Posted by BillS on November 22, 2009 at 22:51:02:
In Reply to: Antique Barber Colman #12 posted by Jim Pollock on November 22, 2009 at 20:55:51:
I had one just like it - and its motor mount was "after-market" - I was pretty sure it originally ran from an over head shaft. Mine still had the rod and adjustable stop that mounted to the feed lever and went through the table "ferrule". I'm thinking this was set to stop table feed until the operator could get back to disengage the machine. No longer necessary once the electric motor and electrical stop was added.
I had one with dual over arms plus one just like yours with the single overarm. Yours is more complete with covers, so it has survived very well.
I think these machines were made before ball bearings, so that should help to date it. I'm guessing you removed the chip pan for the picture?
IMHO, these machines are solid and dependable and easy to use. Well worth maintaining. Be sure to keep'er oiled :^)
Remember, you can cut helicals with it even though it doesn't have a differential.