Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT 1950s Craftsman Garage retro remodel

[tinbender 66]

New avatar looks cool.

You guys got me on a "switch hunt" now.

As for putting things back together, if I hadn't taken a ton of pics of the bandsaw I'd be in a world of hurt. Been tooo long since I took it apart.

 

[TireTracks]

Thank you for your nice comments! Kinda ironic because I also look at a lot of other garages on here and think "Gee, I wish I had a shop as as those!".

Mainly I say that because it is a disaster right now, which you can sort of make out from the background of a lot of the photos. At some point it will be one of those awesome, pristine working shops, but it won't be tomorrow

I appreciate your interest in the project. Lots more to come!

Your shop is probably spotless compaired to my dads.

Btw, this thread made me Join OWWM.org.

 

[bluebolt]

Right there.

(I work with this kind of stuff every day, so the logo jumped out at me.)

edit: I looked at my Cutler-Hammer catalog this morning, and it doesn't appear they have that particular device listed anymore.

I saw that but thought it said AC LOL.

 

[E.rodz]

here is the pict. of the light that came off my craftsman 16" bandsaw. if you could use it its yours.thought it was pretty cool so I could not throw it away but I will not be using it.let me know if you can make good use out of it.

ps. I love your new saw. wish I could have found one like it.

 

[Red Leader]

here is the pict. of the light that came off my craftsman 16" bandsaw. if you could use it its yours.thought it was pretty cool so I could not throw it away but I will not be using it.let me know if you can make good use out of it.

ps. I love your new saw. wish I could have found one like it.

PM sent:

btw, how/where was it mounted on your bandsaw?

 

[tinbender 66]

That light is very cool. The perfect compliment to an old saw. Or dp. Or whatever.

 

[Model A Fan]

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=2058

This guy has a bunch of Craftsman stuff. I may have a grinder, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a photo of what I have. It may take a day or two though...I'm busy with finals week and student teaching.

http://vintagemachinery.org/members/detail.aspx?id=636

 

[Red Leader]

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=2058

This guy has a bunch of Craftsman stuff. I may have a grinder, shoot me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a photo of what I have. It may take a day or two though...I'm busy with finals week and student teaching.

http://vintagemachinery.org/members/detail.aspx?id=636

What kind of grinder do you have? Is there a model # on it?

Brian K is the resident Craftsman guru over other OWWM forums. When I wonder about a certain Craftsman 'item' I've never seen or heard of before, Brian is the guy that can tell you when it first appeared in the Craftsman catalogs, how many times it was in the catalogs and for how long, how much it weighs, what bearings it takes and if it has more 1/2" or 7/16" bolts

 

[smschriefer]

What kind of grinder do you have? Is there a model # on it?

Brian K is the resident Craftsman guru over other OWWM forums. When I wonder about a certain Craftsman 'item' I've never seen or heard of before, Brian is the guy that can tell you when it first appeared in the Craftsman catalogs, how many times it was in the catalogs and for how long, how much it weighs, what bearings it takes and if it has more 1/2" or 7/16" bolts

The poster is Brian K.

I didn't see your model in his extensive list of grinders, but he must have a source.

 

[Wingnut65]

Congrats on that new saw, Dave. Took me a while to catch up on the last week of posts. Did you realize that fitting the saw in the Honda has opened up whole new virgin territories for vintage tool picking? Go forth and collect (when Mrs RL lets you...)

For the ripples on the tool board, try a roller along the edge to see if they can be worked flush. It really turned out nice. As we pull you into the sheet metal side of life, you are pulling me towards OWWM. Your collection just keeps getting better.

The garage door looks great. For the turnbuckles and cables, if you haven't painted them black yet, try the door panel color paint to see if it makes them almost go away. Just a thought.

 

[Red Leader]

The poster is Brian K.

I didn't see your model in his extensive list of grinders, but he must have a source.

Wait, what? Haha I'm confused. Don't worry it happens often

Model A Fan = Brian?

I thought he was just referencing Brian's list of tools.

Needless to say I am going to email him

 

[Red Leader]

Wondering how that "parking the cars in the garage" thing is going to work out...

