IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CUTTING MARBLE, WOOD, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
Year: 1829

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
GIBBS, of Crayford Mills, in the County of Kent, Timber Merchant, send
greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth
did, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twelfth day of November, in the tenth year of His
reign, give and grant unto me, the said Joseph Gibbs, His especial licence
that I, the said Joseph Gibbs, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, and such others
as I, the said Joseph Gibbs, my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the
term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise; and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CUTTING MARBLE,
WOOD, AND OTHER SUBSTANCES;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a
proviso that I, the said Joseph Gibbs, shall cause a particular description
of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be inrolled in His Majesty's Court of Chancery within six.
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had,
will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Joseph Gibbs, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described

page_text: and ascertained in and by the Drawings hereunto annexed, and the following
description thereof (that is to say) :-
In the said Drawings Figure 1 is a front view or elevation, Figure 2, a
side view or elevation, and Figure 3, a plan of a machine for cutting marble,
wood, and other substances, in each of which Figures the same letters of
reference indicate the similar parts. A is a drum actuated by the prime
mover of the machinery. This drum is mounted upon a shaft or axis B,
with necks or pivots at its ends turning in bearings firmly supported against
the wall or in any other convenient manner. Motion is cominunicated from
the drum A by the band C to the rigger or band wheel D, which is mounted
loose upon an axis E, the construction of which will be described hereafter.
To the band wheel D there is likewise another band wheel or rigger F affixed,
from which motion is communicated by another band G to the band wheel
or rigger H, which turns loose upon the axis or shaft I, and which band
wheel H likewise carries a band wheel or rigger J, from which a band K
passes to the band wheel or rigger L, mounted firmly upon the shaft, mandrel,
or axis M. The axis E has two cylindrical parts N, N, which pass through
and turn in cylindrical holes O, O, made in the ends of the double cast-iron
bracket P, and which said bracket P is also firmly and immoveably supported
by or affixed to the wall or in any other proper manner. The lower end of
the axis E has a conical hole in its centre, which rests and turns upon the
conical end of an upright centre piece Q, Fig. 1, which is jointed to one
end of a horizontal lever R, which works on a pin S affixed in one of the
upright supporters of the table T. To the other end of the lever R an upright
rod U, Fig. 2, is jointed, and the lower end of which rod is also jointed or
connected with the treadle V, V, which moves upon a pin passed through
the cheeks of a fixed upright stud W, its other or front end being guided
in an upright slit or groove X, made in an upright pièce affixed beneath
the table T as shewn in Fig. 1. The lever R is prevented from rising too
high by the stop screw Y, which is furnished with a handle or lever to turn
it by, and likewise with a binding nut and handle Z, that end of the lever R
being also guided between the upright cheeks a, a, of a bracket b, which
is firmly affixed to the frame of the table T. The hollow screw which tho
screw Y acts in is also formed in the bracket b. By this contrivance the
upright axis E can be raised as required in its use by depressing the external
end of the treadle V, and it falls by its own weight on the pressure being
removed from the treadle. Upon the axis E one part of the swinging frame
or carriage c, d, is firmly affixed by means of keys or wedges passed through
slits or grooves formed in the sockets e, e, to receive them; the other or

