The History of Craftmaster Woodworking Machines

Craftmaster was one of Canada's best-known manufacturers of woodworking machinery during the mid-20th century. The company originated in London, Ontario, where William J. Henry founded Henry Power Tools Ltd. after the Second World War.

Henry Power Tools produced a complete line of heavy-duty cast-iron woodworking machines under the Craftmaster brand, including:

• 4" Jointer-Planers
• 6" Jointers
• Table Saws
• Band Saws
• Drill Presses
• Wood Lathes
• Scroll Saws

These machines quickly earned a reputation for precision, durability, and attractive industrial styling.

Following William Henry's death, the company continued under his wife until it was acquired by Strongridge Limited, also located in London, Ontario, in 1953. Strongridge continued manufacturing and marketing the Craftmaster line for more than three decades. Many of the Craftmaster jointers still found in workshops today were manufactured during the Strongridge era.

Production continued until the mid-1980s, when increasing competition from imported woodworking machinery eventually led to the company's closure. Despite this, Craftmaster machines remain highly regarded by woodworkers for their robust cast-iron construction and long service life.

Today, Sheartak manufactures premium spiral helical cutterheads that allow these classic Canadian-made machines to benefit from modern carbide insert technology, delivering smoother cuts, quieter operation, reduced tear-out, and significantly lower maintenance.