I wonder the same thing myself

The good news is that the shop will get a lot less cramped soon. AND, as Shopnut pointed out, it will be most worthwhile to get rid of some tools BEFORE doing the epoxy floor

Both Unisaws will be going away. The Craftsman jointer will be going away. That will free up a LOT of room. Also, I have all the wood in the garage for the workbench tops just sitting around, and that is taking up some floor space. As soon as I get the workbench going, I'll be able to mount my drill press to it, then the drill press stand will be going away. The Atlas cabinet saw is strewn out all over the garage, and with bearings on the way, it will be together hopefully sooner than later and hopefully it will sell (even though secretly a part of me is tempted to keep it) I just cannot justify two tablesaws, especially since I am on the lookout for both other rare Craftsman cabinet saws AND I will eventually need to make some room for some 'things' coming in from the east coast (not sure when that will happen). Also, as much as I love the vintage Craftsman radial saw, it will probably have to go. I just don't have the room for it. Funny thing...I actually posted it for sale on the OWWM forums and I got about 4 responses...and they were all people who told me there were sad to see me selling it


So...things must move out. If I eventually pick up a vintage Craftsman belt/disc sander (with optional base and belt guard), then the Delta disc sander will be going away.

The goal is still to try to park a car in the garage as necessary. After all, I mean...that is why it is a goal. right? And not reality

 

[Red Leader]

Yes, that is very cool stuff! Hopefully you can find some old signage to put in the garage along with the great old tools from yesteryear.

Regarding the signage, I'd like to either find or replicate some signs that were found in Sears in the Craftsman department.

Here is a picture of their tool section from 1956/1957. (note the extremely rare Craftsman 20" scroll saw up front that I am questing for):

There is a sign in the upper right hand corner that says 'Do it yourself and save'. I'd like to get something like that for the garage. I've heard that when these signs were done being used, they were most likely thrown out, so finding an original might be a very difficult task. However, it would not be hard to make, and so that is probably what I will do.

 

[Red Leader]

Congrats on that new saw, Dave. Took me a while to catch up on the last week of posts. Did you realize that fitting the saw in the Honda has opened up whole new virgin territories for vintage tool picking? Go forth and collect (when Mrs RL lets you...)

For the ripples on the tool board, try a roller along the edge to see if they can be worked flush. It really turned out nice. As we pull you into the sheet metal side of life, you are pulling me towards OWWM. Your collection just keeps getting better.

The garage door looks great. For the turnbuckles and cables, if you haven't painted them black yet, try the door panel color paint to see if it makes them almost go away. Just a thought.

Jeff, that is a great idea with the paint on the turnbuckles. I may try both and see what everybody thinks. I didn't think of that before so thanks for the idea!

Keep going towards OWWM Especially when equipped modern blades/bearings/attachements, these old tools really sing. And can be had for a song

 

[rickairmedic]

Dave try the Blue and Cream first it will be easier to cover them with black then it would be the other way around .


Rick

 

[TireTracks]

Regarding the signage, I'd like to either find or replicate some signs that were found in Sears in the Craftsman department.

Here is a picture of their tool section from 1956/1957. (note the extremely rare Craftsman 20" scroll saw up front that I am questing for):

There is a sign in the upper right hand corner that says 'Do it yourself and save'. I'd like to get something like that for the garage. I've heard that when these signs were done being used, they were most likely thrown out, so finding an original might be a very difficult task. However, it would not be hard to make, and so that is probably what I will do.

Build or Buy a PantaRouter. The you will be able to recreate all of th signs you could ever want useing paper templates.

Edit- I WANT those drillpresses. :drool

 

[rickairmedic]

I have one of those drill presses .


Rick

 

[TireTracks]

I have one of those drill presses .


Rick

My grandpa has the blue floor standing one. I love those old Drill presses.

I keep dreaming that the 15" gold floor standing or Benchtop, with the 3rd pully and table lift will show up on Craigslist here cheap. Never going to happen, but I can dream.

 

[Red Leader]

My grandpa has the blue floor standing one. I love those old Drill presses.

I keep dreaming that the 15" gold floor standing or Benchtop, with the 3rd pully and table lift will show up on Craigslist here cheap. Never going to happen, but I can dream.

I saw the thread about that press that the guy won on the auction. It was extremely nice.

I am following up on a lead on one of these floor presses. I don't know if it has a 3rd pulley (doubt it) but it does have the table raising mechanism, which is awesome.

I'll let ya'll know what comes of it.

-Dave

 

[FritzA]

If you're going for the bronze one on CL today go for it. But I really want the bronze grinder that guy has for myself!!

Good luck.

 

[Red Leader]

If you're going for the bronze one on CL today go for it. But I really want the bronze grinder that guy has for myself!!

