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

[Red Leader]

So we go from this:

to this:

And yes that took an hour and a half

Better? Hopefully. There's no mistake about it - its still a disaster. But! It is a cleaned disaster. Huge difference



Battle of the table saws. Who wins?

I finally got the Delta jointer up on its stand. Technically this jointer still 3/4 belongs to someone else. We are on a payment plan As I steer the garage towards more Craftsman stuff, this Delta might be the odd one out, but each time I look at it I can't help but think, wow, what a beautiful tool. What say you?

I have a lot of vacation time for December, so hopefully I'll put some of it to good use out in the garage. As long as we're havin' fun, right?

 

[smschriefer]

That Delta jointer is gorgeous and I don't think you will find a Craftsman unit with that much style. Plus, it looks like it helps hold your house down. That whole base is cast iron, isn't it? Definitely not portable.

What are you doing for heat? Just moving around and keeping busy, space heater, electric socks? I know you said it was very cold out there.

 

[Wingnut65]

That Delta is sweet. Should be a keeper. Love the deco details.

Dave, ever thought of charging admission for tours of the vintage tool collection?

 

[BigRed390]

Battle of the table saws? That's no contest. The delta just doesn't fit. You don't need it. Put it out by the curb and I'll be by to get it shortly. You can thank me later.

I'm normally a little biased towards delta stuff, but that craftsman is REALLY nice too. Keep both and set one up with a dado blade. Saves time. Or that's my excuse for wanting a second saw anyway! Love this garage. Keep up the good work!

 

[slickgt1]

Yea I agree, the deco details fits with your garage like no other. Keep it. Just don't restore it right now. Tired of not seeing any progress on the garage. lol

You know what makes me keep my space clean. I have a rule that I must park my car in there for the night. Yea sometimes I just can't, but I try to clean up every day, and make sure I address the stuff that is taking up the space.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Swinging by to visit

How do yall find great grinders? Been keeping my eyes peeled for a bench grinder. Don't really need one right now as I've got to finish my bench. I just know more and more that I could use a grinder to prep stuff.

Anyway, nice job RL. Please don't charge admission. I swear I won't break anything.

 

[Hemihead2]

I agree on option 3 for the switch location. IMHO, it puts the operator in the best position to turn the saw on when he's ready with material to cut as well as to quickly shut it off if there's a problem.

 

[mithrix]

Whew... Lots of catching up. Good progress from here, even if it seems small to you. Definitely continuing to come together. Can't wait to see more when you have the time!

Best Regards,
-C

 

[Red Leader]

Tired of not seeing any progress on the garage. lol

Haha slick I hear ya. There has been a lack of true 'garage' updates. I supposed a lot of that is due to being a new dad and it being somewhat of garage 'offseason' out here, what with the weather and all. I have no heater (yet) in the garage, so things stay pretty crisp out there.

Never fear...I have a list a mile long that needs to get done out there, so it won't be going anywhere

 

[Red Leader]

Whew... Lots of catching up. Good progress from here, even if it seems small to you. Definitely continuing to come together. Can't wait to see more when you have the time!

Best Regards,
-C

Thanks mithrix! I appreciate your interest in the never-ending shenanigans I am up to out here. It is what encourages me to...well...keep up the shenanigans!

 

[Red Leader]

Swinging by to visit

How do yall find great grinders? Been keeping my eyes peeled for a bench grinder. Don't really need one right now as I've got to finish my bench. I just know more and more that I could use a grinder to prep stuff.

Anyway, nice job RL. Please don't charge admission. I swear I won't break anything.

Here is what I would recommend:

Check your local C/L at least 3 times a day. Get with a local group that appreciates old tools and knows what you are looking for. Keep an eye out for school auctions and the like. Visit tons of estate sales.

Those are the best things I can think of. I have seen some pretty amazing stuff at estate sales for cheap. It slides by because nobody sees it as an individual listing on C/L.

