When George Frick established the Frick Co. in Waynesboro, Pa.,
in 1853, it’s hard to believe he could have predicted the
company’s longevity. To wit: this year witnesses the 150th
anniversary of Frick, which continues today as a major manufacturer
of refrigeration equipment.
Starting with the manufacture of horsepowers, grain cleaners and
related farm equipment, Frick moved into the production of
sawmills, steam engines and refrigeration equipment. Frick circular
sawmills were introduced around 1875, the first Frick traction
engine was built in 1877 and Frick refrigeration equipment was
introduced in 1882.
Some 4,500 steam traction engines were built before production
ended in 1936, and an estimated 13,000 portable steam engines
rolled out of the Frick factory before production ended in 1938.
Figures on Frick sawmill production are unknown, but it’s safe
to assume many thousands of the company’s numerous models were
built between the 1870s and the end of sawmill production in the
early 1970s.
CATALOG CUTS
It’s a safe bet that the portable steam engines shown here
represent the final offerings of Frick Co., coming as they do from
a circa 1938 Frick Co. catalog. There’s no date on the catalog,
but the last page provides a clue by way of a small picture of a
‘Frick M-M Vision Lined Tractor.’ The pictured tractor is
clearly a Minneapolis-Moline UTS, a model introduced in 1938. Frick
started distributing Minneapolis-Moline tractors in 1929.
The real gem is on the following pages; a separate, special
two-page insert for Frick’s No. 0 sawmill, complete with full
specifications. Original material like this is increasingly rare
and increasingly important if we’re to accurately chronicle the
life and offerings of the old manufacturers. Enjoy.
Frick return-flue portable steam engine, circa 1938.
Center-crank engines of 50 HP and 65 HP were offered, with boilers
featuring 150 psi working pressure. These were especially intended
for sawmill work.
Standard Frick portable steam engine, circa 1938. These were
offered in five sizes ranging from 36 HP to 110 HP. The engines on
these and the return-flue portables were of the same design.
FRICK No. 0 SAW MILL
Equipped with Three Head-blocks, Taper Attachments, Power
Receder, Gauge Wheel, Patented Belt Feed, and Special Tightener for
Main Driving Belt.
Specifications for Frick Saw Mills
No. 00
No. 0
No. 01
No. 1
Saw Diameter, largest swung
58′
60′
60′
68′
Husklength and width
81′ x 35′
85′ x 40′
95′ x 433/8
108′ x 52′
Mandrellength and diameter
52′ x 23/16
66′ x 27/16‘
72′ x 25/8”
78′ x 3′
‘Collar, diameter
43/4‘
43/4
48/4
6′
‘Bearings, self-aligning
Timken Roller on all sizes
quot;Pulley, standard
22′ x 8′
22′ x 10′
24′ x 12′
24′ x 12′
Feed, per rev. of saw
‘ to 4’
‘ to 5’
‘ to 5’
‘ to 6’
Gigback’ ‘
‘ to 8’
‘ to 10’
‘ to 10’
‘ to 12’
Carriage- Timbers
3′ x 45/8
3′ x 5′
3′ x 5′
4′ x 6′
Width
30′
321/8
361/8‘
405/8
‘Wheels, dia
7′
8′
8′
10′
‘Axles, dia
11/8‘
15/16‘
15/16‘
15/16‘
Carriage Axle Bearings
Hyatt Roller on all sizes
Set Shaft, full length, dia
111/16
111/16
1 11/16
2′
Set works
Double Ratchet
Combined Improved with hand Receder on Nos. 0, 01 and 1
Headblocks, with detachable rackbars
Steel
Steel
Steel
Cast Iron
Size of Headblock opening
32′
36′
40′
44′
Way Timbers
3′ x 4′
3′ x 4
3′ x 4′
3′ x 5′
Cable Wire, with hemp center, dia
3/8‘
3/8‘
‘
‘
Brake Horsepower required
15 to 35
25 to 50
30 to 65
50 to 75
Daily Capacity, board feet
4M to 10M
5M to 12M
6M to 15M
7M to 20M
Approx. Weight, 15′ Mill
3000 lb.
4000 lb.
5000 lb.
6000 lb.
FRICK SAW MILLS arc light, strong, simple, durable and
efficient. They will give the maximum in production of high grade,
accurately sawed lumber, with the minimum of power and labor.
Long life and high resale value are further advantages of Frick
Saw Mills.
From what other saw mill could be expected service for a 40 or
50 year period? Recently an inquiry was received for repairs for a
Frick Mill which was sold in 1892 AND THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE!
Special thanks to Eugene Bryant, 1633 Banton Road,
Palermo, ME 04354-6537 for sending in the original Frick Co.
catalog from which these images were taken.
