Scroll saw

Production date
1886-1920
Description
Barnes' Velocipede # 2 scroll saw. Pedalled machine that allowed the operator to sit and pedal in order to operate the scroll saw. The scroll saw has a cast iron frame, with a tractor style seat that is adjustable and removable. It has two wheels, a bigger one at the base, and a smaller one near the table that the flat perforated belt swings round on. The table is made of hard maple and is circular with an arm that extends outwards and is connected to a narrow piece of metal that holds the two parallel arms. The saw has parallel arms, the tips of which hold the blade. The blade is intended to go through the bottom arm up through a hold in the centre of the table and then be held by the top arm. The top arm has a small piece of wood with a slit in it mounted to it near the blade. If a card is inserted in this slit it works as a dust blower. The pedals are oval shaped. The scroll saw had red pin striping that outlines the machine. The different metal parts have casting numbers on them.

Object detail

Production date
1886-1920
Production place
Production period
Credit line
The Barnes No 2 Velocipede Scroll Saw was used to create gingerbread mouldings. Those decorative mouldings that adorn the interior and exterior of houses. In the 1800s foot-powered woodworking machines were the norm. In 1876 the W.F & John Barnes Company of Rockford Illinois patented the velocipede (pedal) powered system for their scroll saw. Bicycles were becoming popular around the same time and Barnes advertised their scroll saw as simple to use, because after all anybody can ride a bike.
Accession number
A102.587
Collection type

Share

Public comments

Be the first to comment on this object record.

Google reCaptchaThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.