Your grinder is out there...just be careful, it is addicting One of our local collectors has a collection of at least 23 grinders, and that was several months ago! It may have doubled since then

 

[Red Leader]

Battle of the table saws? That's no contest. The delta just doesn't fit. You don't need it. Put it out by the curb and I'll be by to get it shortly. You can thank me later.

I'm normally a little biased towards delta stuff, but that craftsman is REALLY nice too. Keep both and set one up with a dado blade. Saves time. Or that's my excuse for wanting a second saw anyway! Love this garage. Keep up the good work!

Heh, I am always trying to find those excuses. They will fit perfectly when I find a Craftsman/Atlas 9" cabinet saw and the 12" Craftsman/Darra James saw.

Thanks for your encouraging comments. Feel free to stop by any time and give your feedback

 

[Red Leader]

RedLeader,

If you feel that Delta doesn't fit I will gladly kick my Grizzly one out the door and make room for it. LOL

Also I know the Craftsman tablesaw looks good, but I would choose the Unisaw.

Bret

The nice thing about the Craftsman cabinet saw is that it is build MUCH more robustly than any of their bench saws, with full cast iron trunions and overbuild internals. The fence system on it is also buttery smooth.

I like the Delta a lot...but...



(that being said, just try watching me try to turn down a 4 footed Unisaw with goose egg cover...ain't happening)

 

[Red Leader]

I agree on option 3 for the switch location. IMHO, it puts the operator in the best position to turn the saw on when he's ready with material to cut as well as to quickly shut it off if there's a problem.

Yep, I think that is what I am going to go for. Now I just need the garage to stop being Antarctica and I'll be ready to do some work out there!

 

[Red Leader]

So...

I might have a really cool update for tomorrow.

It might have something to do with a new addition to the garage family.

It might be big.

It might be heavy.

It might start with a 'C' and end with an 'm'

It might be totally incredibly awesome and cool.

I might leave you guys hanging for a few days (just kidding).

Any guesses?

Here's a hint: You haven't seen one in my garage yet



Well then, until tomorrow...

 

[tinbender 66]

Heh, I know it's not quite so cold here as it is where you are. You almost inspired me to clean up my shop but it was in the 20's and I turned wimp. Much nicer in the house by the woodstove with something to read.

 

[Wingnut65]

Let me guess, you bought a Vintage Cushman???

It meets all your hints!

So at 2:44 am, it Today the Tomorrow, or is Tomorrow Tomorrow?

 

[smschriefer]

You found a beautiful 1950's era Craftsman tool box! I guess I will just wait until you divulge the info on us.

 

[omr]

It might start with a 'C' and end with an 'm'

.....

 

[rickairmedic]

Dave I am not even trying to gues this time . However I will suggest


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H4O644/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Keeps my garage nice and toasty although I usually dont even kick it on anymore unless the garage goes below 50* which doesnt happen often its in the 20's outside now and its 52* in here .


Rick

 

[bluebolt]

You found a beautiful 1950's era Craftsman tool box! I guess I will just wait until you divulge the info on us.

He gives a hint in my Craftsman Crown garage post!

 

[smschriefer]

He gives a hint in my Craftsman Crown garage post!

Shhhh! I wanted to appear like I had esp!

 

[Red Leader]

Haha you guys are too much.

Jeff, I think you came pretty darn close with this!

Indeed it meets the criteria! Too funny. Maybe that Cushman will give my find a run for its money


It all came together so fast that I never would have expected it. I give complete credit for this find to Fritz since he is the one that tipped me off. It was nice to meet another GJ'er and a fine gentleman he was. Thanks Fritz!

What did I pick up? Oh, just a little old toolbox.

I did some searching around and the closest match I found was from the 1957 Craftsman power tool catalog:

As you can see, the exact top chest is in the second photo, and the rolling cabinet on the right side in the first picture comes close, but this one doesn't have the lower 2 drawers, just the cabinet with the fold down door.

I'm thinking this probably would have cost about $130 in 1957.

It is a stellar find, and complements the garage perfectly. The paint is in outstanding shape for being more than 50 years old. The bottom underside of the rolling cart didn't have a spot of rust on it anywhere - I was completely shocked. I love Colorado!!!

