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This invention relates exclusively to that portion of barrel or cask machinery designed for cutting the staves. It consists in the employment of an adjustableknife or cutter, corresponding with the intended form of the stave, adj ustable gage, and a vibrating bed, arranged in the proper relation to each other to respectivelyperformthe functions of feeding and manipulating the " bolt" from which the staves are' cut in an extremely simple, efficient and economical manner. Our engraving represents a perspective view of this improved stave cutter, with a pitman rod attached through which it receives motion. A A are the upright ends of the frame, which are secured firmly together, and between which a horizontal knife or cutter, B, is secured, by means of screws, or in any convenient manner for enabling its edge to be moved in and out. C are a series of gage pieces, which are secured on an eccentric plate fastened to the end uprights, A, of the frame. The curved faces of these gage pieces are parallel with the face of the knife, and the plate to which they are secured is attached to the uprights by screws, or by any other suitable means to admit of their adjustment to regulate the thickness of the staves. D is a cutting block, or bed piece, which is attached to levers, E E, at each end. These levers are jointed to the upright ends, A A, one to each, by journals turning .in suitable boxes at one end, and are secured at their opposite ends to a longitudinal plate or beam, D, which forms the cutting block or surface upon which the stave " bolt" is placed. The cutting block, D, when raised by the levers or radial arms, E, raises, of course, in the arc of a circle of which the journals are the fulcra, and the inner side of the knife, B, forms a segment of a circle which is concentric with the axis of rotation of the cutting block or bed piece, D, and the radius of the circle, in the arc of which the cutting block or bed, D, moves, is equal to that of the cask to be constructed. These fulcra may, by any suitable arrangement, be made variaule, so that staves may be cut for different sized ? casks or barrels. The operation is as follows :—The " bolt" from which the staves are to be cut is properly steamed and placed on the block or bed, D, which is then vibrated throngh the medium of the reciprocating motion of the pitman rod, G, or other suitable device or arrangement. This causes the block or bed, D, to be alternately raised and lowered past the edge of the knife or cutter. B, and at each vibration a stave to be cut from the "bolt," which moves with the same. As the staves are cut from the "bolt," it may, if necessary, be drawn back from the knife or cutter. This is often essential, for the bolt frequently requires to be thus manipulated, either for the purpose of being turned or withdrawing the core. From the foregoing. it will be observed that gravity aids the manipulation of the "bolt," when being adjusted to tne knife at each vibration, and in withdrawing therefrom. This is an important feature, and without it, the "bolt" could not ba readily adjusted by the hands above, whereas through the peculiarity of construction and relative actions of the parts observed in this contrivance, the.e ob- jects are easily and qu'ckly obtained, and without any injury to the attendant. This maJhine is admirably adapted to the purpose of its design, bc;ng simple and economical in its construct,on and efficient in its operation. It was originally patented by Isaac Crossett, of Bennington, Vt., July 1, 18H, and subsequeutly extended for seven years from July 1, 1858. and assigned to Geo. E, Crossett, of Joliet., IlL, who will be happy to furnish any further information.
