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Rope Me In (1/13/21)

Ideal Ropemaking Machine, ca. 1908Ropemaking 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.