Mattison Technologies, located in Rockford, Illinois, was a 100+ year old company known as the Father of the Woodworking Industry. They made many models of rotary lathe as well as other machines. Unfortunately, in the late 1990s, Mattison announced their imminent shutdown, following a lawsuit and multi-million dollar settlement.

Shortly after the news of Mattison closing its doors, Western Cutterheads founder Ken Anselm decided to purchase the rights to the Mattison Model 86 lathe. This was a difficult decision, a hard venture, but it was also very exciting because the Mattison Model 86 lathe was a significant leap in technology from all previous lathes. The combination of the Hydro-locking Tooling and the Model 86 lathe offered the industry the most advanced technology in mass production wood turning history. We continue to sell, service, and support all models of Mattison Lathes to this day.