Good luck.

No, its actually a different drill press (no longer listed on C/L)

But, those power bronze tools are very, very nice.

I was totally eyeing that 1/2hp industrial grinder. That is one of my 'opportunist' quest items, meaning that if one comes along it piques my interest, but I don't have to have it. I've seen them before and so they will be around. I like it because it, unlike the later and lower-hp engine block models, has a striped chrome strip in the center, like this one:

Right now there is no point in me getting another grinder since I have 1 restored and 1 unrestored and just sitting around. That will be probably the last C-man grinder I keep my eye out for, but I'm not ready for it yet.

If you pick it up, you HAVE to post obligatory pictures in this thread since I am removing myself from the race

 

[Red Leader]

I have one of those drill presses .


Rick

I am hoping to join the club soon Rick. Wish me luck

 

[TireTracks]

Not sure if it's the right planer, but on the Seattle Craigslist, theres was a 12" Parks/Craftsman planer for sale. Don't know how much, dident read the add.


I'm working on getting an old Craftsman/dunlap Scroll saw. Put up a WTB ad on Owwm.org and now I have so many people wanting to sell one too me I don't know what to do.....
Darn you for posting all of those beatiful tools. I was content with my tablesaw, then my jointer, now I want them ALLLLLL.

The preacious, the Preacious, I must have the prea......

O/T-
Too bad I dident see this thread last year, I could have made you that sign on a CNC machine at school.

 

[4StarCstms]

Too bad I dident see this thread last year, I could have made you that sign on a CNC machine at school.

I'm going to assume that you are referring to the Do it yourself and save sign right?? To me it doesn't look like the letters are cut into the sign. It simply looks painted on. If you can make the basic Sign and get the background and trim painted, there are Several Painters on here that could do the lettering for you, or since they say that lettering is pretty simple, be a good thing to learn on.


Just a thought...

 

[johnnybentwrench]

My grandpa has the blue floor standing one. I love those old Drill presses.

I keep dreaming that the 15" gold floor standing or Benchtop, with the 3rd pully and table lift will show up on Craigslist here cheap. Never going to happen, but I can dream.

There are two 150's and a cast iron scroll saw for sale here in Los Angeles. I am buying a radial arm saw off the guy for the tool box it's mounted to. I will send the head of the saw back for the craftsman radial arm saw recall. The box will cost 25.00 after that

I will grab a drill press or the scroll saw if anyone wants them. IO saw another scroll saw cast iron(no motor) 40 in the inland empire section of CL in Los Angeles.

 

[Bob275]

Here's a question for you... Because of this thread, I've been looking into getting an old Craftsman drill press. Here's one I found on Craigslist. I do know it's a floor model but this is the only picture I have of it so far. Can anyone tell what model it is and what it may be worth? EDIT: I have the model number now - 103.24821 I still can't find any information with it yet though... I'm picking it up next weekend regardless I think.

EDIT 2: Additional pictures I just received...

motor.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Mine is almost identical and it is called a "150". BOught mine cheap for only $60 but that one is a LOT nicer than mine and have seen good ones go for 3x that price.

 

[Red Leader]

Here's a question for you... Because of this thread, I've been looking into getting an old Craftsman drill press. Here's one I found on Craigslist. I do know it's a floor model but this is the only picture I have of it so far. Can anyone tell what model it is and what it may be worth? EDIT: I have the model number now - 103.24821 I still can't find any information with it yet though... I'm picking it up next weekend regardless I think.

EDIT 2: Additional pictures I just received...

motor.

You should snag that one. That is a mid/late 1950s Craftsman '100' 15" floor press. You can find it in the old Craftsman catalogs. When, in the early 1960s, the 100 switched to the 150 and it got a new decorative trim piece for the head casting.

What is nice about that press is that it looks like it could have the original motor (or at least a Craftsman motor) and I am spying what looks like the slow speed pulley tucked up in there (I think?). It looks like the motor has a date on it so if it is original to the machine, that would give a reasonable indication for the year.

In any case, I would go for it if I were you. I'm going to defer to the OWWM side of things with the value - OWWM does not give appraisals, for a few reasons - there are always tons of people that simply try and use the site for appraisals period, and appraisals are so hard to nail down. I've told many folks the same thing - to one person, a machine is worth $500, to another, they are giving it away, and to yet another, they are hauling it to the dump. I would say, if it is worth it to you, go for it


If you end up getting the press, please share photos with us in this thread. This thread is very Craftsman friendly

 

[Red Leader]

Not sure if it's the right planer, but on the Seattle Craigslist, theres was a 12" Parks/Craftsman planer for sale. Don't know how much, dident read the add.


