . well, worn old original paint . . . glory.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 2:

Comments: From this side you get a glimps of the very nice cast iron motor cover and cool handles. Also, you can barely tell that foot pedal got snapped off at the spring. The button station is attached (temporarily) with a magnet.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 3:

Comments: Gaze with loving wonder upon the Allen Bradley magnetic starter and drum switch! The drum switch was pirated off the green machine, and the starter was just sitting around (with a 460v coil - yay!). The tube goes to a nipple on the bearing housing.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 4:

Comments: 5 horsepower, 3 phase, 2 speeds, 1 voltage (440v). This puppy had to be practically shoehorned into the motor chamber (does anyone know what a shoehorn is anymore?). The knob on the left tensions the belt by pulling the mounting plate.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 5:

Comments: The notorious "Funky Table" so called because it lacks the Onsrud name and has a rear extension not seen on most other tables. I've only seen one other Onsrud shaper with this type table. This was the only flat table of three - all different.
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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Photo 6:

Comments: And what machine entry would be complete without the badge? One day I hope to find out what year this S/N is - that patent number should be useful for something, too. This is a terrific machine!
Source: G.R.Hoelzeman Studios

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