Wood Copying Lathe, circa 1865
Add to SetSummary
Thomas Blanchard's duplicating lathe was originally developed in 1818 for manufacturing rifle stocks. It made copies using a rotating blade whose position was guided by the shape of a prototype -- much in the manner of a modern key cutting machine. These lathes -- readily operated by semi-skilled operators -- were adapted to make other irregularly-shaped forms such as shoe lasts and axe handles.
Thomas Blanchard's duplicating lathe was originally developed in 1818 for manufacturing rifle stocks. It made copies using a rotating blade whose position was guided by the shape of a prototype -- much in the manner of a modern key cutting machine. These lathes -- readily operated by semi-skilled operators -- were adapted to make other irregularly-shaped forms such as shoe lasts and axe handles.
Artifact
Lathe
Date Made
circa 1865
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Massachusetts, Chicopee Falls
Creator Notes
Attributed to Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Made in America
Object ID
00.65.741
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 57 in
Width: 82 in
Length: 38 in
Share Anywhere
Use this Artifact Card to share this great find with others. From historic images to vivid descriptions, a record of rich detail is bundled inside a single card.