page_text: secondary part d of this frame being jointed to the part e, at f, f, Figure 1
and Figure 2, by means of the cylindrical 'pin g, g, which is passed through
holes formed to receive it in the sockets f,f, and h; h, upon the secondary
part of the swinging frame or carriage d. The upright double bracket i; i, is
5 firmly affixed by means of screws or otherwise. The upper and outer end of
this double bracket i, i, has an upright soket formed in it to receive' within
it the cylindrical stem of the guide pin j, and which is secured in the socket
by a binding screw. The upper part of this guide pinj is also made cylin
drical, and upon it the metal socket k is lodged. The upper end of this
socket has a horizontal cylindrical hole made in it, to receive a cylindrical
part formed upon the head of the screw 7, and which is secured in that hole
by means of a cap'm being fitted upon it, so that it can only turn in the
said hole, and not mové endways therein. The screw passes through a hollow
l
screwn, formed in another metal socket o; which is lodged upon a cylindrical
stem 'made upon the upper end of the axis E to receive it. Four handles or
levers, p, p, &c.; are affixcil in the cap m, in order to turn the screw l. The
exterior ends of the secondary swinging frame-d have sockets formed in them,
the holes in which range in an exact line with the hole in the socket-in' the
bracket. The uppermost of these holes 9 is screwed, and has a screw fitted
into it having a conical hole in its centre and a cylindrical hole continued
up through the screw from the conical hole, in order to contain oil to supply
the upper pivot r of the mandrel M, the lower pivot of which is made taper;
and works in a taper hole formed in the lower socket in the mains or of the
collar and mandrel of a lathe: A binding nuts is fitted upon the screw i:i
the socket 7, and a. tightening screw t is likewise employed. The nose of
the mandrel M is screwed, in order to receive screwed chucks upon it, whichi
hold the various cutters; to be described hereafter: "The cylindrical stem of
the guide pin is also perforated with a plain cylindrical hole, that it may
receive into it the stems of the different-guide pins employed, as will likewise
be described hereafter. In order to stop the motion of the cutters, when
necessary, a loose band wheel or rigger u, Figs. 1 and 2, is mounted upon
the shinft E, to which the strap C may be removed or shifted occasionally
ás required; 'and in order to vary the speed of the cutters, the band wheels
or' riggers v'and w are provided, upon which the band K may be shifted from
off the riggers J and L, as occasion requires. For cutting marble, stone;
scagliola, or wood, with this machine, various cutters are employed, according
to the nature of the substances to be operated upon. For marble the chisel-
shaped cutter shewn in front and edgeways in Figs. 4 and 5; and endways
in Fig. 6, may be employed when an upward and downward movement is

page_text: combined with a circular one, in the manner to be'described hereafter, or with
a circular motion only; so also may the drill shewn in front in Fig. 7, and
endways in Fig. 8, be 'used. The cutter with two spiral wings, webs, or
cutting edges shewn in front in Fig. 9, and endways in Fig. 10, is to be
used with a circular motion, as is likewise the three-webbed one shewn in
front in Fig. 11 and endways in Fig. 12... The rifler, shewn in front in
Fig. 13 and endways in Fig. 14, and which is toothed both on its eige
and flat face, is to be used with a circular motion in taking off large flat
surfaces in marble or stone. The round-ended rifler, shewn in front in Fig. 15
and endways in Fig. 16, may be used with a circular motion in sinking hollows
or grooves; and the flat-ended rifler; shewn in front in Fig. 17 and endways
in Fig. 18, may be used with a circular motion-for sinking grooves or hollows
with flat bottoms. A variety of other cutters may also be employed, suited
to the different purposes they are required for, but which, of course, cannot
be herein described. The proper cutter being then placed in one of the screwed
chucks fitted upon the mandrel M, the original pattern designed to be copied
or cut in marble, wood, or other substances must be firmly affixed upon the
surface of an upper table a, which is immoveably framed or secured to the
lower table T, and the piece of marble or other substance to be cut must
be affixed upon the said lower table T. The guide pin or tracing point j
being then placed in its socket, the workman or operator takes hold of the
socket of the guide pin J with one or both hands, and carries the guide pin
over and along the outlines or contours of the pattern Y,. at the same placing
his foot upon the treadle V. In this way he can command the action of the
machine upwards and downwards, and likewise in a circular sweep; but in
order to obtain another circular sweep concentric with the first he applies his
hand to one of the levers p of the screw l, and moves it sufficiently to cause
the guide pin and the cutter to make another circular sweep, and he thus
proceeds until he has gone over the entire sufface of the pattern; and the
cutter at the same time being turned swiftly round by the power of the first
mover of the machinery, the piece of marble or other substance is thereby cut
in a manner corresponding with the pattern, the cutters being, however,
changed from time to time' according to the different effects to be produced by
their action. The guide pin and the cutter must also be of, same general
figure or contour and diameter, in order to trace and cut the design correctly.
In intricate designs, however, or when it is desirable to follow up other lines
or curves than circular ones, the screw may be removed, and one or both
hands of the workman being applied to the guide pin that may be made to
follow the contours with the greatest correctness.. When it is necessary to cut

