Vintage Woodworking Machinery: An Illustrated Guide [Paperback]

Dana M. Batory (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

Here, for the first time, is a guide to four of the major woodworking machinery manufacturers: Fay & Egan, Yates-American, Defiance, and Oliver. Leaders in their field throughout the world, their products were used in all walks of life from lumber mills to furniture factories, from schools to arsenals, from shipyards to bakeries. The author's extensive original research has provided us with a history of each manufacturer, as well as a description of the evolution of its product lines over the years. Accompanying these fascinating histories are numerous beautiful illustrations reflecting each company's range of products, along with specifications and descriptions, taken from the catalogs of the period. In addition, the book provides invaluable information to collectors and users on buying and restoring old machines. These chapters cover everything from establishing the age and value of an old machine to how to move a piece of heavy woodworking equipment. Special attention is paid to the issues involved in repairing specific kinds of machines. Not only will collectors and users of vintage woodworking machinery prize this book but, as well, those who are simply interested in industrial history and who don't want this marvelous technology to be lost. 145 pages. 81/2" x 11". Soft cover.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is destined to become a standard reference for anyone who might want to buy vintage woodworking machinery. -- Fine Woodworking

Product Details

• Paperback: 145 pages
• Publisher: Astragal Pr (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879335751
• ISBN-13: 978-1879335752
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,767,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars America's cast iron past...., February 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Vintage Woodworking Machinery: An Illustrated Guide (Paperback)

This is a great reference for anyone interested in collecting or rehabilitating old machinery, as well as just a fascinating look into America's industrial past. The engravings are surprisingly clear and detailed, and along with the original catalog descriptions they show how machinery was back in the good old days before OSHA made them cover up all the nice moving parts. The two chapters on buying and restoring offer good, albeit, generalized advice for the potential collector/user. If you're into old tools and machines, you'll love this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great tool history book, March 16, 2008

By 

Robert J. Marzinotto (Connecticut, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vintage Woodworking Machinery, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Ive always had an interest in old tools, how and when they began, as well as when they met their ultimate demise. The book covers companies who are no longer around, and tells of America's once proud place in tool and machine production, which unfortunately seems to be gone forever. The text and photos are priceless.I also read the first volume as well with great delight, and hopefully more volunes will follow. Who knows, maybe if wages in China begin to climb higher, machine and tool manufacturing may return to the U.S.A. No woodworker's/toolhead's bookshelf is complete without these 2 editions. A great read.