Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Shipsaw
Built: 1930s
| | Fay & Egan | |
The shipsaw is a type of bandsaw. The blade is a thin steel band that is turned at a high rate of speed by large wheels. Most bandsaws have a table that tilts to change the angle of the cut. This is convenient if the piece of wood is small enough to support on an uneven table. However, shipwrights cut large, heavy timbers, so they need a level table and a blade that tilts.
Ship timbers often have complex shapes. Many are curved, and the angle on the face often changes along the length. With its tilting blade, a shipsaw can easily make a cut like this. As one shipwright passes the wood through the saw, another worker adjusts the angle of the blade, producing a cut that twists.
This Fay and Egan shipsaw dates to the 1930s. It was last used at the Concordia Company shipyard in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Since its donation to Mystic Seaport, it has been restored for use through the efforts of Museum volunteers.
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 21.557′ N, 71° 57.905′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Mystic. It
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline, in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore, and in the Thames River Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sawmill (here, next to this marker); Wolverine Semi-Diesel Engine (a few steps from this marker); Atlas (a few steps from this marker); Compound Steam Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); Susan Constant (within shouting distance of this marker); Mast of the Cutter Nebula (within shouting distance of this marker); Sandbagger Annie (within shouting distance of this marker); "Hobey's Dock" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Lathrop D-90 Diesel Engine (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Wichmann Semi-Diesel Engine (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Compound Steam Engine (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Live Oak Log (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
