Introduction
The Walker-Turner Woodworking Machinery Company is one of the most respected names in the history of American woodworking tools. Known for producing durable, affordable, and well-engineered machines, Walker-Turner became a household name for both hobbyist and professional woodworkers during the early to mid-20th century. From drill presses to band saws, the company’s equipment is still treasured today for its reliability and vintage charm.
W. Turner Table Saw
W. Turner Band Saw
W. Turner Jointer Parts
W. Turner Belt Sander
W. Turner Disc Sander
W. Turner Electric Motors
W. Turner Rip Fences
W. Turner Miter Gauges
History of Walker-Turner
The Walker-Turner Company was founded in 1927 by Ernest T. Walker and William Brewer Turner in Plainfield, New Jersey. Their goal was to build smaller, affordable woodworking machinery at a time when most equipment was designed for large factories. By focusing on the growing home workshop and school market, Walker-Turner carved out a unique place in the industry.
Key historical milestones:
- 1927 – Company founded in Plainfield, NJ.
- 1930s–1940s – Rapid growth during the home workshop boom and the federal government’s investment in vocational training programs.
- World War II (1941–1945) – Produced woodworking machinery and war-effort equipment.
- 1948 – Acquired by Rockwell Manufacturing Co. (later Delta/Rockwell), which absorbed Walker-Turner designs into its product line.
- 1950s onward – The Walker-Turner name gradually disappeared as Delta/Rockwell consolidated brands.
Products and Machinery
Walker-Turner produced a wide variety of woodworking and light-industrial machinery. Their machines were known for cast iron construction, precision, and durability, making them competitive with larger industrial brands while remaining affordable.
Common machines included:
- Drill Presses – Bench and floor models, among the most iconic of their lineup.
- Band Saws – Compact yet rugged saws for hobbyists and professionals.
- Table Saws – Small to mid-sized saws often sold to schools and home shops.
- Lathes – Versatile woodturning lathes.
- Jointers & Planers – Light commercial jointers and planers.
- Sanders & Grinders – Bench grinders, belt sanders, and disc sanders.
Catalogs, Manuals, and Advertising
Like Delta, Walker-Turner produced a wealth of catalogs, manuals, and trade advertising that are now invaluable to collectors and restorers.
Key Resources:
- Walker-Turner Catalog Archive:
Catalog Scans – Walker-Turner - Instruction Manuals & Parts Lists:
Walker-Turner Publications - Trade Ads & Articles:
Walker-Turner Advertising Collection
These resources provide exploded diagrams, parts numbers, specifications, and vintage marketing material that reflect Walker-Turner’s reputation as “The Tools You Can Trust.”
The Decline and Acquisition
In 1948, Walker-Turner was purchased by Rockwell Manufacturing Company, which also controlled Delta Machinery. Over time, Walker-Turner’s product lines were absorbed into Delta/Rockwell offerings. By the mid-1950s, the Walker-Turner name had largely disappeared from new machinery, though many of their designs influenced Rockwell/Delta models.
Collectibility and Legacy
Vintage Walker-Turner machines are highly collectible among woodworking enthusiasts.
Why collectors seek them out:
- Durability – Heavy-duty cast iron ensures longevity.
- Precision – Machines were built for vocational schools and craftsman shops.
- Historic value – Represents the rise of home workshops and vocational training in the U.S.
- Documentation – Abundant catalogs and manuals help guide restoration projects.
Today, many Walker-Turner drill presses and band saws are restored for active use, often found in woodworking shops nearly a century after they were built.
Final Thoughts
The Walker-Turner Woodworking Machinery Company played a crucial role in making woodworking accessible to the average craftsman. By producing affordable, reliable machines, they shaped home workshops, schools, and small businesses throughout America. Though the brand disappeared after its acquisition by Rockwell, its machines live on in basements, garages, and collector shops across the country — a true testament to their enduring legacy.
This Walker Turner Woodworking Tools section features many of the woodworking tools sold by the Walker Turner Power Tool Company of Plainfield, New Jersey.
Walker-Turner Power Tools
Plainfield, New Jersey, USA
This Walker Turner Woodworking Tools section features many of the woodworking tools sold by the Walker Turner Power Tool Company of Plainfield, New Jersey. Their 1938 catalog identifies them as having all the resources of a modern plant containing over 150,000 sq. ft. of floor space devoted exclusively to the manufacture of Walker-Turner tools.
Early 1940’s catalogs as in the Walker-Turner Light-Heavyweight Machine Tools catalog indicate that the company was purchased by and made into the Walker-Turner Division of the Kearney and Trecker Corporation.
A Background of Experience into the developing and building of Walker-Turner Power Tools goes the vast experience gained in manufacturing and selling close to half a million modern and efficient light machines. These machines… in every quarter of the globe… in every size of plant… are giving their owners economical, dependable service. Thousands have expressed their unqualified approval of Walker Turner advanced design, precision manufacture and genuine, all-around value.
Behind Walker-Turner Tools is an efficient organization of trained specialists… men who know their jobs and like their work… whose sole aim is to develop the finest machines possible and to produce them in quantity at reasonable prices.
These days of irregular production programs, short working hours, and keen competition call for low-cost modern power tool equipment. Walker-Turner Equipment… because Walker-Turner Power Tools have demonstrated in thousands of shops that they have wider application, cost less to buy and less to operate. They fill today’s exacting requirements better than many tools selling at considerably higher prices. There are savings in store for you– with Walker-Turner machines.
From the 1938 Walker Turner Power Tool Catalog
Walker-Turner Tool Parts for Sale
Walker Turner Tool Parts for Sale
Walker-Turner Table Saws
Driver B575 7″ Bench Saw
B737 8″ Bench Saw
B995 10″ Bench Saw
TA990 8″ Tilting Arbor Saw
TA1165 10″ Tilting Arbor Saw
Walker-Turner Band Saws
BN550 Driver 10″ Band Saw
BN560 10″ Band Saw (The Driver “500” Band Saw)
BN730 12″ Band Saw (The Driver Line 12″ Band Saw)
BN905 14″ Band Saw for Wood
MBN935 14″ Band Saw for Wood or Metalworking
BN1135 16″ Woodworking Band Saw
MNB1105 16″ Metal Working Band Saw
Walker-Turner Drill Presses
D520 Driver 520 Drill Press
D570 Drill Press
D710 13″ Bench Model Drill Press
D925 15″ Bench Model Drill Press (Jacobs Chuck or Morse Taper Models)
D932 15″ Floor Model Drill Press (Jacobs Chuck or Morse Taper Models)
Walker-Turner Jointer Models
P525 Driver 4″ Jointer
P715 4″ Ball Bearing Jointer
P906 6″ Jointer
Walker-Turner Shaper Models
S985 Floor Model Spindle Shaper
Walker-Turner Belt and Disc Sanders
SM700 Universal Belt & Disc Surfacer
Walker-Turner Jig (Scroll) Saws
Driver J505 14″ Jig Saw
MJ744 24″ Direct Drive Jig Saw
J780 24″ Belt Drive Jig Saw
Walker Turner Wood Lathes
AD302 Wood Lathe
L30A Woodworking Lathe
Driver L500 Lathe
Driver L501 Metal Working Lathe
L540 Gap Bed 10″ Wood Lathe
L752 12″ Gap Bed Wood Lathe
L905 10″ Wood Lathe
Walker Turner Machines
SEO Keywords: Walker-Turner history, vintage woodworking machinery, Walker-Turner tools, Walker-Turner catalogs, Walker-Turner drill press, woodworking machinery company, antique woodworking machines, Delta Rockwell Walker-Turner