Hey everyone, this week we showcase something we partially refurbished with the intent to display in our  upstairs “museum”. Once this area is completed the “museum” will display some more of the antiques and collectibles that Dan has acquired over the years, during the weekly shop tour.  Until then we will post some of these every now and then so please sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out.

This is a 1890’s 20″ Camelback Drill Press from the W. F. & J. Barnes Co out of Rockford IL, USA.  W. F. & John Barnes Co. was established 1869, made a formal partnership between William F. Barnes and John Barnes in 1872, and incorporated in 1884. This company was an early manufacturer of pedal-powered equipment. (By 1881 they were also making powered machinery.) There were many companies making lightweight foot-powered equipment, but Barnes and the Seneca Falls Co. were the only ones to also make professional-grade machines. From the beginning of their existence, they focused on pedal-powered machinery, especially scroll saws.  This one features an overhead drive set up and from what I have heard was probably used in a industrial setting with multiple machines set up in-line.  All the machines would be set up to one large drive overhead with belts coming down to power each machine.  This one has been cleaned up and partially restored with a fresh coat of paint and a thorough cleaning of parts.