In 1940 the Ford Machine Co. was advertising a benchtop metal shaper, available as a complete machine (with or without motor) or as a kit. The company was listed a couple of times in 1941 and '42 government reports on war preparations and then disappeared without a trace.

Information Sources

• Classified ad in 1940-04-12 Racine Journal Times: "NEW WRENCHLESS 7-INCH BENCH model metal shaper. Ford Machine Co. 1032 Herrick Avenue."
• Classified ad in June 1940 Popular Science.

  The Ford 7" BENCH model metal shaper. A new wrenchless, gearless, variable speed precision machine complete with ½ h.p. motor and stand—$222.00 shaper only $175.00 Write for illustrated folder containing prices blueprints with finished or unfinished castings. Ford Machine Co. 1030-32 Herrick Ave., Racine, Wis.

• Classified ad in July 1940 Popular Science.

  New Hedge clipper. Faster, better than best electric. Hand operated. Low price. Write for free folder. Ford Machine Co. 1030 Herrick Ave., Racine, Wis.

• Classified ad in December 1940 Popular Science.

  7" BENCH Model metal shaper at $175.00. Semi-machined with blueprints at $125.00. Castings only with blueprints at $60.00 Ford Machine Co. 1030-32 Herrick Ave., Racine, Wis.

• A Ford shaper can be seen in action in a YouTube video.