CHAMPION UPSETTER AND WELDING MACHINE Blacksmith Anvil

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Matchlessantiques is offering smiths and collectors this RARE Champion Forge & Blower "STAR" TIRE AND AXLE UPSETTER AND WELDING MACHINE. This machine was the top of the line of Champion's wheelwright's machines use for shrinking tires or welding axles. Any vintage shop with a machine like this one would have be consider state of the art. I am guessing only large shops could justify owning one. I have only seen one other one like it so I know they are rare. The machine originally came with a steel handle that you could use to pull it around the shop as the front axle is stearable. There is a removable plate that is used when welding axles and removed when shrinking tires. The locking arms can be adjusted for all size of work. Some of the wooden handles are cracked and in need of restoration. The wheel spins freely and easily. This machine is found in the Champion Blower and Forge Co. 1914 Catalog on page 239. Below is the catalog's description for the machine. The Champion "Star" Tire and Axle Upsetter and Welding Machine is a tool that requires but little explanation to satisfy any one interested in doing very heavy city wagon work, as well as all kinds of carriage work. It is sold on a guarantee to do the work claimed for it, with but little exertion, having no unnecessary machinery about it to get out of order, and can be operated by any one.The Star Shrinker and Welder is designed and built as a powerful tool. The Excentric Shaft, as well as the Excentric Strap, is made from the best quality of hammered steel. The Jaws are steeled with refined tool steel, making them the best possible, regardless of expense, and will stand years of hard work.When welding tires or axles, the machine requires to be drawn together as much as possible held in that position solid, to keep the ends of the metal solid together while weld is being hammered down in shape; for this purpose a ratchet and a dog is arranged on the hand wheel, which holds it as tight as may be required. The jaws are 3 1/2 inches high; the teeth are machine-cut and hardened. The machine will stand all the pounding required to weld the heaviest Tires and Axles; it is mounted on wheels so that it can be moved about the shop when necessary.INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO OPERATE1st. Have machine open to full capacity when ready to use; always turn hand wheel in the direction indicated by ratchet when upsetting or welding; can turn it the reverse when you wish to release work to take it out.2nd. Never try to release the jaws with the handles until after you have given the hand wheel a few turns backwards or release the pressure on the cams or grips.3rd. For Butt welding take a little higher a heat than used in a lap weld, use your own judgement about using a flux or compound according to grade of iron or steel being welded. It is not necessary to do any scarfing or upsetting on either tires or axles; simply have the ends square where they come together.4th. When welding tires it is best to bend the two ends up a little, so when tires rest in position weld, the edges of weld do not come in contact with the cold iron until after the two ends are pushed together, then the weld will be pounded down in position. If the two lower edges come in contact with the cold iron before they are joined together it forms a cold-shut and shows where the weld is made.5th. Do not lay tires down on the side to pound down the side flash (or spread); always cut this off with a chisel on the anvil.6th. In welding axles, place the bed piece on the top, under where the two ends come together to weld on, so the middle will form a straight line across with the ends.7th. Do as much heavy pounding on machine as may be necessary.MEASUREMENTS: height 55", length 40", width 24", wheel with handles 24 1/2" Diameter (NOT INCLUDEING HANDLES), Large Geared Wheel Diameter 26", Weight is 770 lbs. Shipping rates are reasonable. Please include your zip code if you write for a shipping quote. MEASUREMENTS : WEIGHT 770 LBS. read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.