Wood Copying Lathe, circa 1865
THF140091 / Wood Copying Lathe, circa 1865
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Lathe
Date Made
circa 1865
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Attributed to Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts
Location
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
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