The Wappat Electric Handsaw by Simonds

Advertisement in "The Carpenter" Feb. 1930

In 1928 Simonds purchased an innovative power tool manufacturer from Fred W. Wappat of Pittsburgh, PA. Wappat's original business was Wappat Gear Works, and he added circular saws and other power tools of his own designs. The saws were worm-drive and included patented features such as a telescoping guard. While expensive, they were a favorite for heavy construction and cutting concrete paving and pipe.

Simonds' entry into power tools followed the discontinuation of hand saw manufacturing in 1926. A 1930 advertisement described "a high grade line of electric drills, electric handsaws, electric bench grinders, electric mortisers and electric planes..." Simonds operated this subsidiary as Wappat Inc. until 1941, when Mr. Wappat bought the business back. He ran it as Fred W. Wappat Inc. of Mayville, NY, and sold the business in 1950 to Cummins-Chicago Corp. That firm continued to make Wappat-designed tools until they sold their tool line in 1954 to John Oster Manufacturing Co.

Harrisburg "Evening News" 3 Nov 1930

Fred W. Wappat's U.S. patents
Web page of the New York Wappat family

"Pacific Construction" 15 Mar. 1939