Sunday, May 19, 2013

Old Machines - Loved and Used



Old machines were built to last.  Just add oil to preserve the bearings, change the belts once a decade, and they will serve well.  This mill and box factory in Oak Run, CA has been in operation and the family since 1897.  I note that they have had to resort to a conservation easement and a trust to preserve the family business, which probably would have been lost to our draconian inheritance taxes long ago.

- HSG Single cylinder side-valve steam engine
- Big heavy pulley systems
- 100-year old band saws
- A boiler that needs new firebrick
- Hand lubed bearings

HSG = Houston Stanwood Gamble – made in Cincinnati.   There’s one for sale in Virginia 

Neat website for steam engines:  Classic Steam Engineering

I also note some new machines and vacuum system in the background.

Machines like these were the life blood of manufacturing in the 19th and 29th centuries.  They were made in places like Groton, CT, Boston, MA, places along the Hudson Rriver, Allentown, PA, Sacramento, CA, etc.  The factories are all gone.

I love the automatic brander.

Nice to see some of the craftsmanship is still around.  And not in China or Indonesia.

Phillips Bros. Mill, Oak Run, CA – Since 1897

See the mill website at:  www.phillipsbrosmill.com

See the mill operating to make boxes on this great video:  Phillips Brothers Mill video

 

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