Jigsaw

Description

Treadle driven scroll saw. Chestnut frame which slides up and down on grooves in the edges of a vertical chestnut standard to either side. Table affixed to the top of a cast iron treadle mechanism base. Chestnut table top supported by pine assembly of two ends, a cross bar, and bottom bolted to the iron base. Machine fastened to a pine base consisting of three boards, butted edgewise and secured by two cleats across the three boards and screwed to them. A wooden tube with a wooden plunger blows off sawdust.

Notes

At the end of the 18th century the Shakers began using machinery to saw curves or irregular lines. An 1813 Shaker advertisement promoted "a saw for the purpose of sawing a circle, such as a Half Bushel, Tub, and Pail Bottoms, and Follies of Wheels of any description, and has been in use for 15 years."[1] The treadle and frame were initially manufactured to operate a sewing machine and were adapted for a jigsaw at a later date. The jigsaw features a piston mechanism that, by pumping air onto the saw cut, removed sawdust as the saw operated. The Museum purchased the jigsaw from the craftsman George Roberts (1874-1953) in June 1950. Although he was never a Shaker, Roberts used the woodworking tools and equipment of the Church Family, Mount Lebanon, to manufacture Shaker-style furniture and oval boxes. Emma Neale sold boxes made by Roberts in the Shaker store at Mount Lebanon, some of which she lined with satin and sold as sewing boxes. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts donated and sold the Museum a large number of Shaker artifacts, the largest acquisition being the November 1952 purchase of the majority of Roberts shop, in which the planer (#6054) was included. The jigsaw was the second artifact acquired from George Roberts, as John S. Williams, Sr. purchased it in June of 1950. [1] "Advertisements of the Shakers. From the Pittsfield Sun." Nov 1, 1813. The United States Gazette for the Country, XIII, No. 1308 (December 8, 1813) 800.