Rope Me In (1/13/21)

Ideal Ropemaking Machine, ca. 1908
Ropemaking wrench or separator, ca. 1908
Ideal Ropemaking Machine and ropemaking wrench or separator, ca. 1908

On early 20th century farms, it was important to have a ready supply of rope. Rope is used for operating pulleys or for whatever a rope was needed. With a simple machine like this one, a farmer could make any desired length of rope. Included in a rope making machine outfit are a wrench or separator and a traveler. The rope making machine and traveler twist strands of sisal or jute and the wrench ensures that the strands twist smoothly together to form a strong rope. This rope making machine was patented and made by Elling O. Berg from Madison, Minnesota. It was patented Dec. 1, 1908. Check out the video below to see a rope making machine in action. Unlike this wood one, the rope maker in the video is a solid cast iron, but it operates in the same manner.

By Staff