Howard C. Riker collection of mechanical engineering student projects

This collection contains two tools designed, patterned, and machined by Howard C. Riker, a Mechanic Engineering student at Mechanics Institute (MI) in the late 1920's. The 8 inch table saw is comprised of a cast iron frame and a cast iron table measuring 14 x 16 inches, and stands 8 inches tall. The table adjusts upward to reduce the minimum depth of cut to zero. The table also tilts sideways so angle cuts can be made. There is an adjustable rip fence and an adjustable cross cut fence. There is also a 10 inch diameter aluminum sanding disk, which can be fitted onto the 5/8 foot diameter drive shaft. The unit is belt driven to an external motor.

Howard Riker used this saw throughout his entire life. It was then passed to his son, Lawrence Riker, who used it several more years in his home workshop. Stamped on the front edge of the cast table is "Howard C. Riker RIT 1929."

The grinding or buffing wheel arbor is another student project completed by Howard C. Riker. He first made the mechanical drawings, then the wooden patterns for all of the cast parts, and finally machined all of the several parts to complete the unit. The horizontal arbor shaft is 5 1/4 inch above its mounting surface, which is 11 inches long. Cast into the front of the frame is "Made by Students." On the back side it says "Mechanics Institute, Rochester, NY." The original flat belt pulley is missing.