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A 1932 Walker-Turner book, a beautiful blueprint & a veteran I'll never know
David Walsh posted a topic in General Woodworking
I came across these copies of a 1932 Walker-Turner publication — "Woodworker's Handbook". Two things struck me. First, the more obvious detail: tucked away in a flap on the back cover, the most strikingly vivid blueprint I have ever seen with my own eyes. I don't know what printing process they were using to make these back in '32, but it is just... majestic. And, from the crisply perfect condition of it, I wonder if I'm the first person to ever actually open it up. Secondly, and more obscure: inside the front cover, there was an inscription by "Lester" — which, I'd assume, is a man named "Lester [Arthur] Burton" — whose name is credited with "Designed & drawn by" on the the beautiful draftings in the early pages of the book. The intricate shading and distinctive lettering — and the fact the book came to me along with a few other items owned by Mr. Sawdust (my grandfather) — made me first think this was gifted to Wallace Sr. by his long-time friend, Lester Margon — who I'd place as one of the finest furniture draftsman of the 20th century. There's such similarity to the style and character of their drawings. Obviously this wasn't the case — just the odd coincidence of two unrelated "Lesters" who somehow shared such a style. Regardless, it simply made me wonder about this man — who was once proud to gift this book to someone, with gratitude to his "Dad", in quotations. It all felt slightly like one of those Hemingway'esque six-word stories — "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." — where my mind wanted to fill in all that's absent. A few searches for his name turned up absolutely nothing I could connect back to him — a proud draftsman's legacy from 1932, seemingly lost to time. I imagine there's a family that knows his story, if there's one there to tell — but there was just something that gave me pause when I tried to connect the dots, and couldn't. There was a strange nostalgia for a person I never knew, and have no connection to. It simply made me think — "someone's entire story, or some facet of it, lives within these simple handwritten lines — and I'll never know it." ... and it made me want to share it, in case someone somewhere randomly happens to fill in the blanks — of how, 92 years after "Lester" proudly shared his contribution to his "first book" with.... someone, and had "Dad" to thank — it ended up in my hands, from a cardboard box in a storage unit, and now in front of your eyes too. If nothing else, maybe Google will turn this up one day, so there's something to know about the unknown man by the name of Lester Burton. — David (... now that's where I left off, when I wrote it up a few days ago. After posting it on Facebook and OWWM, a few interesting details emerged, so I'm appending that here to finish the story, to one degree or another. — ) First and foremost, Lester was a veteran of World War II — that alone seems to make it worthwhile to share this here. ... and not long after finding this, his obituary emerged, which does a nice job of filling in some parts of his story I certainly could not when knew little more than his name: L. Arthur Burton — Designer of wide range of commercial products, private pilot out of Bedminster L. Arthur (Art) Burton, aged 92, of Catonsville, Md., formerly of Tewksbury Township, N.J., passed away Friday, July 29, 2016. Lester Arthur Burton born in Westville, N.J., the son of Wilhemina M. Burton (nee Buhlman) and Lester Ainsworth Burton. After graduation from Palmyra High School, Art graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) in 1943 and served as second mate aboard Liberty Ships throughout World War II. He married Phyllis M. Saxon (1947) and attended Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, N.Y., graduating in industrial design. Art spent a few years honing his skills as a corporate industrial designer before creating his own life-long company. His design expertise can be seen in a wide variety of successful products, including 30 years of McIntosh stereos, Bendix weather radar, Dinamap vital signs monitors, as well as toy water rockets and pistols. Art was a competitive rifle shooter and shared his passion with his wife and three daughters. Over a span of 25 years he coached the Somerset County junior rifle teams, taught firearms safety classes, and served as the club's president. He loved to bird hunt over the many English Springer Spaniels he trained in his lifetime. He also enjoyed deer hunting; although he was so careful at choosing a successful shot, his family suspected he just enjoyed the peace and quiet of the woods. Art had a love/hate relationship with the game of golf. In his later years, it was much more of a love affair and he played the game often at Oak Hill Golf Club, walking 18 holes until nearly 90. In April 1946 he first soloed an airplane. This avocation, like many of his others, stayed with him for the rest of his life. He flew his own airplane out of Somerset Airport in Bedminster for over 40 years. He and Phyllis enjoyed many trips together, flying as far as Venezuela and Alaska. A private pilot, Art flew his last flight at age 85, logging over 7,300 hours in total. While he would tell you he used his airplane primarily for business, it was a true pleasure. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Phyllis, and his three daughters, Sherrie (Robert) Smith, Donna (Raymond) Thompson, and Linda (Duffee) Ricks. Art has six grandchildren: Lindsay (Nate), Andrew, Sammi, Zach, Ian and Justin. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Richard L. Burton. ... and with that, I can actually bring this post to its natural end. Nothing here to make you a better woodworker; no beautiful vintage machinery to admire; no shop tips or project plans — just a story about finding the story behind a talented draftsman, and an American veteran — husband, father, grandfather — designer, rifleman, hunter — soloed an airplane for the first time in 1946, and kept on flying until he was 85. From the little I've come to know, sounds like he'd have been a pleasure to know. — David
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Walker Turner Driver Line model 700 Band Saw
John Wright posted a topic in Old Woodworking Machinery
Hi everyone, glad I found this forum. I have a 1932 Walker Turned Driver Line model 700 Band Saw. Its complete except the top adjusting mechanism has a broken bracket. I have attached some photos. If anyone here knows where I can find a replacement part or maybe get this one repaired I would be in your debt. As I said in my intro, I love restoring old woodworking tools. I spent some time on OWWM but they have this thing about even mentioning Craigslist in any way shape or form. I have looked there but no success at all. So I'm thinking new faces and new ideas. Many thanks for any help or information. John -
A friend of mine bought a house on a lake in Connecticut...he needed a portable table saw for his many projects on the house. I gave him one of mine, delivered it and he then showed me his drill press that he offered as he no longer needed it. It seems he used it mainly to cut mortises (AMT attachment). He replaced it with a Jet. As he brought me into his shop an aura of bright light shone around the press, angelic voices could be heard and in the distance I could hear music. As my eyes regained focus the Walker Turner slowly came into view. I could hear "Nick, over here"... Bill plugged it in and it hummed quietly and immediately I pictured myself standing in front of it, suede apron, intently focused on the piece on the table. Now I need mortising bits... As I roamed the sites last night I also ran across a forum that had some posts regarding the AMT attachment. They referred to the AMT as having a 3/4" hole for the bits rather than the (presumably) "standard" 5/8". So now I have to wait till next week before I get a chance to measure the receiver in the attachment. I assumed Bill kept the bits for the Jet. If that were the case, then they might be the same size as the Jet mortiser which would make the AMT a 5/8" receiver. No...I'm not trying to logic my way through this but I was hoping to order the bits from Lee Valley while their free shipping is on. Do any of you know the AMT attachment to comment on the size of the bit it might take...? Do I have a UPOS attachment...? (Yeah...I know...where the heck are the pictures...don't yell too loud...I'm practicing my memory exercises) Thanks in advance...
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Actually, I just need an opinion. I have this older Craftsman benchtop band saw and I'm curious of it's age. Take a look at the photos and tell me what you think. Oh yeah, it is for sale, maybe.
