dovetail machine and bad memory

[skipskip]

About a year ago a local auction house offered a dovetail machine, but I didnt understand what is was, nor what is was worth.

Hence I didnt bid too much on it.

Afterward someone explained things to me, and I learned a bit .

Looks like the same auctioneer has another one, or perhaps the same one  again.

Last time it sold to a "phone bidder" for $1,700, but perhaps the bidder didnt follow thru, or had other issues.

anyway,  can someone look at the picture and tell me if this is a real machine and what ballpark I should be in, pricewise?

dove by skipskip, on Flickr

Thanks

Skip

[oleblu]

Skip, I don't think that is a dovetail machine, but I could be wrong. Looks more like it would make mortice's (sp), or in words I can spell... square holes.

No idea as to value.

[skipskip]

OOOH.....I need to google some more now

thanks

[skipskip]

Mortise machine!!

that was the ticket, I found my posts from 2012.

they called it a doweling machine last time.

It sold for $450, so I may have a shot this time.

You better hope they don't subpoena me for your murder trial, my memory is more of a random number generator than a useful tool.

Skip

[john k]

Lookit the base on that, and that overhead buggy spring, got to be 120 years old.   But it doesn't matter, if it works, it works, check to see what type of bit does it  use.   

[Branson]

Lookit the base on that, and that overhead buggy spring, got to be 120 years old.   But it doesn't matter, if it works, it works, check to see what type of bit does it  use.

Style is the same, but these springs never saw a buggy.  This mortising machine was designed this way, and always came with these springs.  I've seen these before though I don't remember a lot more than "they existed."  There were a bunch of different styles made in the late 1800's.

[john k]

Right, I am sure the springs are original to the machine.  They were needed to pull the chisel/punch back out of the wood after every stroke.   With being made from cast iron, it probably weighs 200-250lbs?  I'd take it,  have a project in mind for lots of mortise work.

[turnnut]

I have seen that design, in the morning, I will try to find my book on old mortising
machines. they are fun to play with, "BUT"  they take up a lot of room. 

[skipskip]

UPDATE!!

The auction was full of gearheads who fought over all the shiny chrome tools, so the mortise machine didnt draw much attention.

I was able to afford it and it followed me home.


My wife dubbed it "the Eye of Osiris"


More pics if the sun ever comes out here in upstate NY.


Skip

[turnnut]

located the book, American foot power and hand power machinery by Kenneth Cope.
this is a good book to have, it list many early wood machinery companies and shows some of their products.

MJD might still have some copies to sell.

there is a small picture on the front page and on page 107.

it is called; Steptoe's Foot Mortiser, made by the Steptoe, McFarlan & Co,
Cinncinnati, Ohio.

late 1800's

in 2001, they estimated the value at $800 - $1500 

[skipskip]

Thanks for all the help!!

I am in the early stages of looking, poking and prodding to see exactly what condition it is in.

Skip

[BruceS]

Anxious to see how many chisels came with it.   

[skipskip]

Anxious to see how many chisels came with it.   

Just the one on it, and I have no clue as to it's removal.

Skip

[turnnut]

Skip,  in your spare time, go to   www.vintagemachinery.org

lots of old woodworking machines.

I have a Seymore & Whitlock mortising machine that is buried behind more stuff,
but I remember that I only received one bit.   this machine has a long wood spring
that sits verticle on the rear.

Frank

[scottg]

Really cool machine!
 So is this the one with a corner chisel chopping 1/2 the square hole at a bite, and you spin it around for the other 1/2?
   yours Scott