page_text: deeper at any time, the stop screw Y is to be loosened, and turned sufficiently
to allow the cutter to descend as far as is needful, when it must be again
secured by the binding nut Z.
.
Fig. 19 is a front elevation, Fig. 20, part of a side elevation, and Fig. 21
a plan of a modification of the machine before described, whereby it is adapted
to cut marble, wood, or other substances into forms proper for inlaying, as
well also as the cavities to receive those said forms. The parts of this machine
which are similar to those of the machine before described are indicated by
the same letters of reference; but here there is no upper table nor guide point
employed, and consequently the several parts belonging thereto are omitted, as
is likewise the screw Z and its appendages. But there are, however, new parts
added, as will be hereafter described. P, in Figs. 19, 20, & 21, is part of the
:fixed bracket. 0, 0, the sockets, into which the cylindrical parts N, N, of
the axis E are fitted. .e, e, the two sockets at one end of the first part c of the
swinging frame. f.f, the two sockets, at the other end thereof. 9, the pin,
which is passed through the sockets f, f, and the two sockets h, h, which are
affixed to the secondary part ḍ of the swinging frame. 9, the screwed hole, to
-receive the screw of the mandrel M.. The other parts will be readily under-
stood by the letters of reference affixed thereto. This machine is shewn as
being prepared for cutting rosettes for inlaying, to do which there will be
required a solid pattern, made of wood, metal, or other proper material, such
as is shewn at, 1, in Figs. 21 and 22. This pattern must be firmly held in its
place upon the table T, by means of a proper clamp, which may be constructed
in various ways. I have found that here shewn very convenient in use. It
consists of the arm or bracket 2, which proceeds from the fixed bracket P, to
which it, is firmly united. The bracket 2 is forked or branched at its outer.
end, and has two upright sockets 3 and 4 formed upon it, the uppermost of
which, 3, has a hollow screw within it, in which the screw 5 acts, which is
made upon the upper end of a crank or clamp 6, and which crank is inade of
a cylindrical shape below the screw 5, and is guided in a cylindrical hole made
in, the sockets 4, of the bracket 2. The lower end of the cranked clamp 6
is tapered away to a conical point at 7, which is either made to enter a small
liole in the pattern, or to fix itself in the pattern without such a hole being
formed. In Fig. 21 a solid pattern 1 is shewn, which is similar to that shewn
at 1 in Fig. 22; and the cutter 8, Fig. 22, is carried along and all around the
contours of the pattern, the cutter being guided by the workman taking hold
of the two handles 9, 9, which are affixed upon a cleft socket 10, Fig. 19,
mounted upon the shoulder of the. collar of the mandrel M. The axis E of
this machine is supported on a conical piece Q (not shewn), which is connected
4.