I'm working on getting an old Craftsman/dunlap Scroll saw. Put up a WTB ad on Owwm.org and now I have so many people wanting to sell one too me I don't know what to do.....
Darn you for posting all of those beatiful tools. I was content with my tablesaw, then my jointer, now I want them ALLLLLL.

The preacious, the Preacious, I must have the prea......

O/T-
Too bad I dident see this thread last year, I could have made you that sign on a CNC machine at school.

The slippery slope has begun!

Craftsman/Dunlap scroll saws, especially amongst all the 11"-18" models, are usually quite plentiful (they made many) so I'm sure there are tons of folks looking to unload one

Any particular reason why you didn't want to include the 24" sized ones? Too big? There were several models of Craftsman 24" scroll saw that were pretty cool, with a few of them being made by Walker Turner (who made quite a few tools for Craftsman in the 1930s/1940s).

I'm sure you'll find a good one regardless I am still on the hunt for the ever elusive unicorn, the '56/57 20" scroll saw:

 

[TireTracks]

The slippery slope has begun!

Craftsman/Dunlap scroll saws, especially amongst all the 11"-18" models, are usually quite plentiful (they made many) so I'm sure there are tons of folks looking to unload one

Any particular reason why you didn't want to include the 24" sized ones? Too big? There were several models of Craftsman 24" scroll saw that were pretty cool, with a few of them being made by Walker Turner (who made quite a few tools for Craftsman in the 1930s/1940s).

I'm sure you'll find a good one regardless I am still on the hunt for the ever elusive unicorn, the '56/57 20" scroll saw:

Thats a Beauty of a machine. Wonder how much that is in Todays dollars?

I'm not looking for a 24, because I'm running out of space in my dads shop for my tools.
Originaly I was looking for a ~12", now I found a 18".... I guess thats they way things go with old Iron.

Now, I just hope someone is heading out the way from the Midwest sometime this winter.

 

[Red Leader]

Thats a Beauty of a machine. Wonder how much that is in Todays dollars?

I'm not looking for a 24, because I'm running out of space in my dads shop for my tools.
Originaly I was looking for a ~12", now I found a 18".... I guess thats they way things go with old Iron.

Now, I just hope someone is heading out the way from the Midwest sometime this winter.

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

Apparently, if that tool sold for $56 in 1957, it would have cost $428. Some say that this 'inflation comparison' is rough at best. In some instances, I'm inclined to agree. However, it is pretty fun to compare item costs using that calculator.

I got a $2400 radial arm saw for about $50, or so it would seem

 

[TireTracks]

I'm going to assume that you are referring to the Do it yourself and save sign right?? To me it doesn't look like the letters are cut into the sign. It simply looks painted on. If you can make the basic Sign and get the background and trim painted, there are Several Painters on here that could do the lettering for you, or since they say that lettering is pretty simple, be a good thing to learn on.


Just a thought...

I had access to a Cnc lazer Engraver, CNC Vinyl cutter and a CNC router table. Would have been easy.

But now I don't. So it's a moot point.

 

[Bob275]

You should snag that one. That is a mid/late 1950s Craftsman '100' 15" floor press. You can find it in the old Craftsman catalogs. When, in the early 1960s, the 100 switched to the 150 and it got a new decorative trim piece for the head casting.

What is nice about that press is that it looks like it could have the original motor (or at least a Craftsman motor) and I am spying what looks like the slow speed pulley tucked up in there (I think?). It looks like the motor has a date on it so if it is original to the machine, that would give a reasonable indication for the year.

Thanks for the information. Is the 100 or 150 "better" than the other? (Just curious) I also think that is the slow speed pulley myself. I'm picking it up on Saturday, it's about 2 hours away... probably drag my dad out to pick it up with me. I'll definitely post some pictures here when I have it.

 

[rickairmedic]

Bob I have a late 50's " 150 " that looks almost exactly like the one you are getting " the trim is differant " . You will need your dad to pick it up it is a heavy sucker . I slid the table and head down to the base of mine when I loaded it in my truck which made it less top heavy . I am thrilled with mine by the way it is 10 times the machine you can buy at Sears today .


