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Foot Powered Mortising Machine

12K views 19 replies 18 participants last post by  Vidazinha 
#1 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
 

Attachments

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#2 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Thanks Greg. Looking forward to the next installment.
 

Attachments

#3 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Neat history Greg !
Now on to making mortices !
That trumps my post drill by a bunch…
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Greg check an episode of the woodwrightshop's shop on pbs. Roy goes to a shop where they use one.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
That is an increduble machine.
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Very interesting Greg. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
 

Attachments

#7 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Thanks guys.

I'm hoping to bring it back to almost new and put it back to work. It's hard to seen in the pics but it was originally green. I'll need to find a set of chisels for it or possibly get some made.

Do we know which episode Roy plays with one?
 

Attachments

#8 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Nice machine. Wish they still made them now.
Thanks for sharing.
 

Attachments

#9 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Actually Roy has one in his shop and usually brings it to Woodworking In America with him every year
 

Attachments

#10 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
The episode is called "rise of the machines" http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/watch-on-line/2012-2013-episodes/
 

Attachments

#11 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
I too saw one of these at an auction but had to pass it up due to time constraints and the "there's no way that will fit in the trunk of my Civic" factor.

If you don't mind, how much were you able to pick it up for? If I see another one and have the space in the car, I just might grab it. These old machines are too cool.
 

Attachments

#12 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
I paid a little more than I wanted to for it. Got it for $275. It fit great in the back of my truck.

Hood Naval architecture Motor vehicle Automotive exterior Plant
 

Attachments

#13 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
A benchtop unit that is not.
I love it! What a graceful looking machine. Looks like it has the legs of a praying mantis.
 

Attachments

#14 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Wow, what a find and the background story to go with it. Well, I suppose even tool makers have disagreements
 

Attachments

#15 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Greg, I just rebuilt a similar machine. Identical except it has no name in the castings. There is a star at the apex of the legs. Had a broken treadle bracket (where it mounts to the main column), and the right-side leg casting is missing the "front" foot and part of the lateral brace. I cobbled together an "orthotic" replacement. The bracket is patched and the whole thing operates as it should. My main problem is chisels, or lack thereof. I can't tell if the quill is tapered or not, and if so, what kind of taper. Any insights? I have an available supply of twist drills with No.1 Morse tapers, and am a blacksmith, so can fabricate blades, just like to get an idea about the quill socket.

Thanks
Steve
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
Cant wait to see this thing in action.
 

Attachments

#17 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
G.Matheson, I have owned this same machine for around 20 years now. In the last few minutes I've learned more about it than I have been able to find, thank you. You're right about the original colour being green it also has red pin striping some still remains on mine. Mine came with a 3/8th chisel and I found a brand new old stock 1/2" in a mixed box of old brace bits and chisels at a garage sale. The one thing that mine is missing is the adjustable depth stop on the top of the shaft(I've just been using a gear clamp). Is it possible to post or sent me a closeup picture of it. Please feel free to contact me if I can help you out. Thanks again. Larry
 

Attachments

#18 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
These mortisers are excellent machines. I used one to make windows for 30 years. Along the way I bought a "spare", and then I found a different brand, and another one, and now I have 19 of them. The chisels are the ongoing problem with all of them. Each maker used a slightly different taper in the chisel socket, so when you find a chisel, it would be only coincidence if it fits your machine. Sometimes you will find chisels that have been hammered on the end and mushroomed a bit. They can be adapted that way to make the small end bigger so that it would fit a different taper. If the chisel is too big on the small end, you are out of luck.

They were made for window and door making in softwood, but I have cut mortises in walnut and maple with no problem. The only wood that wouldn't yield was Douglas Fir.

This year for the first time I installed an electric hollow chisel mortiser. It's only 60 years old, compared to the foot powered ones at 100 years and up. It's easier to get chisels for. Haven't tried it on Douglas Fir yet.
 

Attachments

#19 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
hey Art, what are you doing with 19 foot powered mortising machines? No wonder the rest of us can't find any.
 

Attachments

#20 ·
Introduction

I picked this mortiser up at an auction this weekend.
.
Wood Cross Gas Religious item Machine

.
Wood Gas Machine Flooring Cylinder

.
Wood Floor Gas Machine Metal

.
The machine footprint is 30" wide x 22" deep or 32"deep if you include the pedal and is 58" tall. It came with a 1/2" chisel. The chisel has a travel range of 3-1/4" (that's when the pedal reaches the floor) and the table can be dropped to accommodate a 10-1/2" wide board.

The only information i can find on the machine is on the base casting.
.
Wood Composite material Natural material Metal Font

.
A little research took me to vintagemachinery.org where I found the following information.

This pattern mortiser is referred to as the "Gould Pattern Mortiser" after Ezra Gould came out with his model in 1847. Many other companies copied this design. One such company was James Smart out of Brockville, Ontario, Canada.

Here is an excerpt from the site:

This maker can trace its genesis back to 1854 through its predecessor, J. A. Smart. James Smart Manufacturing Co. lasted until 1967.

Product Line

This company made, among many other products, a solid-chisel mortiser; this product was added to their line with the purchase of Smart & Shepherd. There are a fair number of surviving examples, so the mortisers must have been commercially successful.

James A. Smart and Investors

From 1856, James Smart operated the Novelty Works on Kincaid Street in Brockville. In about 1880, Smart was joined in the business by John McLeod Gill and Robert Gill. In 1881 they incorporated as James Smart Manufacturing Co. According to a family history, the partnership did not work to the advantage of Smart. The Gills put in an amount equal to the then-estimated assets of the company, and received half of the stock in exchange. A subsequent valuation put the value of the incumbent assets at twice their previously assessed value, which meant that the Gills got quite a bargain. Furthermore, no value was put on Smart's goodwill, which must have been substantial as it was a well-established and thriving business.

The partners' relationship suffered, and Smart reduced or eliminated his involvement with the company. Shortly after the reorganization, a Mr. Hodgson of Montreal invested about $20,000 in the business, and was then bought out by the Gills; it turned out that Hodgson was an associate of John M. Gill. Buying Hodgson's share gave the Gills more than 50% ownership, and some time afterwards the business stopped paying their 6% dividend. Smart had his money locked up with no liquidity or income. Dividend payments resumed when Smart completely withdrew from the company. Smart realized only about $30,000 for his shares. This was some time after 1886. Smart, who was about 55 at this point, became the county sheriff, a job he needed for the income.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Beginning in the early 1870s, Smart's nephews, Elswood Smart and B. C. Shepherd, operated a rival business, Smart & Shepherd, in adjacent premises. In 1886 Smart Manufacturing Co. took over Smart & Shepherd. In 1893 they purchased the Chown & Cunningham foundry in nearby Kingston, and all the stock and plant was relocated to Brockville. In 1894 they took over the Brockville Wringer Works. At this point the Smart works covered over 2.5 acres of buildings.

.
.
.
So from what I can guess is that my machine was made after the Gills forced Smart out because there is no mention of Smart on the base but there is a big letter "G" which I will assume is for Gill putting this mortiser unofficially made late 1800s to early 1900s.

Digging a little deeper I also found a scan of a 1891 catalogue that puts the price of a new #2 mortiser at $20 and chisels costing $1.

Rectangle Font Parallel Number Paper product


Well that's all for now…
I have the exact same machine bought at an auction in Elora Ontario in about 1970. I paid $15 and it came with several chisels. My wife thought I was mad but I actually used it for many years. I particularly like the wooden springs which raise the pedal for the next cut.

Vidazinha
 

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