What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 5pm Tuesday 7am - 5pm Wednesday 7am - 5pm Thursday 7am - 5pm Friday 7am - 5pm Saturday 7am - 12pm

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W J Doran Co. - Formerly A M Hansen Machine Hall

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Waupaca, WI
W J Doran Co. - Formerly A M Hansen Machine Hall

Formally A.M. Hansen Machine Hall & Shops. Established and serving the Waupaca area since 1882. Offe J. Doran Company.

Monday - Friday: 7:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 7:00 - 12:00
Sunday: Closed or By Appointment or Chance*

We may be working below in the forge or machine hall, feel free to knock on the bay doors if lights on below and no one is upstairs.

-About Us-

Andrew M. Hansen completed and opened the current business location on October 18th, 1907, the Waupaca Republican writing that Hansen’s “brick block has ari

sen one story and fine basement 35 x 100 feet, and the solid new retaining walls soon to support cement walks with iron railings will add still further to the improved appearance of the street . . . and this building with its fine plate front and superior construction, including the retaining walls adds greatly to the looks of the property in that direction.” The machine hall had “two lathes, drilling machines, pipe cutting machines and everything found in the best machine shops,” and was powered by a large gasoline engine to turn the line shaft and the dynamo that generated the electricity to light the building. The upper story was the store room for sale of gasoline engines, pumps, plumber’s supplies, steam fittings, hose, porcelain bathtubs, wash basin, lavatory goods, etc. Hansen also had a blacksmith shop built on the north side of the building, and a year later in 1908, built the garage to the north and sold Maxwell and Rambler automobiles from 1908 until 1914. Alton Hansen, Andrew’s son ran the business after his father’s death in 1942, until his own, premature death in 1962. Wally Doran purchased the building and business from Anita, Hansen’s widow, in 1964, and changed the name to W. While Wally changed the name, and the shop no longer runs its power off a gasoline engine and dynamo, much of the business has remained the same for over a hundred years. The machine hall still powers it large lathe, drill press, an horizontal milling machine by way of the line shaft, and the threading machine and smaller lathe have are still used frequently for work, just by means of electric motors. Same goes for the blower on the forge, which is also still in use. We continue to sell much of the same goods that have always been sold here, with the addition of welding supplies, stove piping, and current pump parts. We still hold NOS parts that those searching for hard-to-find parts for restoration or repair work are looking for, as well a new, and usually are able to order in those we do not have in store or suggest local stores that have them. So stop by to see what we can help you with, and see one of Waupaca’s longest running establishments!

03/16/2026

Due to road closures, W. J. Doran Co. will be closed today. If possible, we will try to get in this afternoon. Otherwise, stay safe!

02/22/2026

Willard was one of the old-timers I would seek out for knowledge and advice. He was very mechanically inclined, and I had hoped to learn more from.

View Willard E. Maas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/24/2025

W. J Doran Co closed early today, December 24, at noon, and will be closed tomorrow, December 25th, for Christmas Day.

We hope all have a warm, restful day with friends and family.

11/27/2025

W. J. Doran Co will be closed tomorrow, November 27th, for Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the day with friends and family!

10/22/2025

Looking to finish out the fall fires with ease?

Consider purchasing a portable fire pit from Kindred Flame Fire Pits!

Made by a local fabricator, the portable fire pits have 27" diameter, 7.5" deep hearth, made from food grade oil-finished steel plating and tubing.

The pits are easy to move, sitting 11.5" above ground on legs and move on 11" wheels on a solid axle, and are pulled by a pivinting 9" handle with a spring grip.

A base model is on display at W. J. Doran Co., but Kindred Flamemakes attachments, including a grill grate and grill tool holder.

Stop in to take a look!

10/01/2025

Our special on welding machines will continue through October:

*SOLD* 1̶4̶0̶ ̶M̶u̶l̶t̶i̶-̶P̶r̶o̶c̶e̶s̶s̶:̶ ̶W̶a̶s̶ ̶$̶6̶0̶0̶,̶ ̶n̶o̶w̶ ̶$̶5̶1̶0̶,̶ ̶p̶l̶u̶s̶ ̶m̶a̶n̶u̶f̶a̶c̶t̶u̶r̶e̶r̶ ̶r̶e̶b̶a̶t̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶$̶1̶2̶0̶ ̶=̶ ̶$̶3̶9̶0̶!̶ ̶ *SOLD*

20 Plasma Cutter: Was $600, now $510, plus manufacturer rebate of $50 = $460!

100 Stick-Tig: Was $300, now $255, plus manufacturer rebate of $80 = $165!

All machines are Forney's Easy Weld line, running off 120v, 20 amp, and rated for 1/4" and thinner metal.

Other welding consumables are available for purchase as well!

08/29/2025

W. J. Doran Co. will be closed tomorrow, Saturday, August 30th, and Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day.

If an emergency, call 715-281-7233 on Saturday morning for assistance.

Hope everyone enjoys the weather and friends and family!

08/06/2025

Special sale at W. J. Doran Co.!

15% off current welding machines:

140 Multi-Process: Was $600, now $510, plus manufacturer rebate of $120 = $390!

20 Plasma Cutter: Was $600, now $510, plus manufacturer rebate of $50 = $460!

100 Stick-Tig: Was $300, now $255, plus manufacturer rebate of $80 = $165!

All machines are Forney's Easy Weld line, running off 120v, 20 amp, and rated for 1/4" and thinner metal.

Inquire for more details!

07/16/2025

Had the opportunity to rebuild these turn-of-the-century faucets for a customer.

After cleaning, new packing was cut for the body and spout joints, and new stoppers were lathed to match the style of the originals out of commercially available rubber stoppers.

The customer wanted to keep the patina and worn look rather than add new nickle plating, letting the brass castings peek through.

Keep old things going!

07/12/2025

W. J. Doran Co. will be closed today, July 12th, to volunteer with the Waupaca Old Time Auto Club at gate 5 in Iola.

Back in on Monday. You may call 715-281-7234 for assistance.

Come out and see the show!

06/19/2025

NEW at Doran Co.!

Besides restocking some welding essentials, we now offer a full range of cable ties from Forney Industries, Inc.

White and Balck Cable Ties ranging from:

4" long at 18 lbs. Tensile Strength
to
14.5" long at 120 lbs. Tensile strength

Screw Mount heads are available in some sizes, and all ties come in 25 ct. and 100 ct. bags.

Stop by and stock up when in town!

Address

225 Jefferson Street
Waupaca, WI
54981

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 5pm
Tuesday	7am - 5pm
Wednesday	7am - 5pm
Thursday	7am - 5pm
Friday	7am - 5pm
Saturday	7am - 12pm

Website

facebook.com

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