Photo Index - American Machinery Co. (Grand Rapids) - No. 2 Universal trimmer

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
American Machinery Co. (Grand Rapids)
Grand Rapids, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Universal Trimmer
Machine Size:	5.75" height, 15" stroke
Submitted By:	Jeff McVey

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 2 Universal trimmer
Date of Manufacturer:	1892
Serial Number:	(View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated	4/16/2005 7:10:29 PM

Comments:

This was the first trimmer I obtained for my collection, which now numbers 50. It bears serial number 309, and, to the best of my knowledge, it's the oldest "Oliver" machine known. I have evidence that it was in the first batch (totaling 500) of machines built for Joe Oliver's American Machinery Co. in 1892.

As shown in the last picture, it's marked "Patent Applied For". Oliver applied for the patent in 1891, and it was granted in 1894. The "capstan wheel" operating handle on this one is unlike later Oliver trimmer wheels, and is NOT original. I suspect it may have been made up in a pattern shop sometime after the machine was initially sold. I have since obtained another one of these very early No. 2's, which is missing some parts, but which has the original handle. One of these days, I'll make one good out of the two, and will probably switch the color to black simultaneously.

This machine lacks many of the features of the later No. 2's, such as spring-loaded taper pins for lacating prominent angles, various engravings on the table, and spring-loaded blade guards. However, it still works quite well.

I believe this will be the 1000th OWWM photo upload!

Photo 1:

Comments: "before"
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: "after" - rear view
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: "after" - front view
Source: Jeff McVey photo

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