Machine Power at Potterton Back to the Main Historical Society page

Machine Power at Potterton

On the evening of 22 August, 2001, about 30 members of the Historical Society visited Potterton Park at the invitation of one of the residents, Mr William Beattie, who in June 1996, showed us many of the alterations he was making to his buildings and land there (see 'The Barwicker' No.43). Now with his small band of enthusiasts he has restored into working order two machines that have operated to good effect in Barwick in the past.

We were given a graphic demonstration of a powerful slab saw about six feet in length, which worked horizontally to cut large tree trunks into flat boards of varying thickness. Under the protection of a wooden roof, the machinery with its whirring wheels and flapping belts gave a splendid demonstration of its versatility. It converted the rotary motion of a diesel engine into the powerful reciprocal motion of the saw and the almost imperceptible movement of the large metal bed on which the log was securely fastened. The saw was used at Pullan's (later Bulmer's) sawmills on Potterton Lane, Barwick, for many years and is well-remembered by Tony Shinn (see 'The Barwicker' Nos.32, 36, 38 and 40). Its move to Potterton is described by Tim Chippindale..


In late 1998 Mr Bulmer asked me if I knew anyone who would like the saw as room was required and it had to go. Not wishing to see such a fine machine go to scrap I suggested Temple Newsam - but it transpired that they had a similar machine already..

My friend Mr Beattie was approached and it was agreed to move the saw to Potterton Park, taking a few days to dismantle and remove the machine. A concrete base was laid and all parts were sandblasted and painted. The saw was re-assembled and put back into running order again. Lots of hard work seems to have been worth the while when you see what the machine is capable of, when you consider that it dates from the late 19th. century. Judging by the size of the fixing bolts in the wood yard and copious amounts of wood ash it would be presumed to have been driven by a steam engine. In its later years up to its removal, it was driven by electric motor..

The maker is John Pickles and Son of Hebden Bridge - I made a phone call and it would appear that the company still exists but today they sell smaller wood-working machinery. The gentleman I spoke to was very interested to hear that we had restored the machine and intended to use it.".

Inside a spacious garage nearby was a large diesel-driven engine which had been used to drive a mill for grinding food for his large stock of pigs by a past resident at Potterton Hall, Edward Horner. It had been previously set up against the outside of the barn wall with hoppers for the unground cereals above. We were given a demonstration of the working horizontal engine but the mill has not yet been restored. The engine was constructed by J and H McClaren Ltd, established 1876. Its specifications tell us that it had a BHP (break horsepower) of 40 at 500 revolutions per minute when working at 85øF at 500 feet altitude. The engine is type 7H and its number is 12925..

Engines of this sort were used in Lincolnshire and other fenland areas to provide the power for pumping water from lower to upper levels. Once in position and connected to a fuel supply, they could operate without further servicing for months.

TIM CHIPPINDALE

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