Nels J. Billstrom

[Michael Disorbo]

Hello,

Has anyone heard of any older machinary manufatured by Nels J. Billstrom out of Rockland Ill. I am looking for some information on a 24" power jointer. Actually the cut maybe wider, I need to measure it. The machine is a monster, handwheels all over it. Big cast iron wheels on the base about 8-10 inches in diameter. I would say the machine is about 3 or 4 feet wide and maybe 6 feet long or longer. She is a beast but I bet it does a sweet job with lumber. I googled the name but only came up with a few hits and nothing like this machine.

Thanks in advance,

Michael

[Bill Simmeth]

Hi Michael,

Does the jointer you have (or are referencing) have a power feeder on top? If so, are you sure the jointer is made by Billstrom or just the feeder? Billstrom is known to have made after-market power feeders for jointers back in the day. These early feeders looked much like a box that covered the top of the jointer. Here's an old engraving at OWWM.com...
http://www.owwm.com/MfgIndex/image.asp?id=331

If in fact you ascertain that the underlying jointer is marked Billstrom, the folks at OWWM.com would love to hear about it.

[Michael Disorbo]

Actually, you may be correct as the name plate is on the top of the machine. I will have to try to dig it out to see what on the bottom. If this is a feeder on top, it must be the biggest old Nels built. I will check it out and let you know. Thanks for the information!!!