Hi. Does anyone know what this table was used for? I am assuming that it once had a flywheel. I found one similar to this for sale and it was listed as a butcher block but I do not believe that is correct. Thank You
Seen a few different antique machines with foot pedals, from sewing machines to metal working machines.
The sewing machines are usually designed for a person to be seated, and the pedal kind of rocks back and forth, where the more heavy duty stuff seemed to work for a standing person.
Yours seems more fitted for a standing person, but I’m just guessing.
My antique lathe is really similar to this one, but mine was upgraded to electric in 1914. Mine was never foot operated, it was originally powered by a water wheel and shaft.
That's a decent guess, @nadogail. It does look like that kind of stuff.
I have some images here someplace of a living museum bookbinder near my friends in the southwest of France. A young man dedicated to keeping the craft alive. He's re-bound a few of my old volumes, and done some custom work for me, and he does use equipment of that general age and heft.
Thank you guys!!!!!! You guys lead me in the right direction. I found this picture on-line with your help. I think it is an "antique cast iron bookbinder" as pictured below.