he subject item is a pedal-powered rip saw with a tilting table made in the USA by W.F. & John Barnes Co. of Rockford, Illinois, between 1874 and 1890. The saw's blade moves rapidly in a circular motion and is driven by a pedal that spins a heavy flywheel with a leather belt attached to a gear drive that in turn drives the circular saw blade. The operator holds a wood workpiece on the table and moves it forward so the blade cuts it to the desired width and length. Company History: WF & John Barnes Co. was established in 1869, by making a formal partnership between William F. Barnes and John Barnes in 1872, and then incorporating in 1884. This company was an early manufacturer of pedal-powered equipment. By 1881 they were also making powered machinery such as lathes and pedestal drills. Many companies were making lightweight foot-powered equipment, but Barnes and the Seneca Falls Co. were the only ones to also make professional-grade workshop machines. From the beginning of their existence, they focused on pedal-powered machinery and specialised in making scroll saws. By 1937 the company focus had completely shifted to automotive assembly machinery, and custom-built machinery, machine tools, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical controls and systems, including nuclear hardware. their production of foot-powered machinery had ceased. In the intervening years, they have got out of manufacturing completely. After a series of ownership changes, their equipment parts and stock were purchased in 1998 by LeBlond Ltd. of Amelia, Ohio. An item that although incomplete gives a snapshot into the manufacture and use of early woodworking machinery before the introduction of electricity or electric motors to power machines.A treadle powered tilting table saw bench"WF & J Barnes, Rockford Ill USA"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, tilting saw bench, saw bench, 19th century saw bench, treadle saw bench, woodworking building equipment, carpentry equipment, carpentry, w. f. and j. barnes, usa

Red covered catalogue for a Sale by Auction at Rocklands Reservoir near Balmoral, Vic. On the 9th to 13th November, 1953 (inclusive). For sale are Diesel Alternating Sets, Concrete Mixing and Aggregate Plant, Air Compressor Plants, Stone Crushing Plants, Locomotives, Woodworking Plant, Prefabricated Residences, Corr. Iron and Timber Buildings Stores and Extensive Equipment by order of The State Rivers & Water Supply Commission, Melbourne. Pasted in the front of catalogue is a slip to write name, address and phone number on and to give to clerk when making their first purchase. A typed note loose in the front of catalogue mentions that the time for removal of houses and buildings has been increased from four weeks to three months and goods would be at purchaser's own risk after time of sale. Descriptions of some of the items for sale. Catalogue has Ground Plans of the eight different residential houses. J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - rocklands reservoir, the state rivers & water supply commission, j h curnow & son pty ltd, balmoral combined women's associations, prahran telegraph printing co