page_text: with a treadle in the same manner as in the machine first described herein;
and it can be raised or lowered in a similar mode by the application of the
foot of the workman upon the treadle. The piece of marble, wood, or. other
substance to be cut, 11, is likewise held firmly down beneath the pattern upon.
the table by the clamp 6; and should the crank handle happen to be in the
way of the cutter, it can be readily turned out of the way at any time. When
the rossettes or other forms thus cut out- are required for inlaying, it will be
necessary to provide counter-patterns, hollowed so as exactly to fit the solid
ones, such, for instance, as that shewn in Fig. 23 at 12; and the cutter 8 is
also to be guided by the hands of the workman along the contours of this
pattern, and thus the solid and hollow parts will exactly fit each other. In
many cases, however, solid patterns. may be cut, such as letters or figures, for
instance, which are not intended for inlaying. The machine first described
herein is also capable of cutting marble, wood, or other substances into forms
proper for inlaying, by placing either the solid or the hollow pattern upon the
upper table, and the substance to be cut upon the lower one, and carrying the
guide pin along the contours of the patterns, having, however, previously
removed the screw and its appendages. In those cases where the substances
to be cut are hard, such as marble for instance, it is necessary that the cutters,
besides their circular motion, should also have a continual alternating upward.
and downward movement communicated to them, so as to produce a kind of
chipping action upon the marble or other substance: This effect I can produce
in the following manner :-In Fig. 24, is- part of the upper table, and T
part of the lower one. i, i, the double bracket, affixed upon the primary
part of the swinging frame of the machine, and carrying one end of the
screw 1, and its appendages m, &c., and likewise the guiding pin j, as before
described. The exterior ends of the secondary part & of the swinging frame
have, however, sockets with plain cylindrical upright holes in them; and the
vertical mandrel M, which carries the cutters, has corresponding cylindrical
parts formed upon it to fit those cylindrical holes in the.sockets. The axis I,
besides being fitted with similar riggers or band wheels, J and v, to the
machine first described, which communicate motion by the band K.to either of
the riggers L or w upon the mandrel M, has in addition. another rigger 13,
which communicates motion by the crossed band 14 to another rigger. 15,
which turns upon a socket running loose upon the mandrel-M, and the upper
border of which socket is formed into a circular inclined plane. The man-
dril M has likewise a counter-circular inclined plane m-fixed firmly upon it,
which acts in the first-mentioned one so as alternately to rise up and fall off
it, and thus produce. the chipping action above mentioned, two or more risings
.

page_text: and fallings taking place at each revolution of the mandrel M, cccasioned by
the cross band 14, and the varied diameters of the riggers. 16 is a metal
spring affixed to the lower part of the bracket.i,., and to the other end of
which is jointed a small steel conical pin, which lodges in a hole formed to
receive it in the top of the mandrel M.
}
...*.
Figures 25, and 26, are front.elevations, and Fig. 27 a plan of parts of n
niachine for cutting, marble, wood, and other substances, which are supported
upon, or between fixed centres; the, original design or pattern being, however,
executed upon a flat or plane surface:.,.,. in Figs. 25 and 27,. is. part of the
double bracket of the first-described machine, and carrying the guide point j.
a, a, part of the upper table of that machine.., y, the original design or pattern,
which is fixed upon a flat metal plate 17, the ends of which are bevelled, and
slide backwards and forwards in corresponding parallel grooves made to receive
them.upon the upper part of a metal frame or carriage 18, which, is mounted
firmly upon the upper table . 19, 19, are two screws (shewn by dotted lines),
turning upon pivots or necks formed at each end of them. in proper bearings
affixed in the back and front sides of the, frame 18. 20, 20, are two hollow
screws (shewn by dotted lines) fixed underneath the plate 17, and lodged upon
the screws 19, 19., 21, 21, are two bevel or mitre-toothed wheels, one of each
of which is mounted upon the front ends of the screws 19, 19. 22, 22, are
two other bevel or mitre-toothed wheels, which are mounted upon an axis or
shaft 23, with necks or pivots turning in bearings affixed to the frame 18.
These bevel wheels 22, 22, work in the others 21, 21, so as to move them
uniformly; and the screws 19, 19, are thus caused to revolve in the hollow
screws 20,, 20, and to move the plate 17 backwards and forwards, as required,
and as will be described hereafter.
In Fig. 26,.T, T, is part of the under table of the first described machine,
having firmly affixed upon it two metal supports 24, 24, of the fixed conical
centres 25,.25, which are formed upon the inner ends of the screws 26,,26,
which act in hollow, screws made to receive them in the upper parts of the
supports 24, 24. These, screws can be turned by the, levers 27, 27, and be
firmly retained in their required positions by the binding screws 28,. 28. . One
of the screws, 28, has a metal dividing cylinder, 29, mounted upon a cylinder
neck or pivot formed upon the end of the screw so as to be at liberty to turn
thereon....80 is a collar affixed upon the screw, to prevent the dividing cylinder
from moving endways. 31, 31, are two other screws affixed in screwed holes
made through the face of the dividing cylinder, to receive them. These screws
insert their pointed ends into cavities formed in one of the ends of the block
of barble;, wood, or other substance, 32, to be. cut, and, thus cause. it to be

