The Legacy of Thomas Robinson & Son: Innovators in Woodworking Machinery History
Thomas Robinson & Son was based in the town of Rochdale, historically part of Lancashire and now located in Greater Manchester, England. The business traces its roots back to 1813, when William Robinson began working as a timber merchant. In the 1830s, William partnered with his brother Thomas, but after William’s death in 1836, Thomas continued the business alone.
In 1838, Thomas brought in his son, also named Thomas, forming Thomas Robinson & Son. They started operations on Drake Street and soon relocated to a larger facility on Water Street by 1846 to accommodate their growing manufacturing needs.
Innovating in Woodworking Machinery (1850s–1870s)
The next chapter began under the leadership of John Robinson, who emphasized innovation in woodworking machinery. Around 1854, the company moved to a modern facility on Fishwick Street, near Rochdale railway station. This new plant featured a sawmill, foundry, and fitting shop. By 1861, they employed approximately 250 workers — a number that grew to around 600 by 1871 as John’s sons joined the business.
Thomas Robinson & Son became known for manufacturing essential woodworking tools such as circular saws, planers, mortisers, and more — laying the foundation for many of today’s precision woodworking tools and industrial jointer cutterheads. This legacy aligns with Sheartak’s commitment to offering modern, efficient solutions for professional woodworkers.
Diversification into Milling Equipment (1860s–1900)
While initially focused on woodworking machinery, the company diversified into roller-milling equipment. They built entire milling plants, dryers, and grain-conditioning systems, eventually earning gold medals at major expositions in Paris (1889) and Antwerp (1894).
By the 1890s, their Fishwick Street works spanned over 7 acres and employed more than 1,200 people — a testament to their influence in the woodworking and milling sectors.
Company Growth and Recognition (1890–1930s)
In 1890, Thomas Robinson & Son became a private limited company, and by 1893 it transitioned into a public limited company. Leadership passed to James Salkeld, Philip Henry, and Thomas Nield, who continued developing the firm’s diverse product lines.
Catalogs from the early 1900s show a wide range of woodworking machines and flour milling systems. Some of these historic publications are preserved in the Smithsonian archives, highlighting their importance in industrial history.
Legacy and Modern Influence (1980s–1990s)
In 1988, Thomas Robinson & Son merged with Henry Simon Ltd to form Robinson Milling Systems, which was later acquired by Satake in 1991. The broader Thomas Robinson Group continued operating in woodworking, packaging, and food equipment before being sold in 1992.
Summary
Thomas Robinson & Son evolved from a timber-focused sawmill into a global innovator in woodworking and milling machinery, recognized domestically and internationally. Its legacy includes pioneering roller-milling machines, cross-generational leadership, and eventual integration into larger industrial conglomerates like Satake.
Spiral Cutterheads for Robinson Planers
Looking for a modern upgrade for your classic Robinson planer? Sheartak offers precision-engineered spiral cutterheads compatible with several Robinson models, including the ZVT-30, ZV-T 24, and WRT 24-inch planer thicknessers.
Sheartak and the Continuing Tradition of Innovation
With over 17 years of experience retrofitting vintage woodworking machinery, Sheartak is a trusted source for modern cutterhead upgrades. Our tools have been featured in Woodworking Network and used by professional restoration shops worldwide.
At Sheartak, we’re proud to follow in the footsteps of innovators like Thomas Robinson & Son. We offer state-of-the-art spiral cutterheads, helical cutterheads, and aftermarket replacement cutterheads for planers and jointers.
Whether you’re upgrading your machinery for smoother, quieter cuts or restoring vintage equipment, Sheartak provides the precision and reliability that today’s woodworkers demand — built on a legacy of industrial excellence.
Explore our collection of spiral and helical cutterheads ➜
Sheartak Spiral Cutterheads
Specific Cutterheads for Thomas Robinson Machines:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Will a spiral cutterhead fit my 1985 Robinson ZV-T 24?
- A: Yes, Sheartak’s model includes adapters for pre-1990 units.
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Q: Are spiral cutterheads quieter than straight knives?
- A: Absolutely — they reduce noise by up to 8 dB during operation.
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