Rick

 

[Bob275]

I haven't really put much thought into "how" I'm going to get it home. Should I bring some tools and partially disassemble it? I was thinking of wrapping it in moving blankets and laying it down in the bed of the truck but I don't want to damage anything. Any ideas?

 

[Red Leader]

I haven't really put much thought into "how" I'm going to get it home. Should I bring some tools and partially disassemble it? I was thinking of wrapping it in moving blankets and laying it down in the bed of the truck but I don't want to damage anything. Any ideas?

the '100' and the '150' are the same press, just an updated trim piece. I prefer the '100' trim styling, but it is only that, a preference.

I would be most careful with the piece that the handles screw into (chrome circular handle base) - it is pot metal and would most certainly break if the weight of the press was to fall on it. I would recommend tools just in case it might help make the job easier. If you are doing this by yourself, then you will want to remove the motor and the head casting. Much easier than a hurt back. Also, be careful when you loosen stuff - it might be heavier than you expect. I have seen parts on these drill presses broken when a particular piece of cast metal is loosened and slips out of the hand and slides all the way down until it collides into something. Just take it slow and you'll be fine

Oh, and take lots of pictures!

 

[rickairmedic]

Bob I didnt need any tools when I got mine . I just loosened the table clamp and slid the Table down to the base " Dave was right the Table and head will surprise you " ( They are heavy ) . Then I loosened the head unit clamp and slid it down to the table . Both of these are loosened by hand no tools needed . I slid the whole deal into the bed of my truck and drove it across town home . The only differance with the one you are picking up is you will need to remove the belts since it has the slow speed option as it is attatched to the top of the pole and wont slide down with the rest of the head unit .


Rick

 

[Red Leader]

Speaking of all these Craftsman tools, I am starting to think about some different paint options for my restorations.

I know, I know, ideally I'd have a spray gun/compressor setup. I am not there yet, so I am looking for the best alternative. It really came to light when I started painting my Atlas saw cabinet base. I used the Duplicolor self-etching primer with a Rustoleum metallic paint for the top.

I really, really liked the way the Duplicolor went on. The nozzle on the can was much more user friendly and sprayed like a nice fan, instead of a circle. I like the colors of the Duplicolor paints, but I am not a fan of the way it comes out of the can, nor the durability.

Also, I've been rethinking my colors.

Since I'm going for that classic '1950s' look, I'm thinking about a color like this:

For some reason, I'm really digging the minty green kinda color. It just has that iconic 1950s feel to it. Its actually not too far off from what I'm using now - it is similar to teal, just a little lighter and more on the green side than the blue. I know that won't really match with the walls on the garage, but at this point if it is far enough away from the color, I think it should be fine. Besides, I may have the tools a lot longer than I have the garage, so I'm just trying to think out loud.

That grinder picture I posted earlier is actually what got me thinking about it. When I saw this grinder for sale...

...I thought that a tealish-green looked superb next to those chrome trim pieces. I've also seen a few other Craftsman tools in a teal green type of color and I thought they looked great.

So I've started a quest to find some teal/greenish spray paint colors that are hopefully a little bit more durable than the rustoleum stuff. Here is what I've found so far:

From duplicolor, there are a few colors that come close -

Detroit Diesel Alpine Green:

Torque N Teal:

This color is definitely more bluish and teal than the first one, but still very 1950s in feel.

From MTN ******** spray paints-

Mint Green:

http://www.utrechtart.com/images/products/********-mint-green_lg.jpg
http://www.utrechtart.com/images/products/mtn-********-can_lg.jpg

The color seems right, but I don't know anything about this paint company. Anyone?

Krylon-

Apparently, Krylon made a 'mint green' color but it was so rare that it was thought to not even exist. Scratch that one

Well, that's all I have at this point. What do you guys think? Am I off my rocker here? Is this color ridiculous? I am just imagining it next to the Craftsman engine-turned trim pieces and think it would look phenomenal. But maybe out of place on an older tool?

 

[rickairmedic]

Dave go to any " auto paint " store in town and ask them for some color chip samples of " 50's greens and teals " . You have Sea foam green, caribean turquois and several others to choose from . The awesome part to this is you can get them to mix up actual auto paints for you and put them in spray cans for you .


Rick

 

[tinbender 66]

I like the green. It would look awesome next to the trim pieces! BTW, the car in that last pic is the Hirohata Merc. Very famous car.