page_text: carried round with the dividing cylinder 29. 33 is a spring affixed to the edge
of the table T, and having a conical point at its upper end, which can be
placed in any one of the holes made around the dividing cylinder to receive it,
'and thus retain that cylinder securely in any required position. 34 is the
design which has been cut upon the block of marble, wood, or other substance,
by the action of the cutter 35 and other proper cutters, when caused-to revolve
swiftly, such cutter or cutters being held either in the mandrel M of the
machine first described herein; or in that described in the references to Fig. 24,
when it is necessary that a chipping action should also be produced.
36, 36, in Figs. 25 and 27, represent part of a metal guide bar affixed to
the frame 18, the use of which is to guide the tracing or guiding pinj along
in a straight line, in tlie action of tracing that part of the design, and which,
when compleated; the design must be shifted along by the action of the screws
19, 19, which are actuated as before mentioned by the four bevel-toothed
wheels, on turning the shaft or axis 23, by means of a handle affixed upon
either end of it, a sufficient space to correspond with the divisions in the
'dividing cylinder, and which 'cylinder must also be moved to agree therewith.
The parts shewn as connected with the cutter mandrel M, in Fig. 26, are
'marked by similar letters of reference to those employed herein in describing
'the first-mentioned machine.
Fig. 28 represents the original design as being supposed to be executed
upon a block 37, supported upon central points, instead of being upon a flat or
plane surface, as in the case of Figs. 25 and 27, this block 37. being to be
turned from time to time as required, by removing the conical point of the
spring from the hole in the dividing wheel, and affixing it in another hole to
secure it in a new position.
Fig. 29 represents the block 32 as being mounted upon central points, and
also having a divided wheel affixed in a similar manner to that shewn in
Fig 26; in order to be cut by the cutter 35 or other proper cutters, when
niade to revolve-swiftly; and as the similar parts are marked with the same
"letters and figures of reference which were employed in describing that Figure,
so there is no necessity of repeating that description here.
:
Fig. 30 is a side elevation of another machine for cutting marble,.wood;.and
'other substances, the original design, and the marble or other substance to be
cut, being both of them to be affixed upon sliding wood or metal flat plates or
tables 38 and 39, placed one above the other, which are guided either at their.
sides or ends in parallel grooves, and are each-made to move backwards and
forwards alike, or in exactly the same degree, by the action of two toothed
pinions mounted upon the axis; and working into the-teeth of two racks.affixed

