Gateway Object: Crimping Machine

Crimping machine on wooden floor materials lying on its surface
A room featuring windows on the right hand wall, the crimping machine in the foreground. stair descend from the ceiling in the centre of room

History

The ‘crimping machine’ probably dates from the early decades of the 20th century. It was used to cut out the scalloped-shaped edging in pieces of material. To use it you place multiple layers of material under the ‘teeth’ of the machine and then turn the handle which is attached to a large mechanical wheel. Turning the handle causes the trimming tool to move down which cuts the material and then up to release it.

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