Collections Online
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Advanced Search
Saw Mill
Timber-boarded saw mill with corrugated iron roof; detached water wheel driving saw bench, lathe and other machines via shafting and belts.
A sawmill was established at Ty'n Rhos in 1868 and this building was erected to house a new water-powered circular saw in 1892. The water wheel to operate the machinery cost £15, but during the early 1930s an old model-T Ford car engine was installed as an alternative source of power.
John Williams and his sons, who owned the business, were highly regarded as makers of quality joinery work, furniture, carts and wagons. A paint shop which specialized in signwriting and spraying commercial vehicles was soon added, as was a petrol pump to serve the needs of the increasing number of customers who owned motor cars.