page_text: underneath each plate or table. 40 is one of the two pinions which works in
the teeth of one of the racks 41, affixed beneath the uppermost plate or table
38; and .42 is one of the two pinions which acts in one of the two two racks
43, which are affixed beneath the lower plate or table 39, the pinions being
caused to revolve alike when turned by hand, or otherwise by means. of the
three similar toothed wheels 44, 45, and 46, the wheel 44 being mounted upon
the axis which carries the two uppermost pinions, and the wheel 46 upon the axis
of the two lowermost ones, the intermediate wheel 45 being employed to cause
the upper and lower pinions to turn or move alike and in the same direction.
The intention of thus moving the plates, or tables 38 and 39 backwards and
forwards, or to and from the cutter affixed in the mandrel M of the machine,
is to render the motion of the swinging carriage'd of the machine · less
extensive, and accordingly instead of that swinging carriage being composed
of the primary and secondary parts c and d-herein-before described, it. has
only the part d, which is mounted upon the upright axis E, the cylindrical
parts of which, N; N, are guided in the sockets O,-0, of the fixed bracket, parts
of which are shewn,.at-P, P.. The lower end of the axis E; however, docs not
rest upon a conical pointed support connected with a treadle,...as in the first-
described machine, but instead thereof the axis has two collars, 47, 47, formed
upon it near its upper end, between which the rounded ends of a forked lever
48 (and one of which ends is shewn at 49) are made to enter, and the other
end of the lever 48 being connected with the treadle. (not shown).. The axis E
and the mandrel M carrying the cutters can be raised and lowered as required
in use. A swift circular movement is communicated to the cutter by the
band C, which passes from the drum A. (not shewn), as in the first-described
machine, and which actuates the rigger or band wheel D, mounted upon a loose
socket turning upon the axis E, and likewise the rigger J, affixed upon the
said socket, and from which the band K passes to the rigger L,.which is
mounted upon the mandrel M which carries the cutters. There is no upward
and downward movement applied to the cutter to produce the effect of
chipping in, this machine, but which, however, may be applied, if necessary;
Instead of which the mandrel M has a socket 50: secured upon its upper end
by means of the screw 51, and which socket-rests upon the top of the upper.
socket in which the mandrel M turns. An arm 52, with sockets at each end of
it, is affixed by means of keys or wedges upon the upper end of the axis E, in
order
to carry
the guiding pin J.. In some cases the swinging movement of
the carriage D can be entirely dispensed with.. This-is effected by means of a
metal plate 53, which is affixed to an arm which is firmly secured to the fixed

page_text: bracket P. This plate 58 has a semicircular groovė 54 made in it, as shewn
in the plan Fig. 31, through which a binding screw 55 is passed" (as shewn by
dotted lines in Fig. 31), and which screws into a screwed hole made to receive
it in the upper part of the swinging carriage d, as shewn in Fig.30, and by
screwing it tight the'carriage becomes fixed, and-is thus prevented from swinging!
In order to cut circular sweeps with the machine thus fixed, I employ, instoad
of the upper and lower plates or tables 38 and 39; a plain: flat horizontal tablo
or support 56, shewn in Fig. 31; from the front edge of which there proceeds
at right angles a horizontal beam (shewn 'by dotted lines) 57, 57, and the
other or outer end of which is supported a leg or foot: Upon the beam: 57
there 'slides a square metal socket or hoop 58 (shewn by dotted lines), which
can be screwed-at any part of the beam. 57, by means of a binding screw passing
through a screwed hole made to receive it in the lower part of the socket. Froni
the upper side of the socket 58' a pin or stud 59 projects, which passes through
a hole made to fit it in the 'stem of a moveable platform or table 60; upon the
upper surface of which the piece of marble wood, or other substance to be
cut, 61, must be placed, and secured by the screw clamps 62, 62, the screws
of which are passed through holes inade to receive them in the platform-61;
as is shewn in Fig: 32, and have screwed-nuts 63,63, fitted to them, which
bind down the clamps upon the pieces to be cut by the action of tho cutter'in
the mandrel M; when caused to revolve'swiftly by the action of the machinery.
The circular groove thus cut in the piece 61-is shewn at '64: 12%
I do not mean or intend hereby to claim as my Invention the various kinds
of cutters herein shewn and described, but only the use of them in my different
machines. Neither do I mean" or intend hereby to claim as my Invention
any of the various parts of which the said machines are composed which may
be already known or in. use, but only the new arrangements or combinations
thereof; and whereby 'I render the various machines capable of cutting marble;
wood, or other substances; and which said ärrangements "or" combinations of
the different parts I believe to be uew, and to constitute improvements in the
manner of cutting the said substances. It is indeed evident that: similar
effects might be produced by reversing the means employed, or carrying or
moving the marble, wood, and other substances to be "cut against stationary
cutters; I, however, prefer to use the methods herein shewn and described...
In witness whereof, I, the said 'Joseph Gibbs, have hereunto set
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and thirty.
my

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twelfth day of May, in the
year of our Lord 1830, the aforesaid Joseph Gibbs came before our said
Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification afore-
said, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and thirty.