Yates American

Yates American Woodworking Heritage

Yates-American was formed in 1925 by merging P. B. Yates Machine Co. and American Wood Working Machine Co. With factories in Beloit, WI; Hamilton, ON; and Rochester, NY, it claimed to be the largest woodworking machinery maker in the world. In 1933, they introduced the legendary A20 planer-matcher, which became highly successful in the Yates American woodworking industry, producing 100,000 board feet per shift. The company dominated the hardwood planer-matcher market, particularly excelling with short flooring boards.

In the 1930s, Yates American woodworking machinery expanded with the introduction of the J-Line for vocational education, later shifting focus to hobbyists. They also became exclusive distributors of Whitney shapers and vocational machinery. In 1961, they acquired S.A. Woods Machine Co. and moved to Roscoe, IL, returning to Beloit in 1981. The company continued to specialize in large planer-matchers, consistently enhancing design, technology, and output throughout their production history.

Modern Spiral Cutterhead Upgrades for Classic Machines

Sheartak Tools Ltd. manufactures premium spiral cutterhead solutions for vintage Yates American woodworking machines, helping loyal owners upgrade their classic equipment and enjoy the superior benefits of modern spiral cutting technology. Each cutter head is precision-engineered as a mechanical component specifically designed to breathe new life into these time-tested woodworking tools.

Our Yates American woodworking spiral cutterhead upgrades feature advanced carbide insert technology that delivers dramatically improved performance over original straight-knife systems. These mechanical components reduce noise, eliminate tear-out, and provide exceptional surface finishes while maintaining the robust character of your vintage machinery. Every cutter head manufactured by Sheartak Tools Ltd. honors the quality legacy of Yates American woodworking equipment.

Custom Solutions for Your Vintage Woodworking Tools

If you're unable to locate your Yates American woodworking machine's model number on our website, feel free to reach out to us. Sheartak Tools Ltd. will be happy to create a custom spiral cutterhead for you at an affordable price. We specialize in engineering mechanical components that perfectly match the specifications of your specific planer-matcher or other Yates American woodworking tools, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance from your classic machinery.