There are a few rust spots in the front down near the drawers, and one of the smaller drawers on the rolling cart had a spot weld break loose - the drawer handle rivets are also really loose, so I'm thinking something was dropped on this drawer handle at some point.

Other than that, it is straight and clean.

I would really like to clean and polish up the paint on this. Maybe some of you paint guys can help me out? I'll take some close up pictures. Overall, the paint is a little dull and has some stains and marks from outside sources. The actually toolbox paint is sound, but I don't know how to approach removing the foreign substances off the top most layer. Any tips appreciated!

Thanks all!

-Dave

 

[bluebolt]

Sweet find!That is in very nice shape. I will give it an "8" versus my "9" LOL.

 

[Bob275]

If you look at that box circled, it is the one you have. The text circled in yellow stated there is a cover for the drawers but it can't be seen in the photo and it fits down over the two bottom drawers but locks all 8. Today was a good day... my drill press found it's way home too. Pics to follow...

 

[omr]

No fair! That doesn't end with an ''M''..lol

 

[smschriefer]

Excellent! That is a beauty! All I found this weekend was a Kennedy top box. Not that I was looking too hard. Now, you realize you have to buy all vintage Craftsman hand tools...

 

[FritzA]

I'm glad to see it in your garage!!!

I think it is quite a find and that it goes perfect with what you are doing with your garage.

I told the seller that if you passed on it I was going to make an offer. I know it wasn't a super-bargain but it was not too bad a price for the condition it is in and you had no shipping to contend with.

The only other question is....did you buy any of his tools to go in it? Another slippery slope to contend with.

Fritz

 

[tinbender 66]

That box rox!!! Nice score!!!

 

[fredlangva]

Dave should post a warning that this thread contributes to the eroding of society's moral fiber by causing wonton lust and envy

Between Dave, Jack Olsen, and Shopnut, I can't settle anymore for just a plain old 2 car suburban garage. I'm compelled to have a coordinated shop with fantastic vintage tools

 

[TireTracks]

Dave should post a warning that this thread contributes to the eroding of society's moral fiber by causing wonton lust and envy

Between Dave, Jack Olsen, and Shopnut, I can't settle anymore for just a plain old 2 car suburban garage. I'm compelled to have a coordinated shop with fantastic vintage tools

No you don't, you want new tools, yes new ones. Leave all those dirty tired old tools to me to be disposed of properly.

 

[Wingnut65]

Nice score, Dave. It will fit much better in the garage than the Cushman!

It is funny to see that even in 1957 Sears was bundling their tool boxes to make more sales!

 

[Red Leader]

No fair! That doesn't end with an ''M''..lol

Oh...wow, you're right. Haha...it was a good day for tools, a bad day for spelling.

Well, nonetheless, I'm happy to have my Craftsmam toolbox

hee hee

 

[Red Leader]

I'm glad to see it in your garage!!!

I think it is quite a find and that it goes perfect with what you are doing with your garage.

I told the seller that if you passed on it I was going to make an offer. I know it wasn't a super-bargain but it was not too bad a price for the condition it is in and you had no shipping to contend with.

The only other question is....did you buy any of his tools to go in it? Another slippery slope to contend with.

Fritz

Fritz - thanks! And not yet - but I do want to go back and pick up some stuff. I really liked that vintage metal cabinet, the set of deep sockets in its own metal box, and them some of the randomness around the garage - like the fire extinguishers and the bell.

If I have the spare funds I wouldn't mind going for some of the other vintage Craftsman tools like the screwdrivers, the punch/chisel set, etc.

I saw so much good stuff I didn't know when to stop. I've sold my other tool so once I deliver it I'll have a little more 'tool budget' to play with.

In my wildest dreams, I would eventually acquire the entire vintage Craftsman tool catalog (minus auto body tools and duplicates in other sets). Could make a real nice 'general' gift every Christmas - pretty soon, everything would be there! It is a little hard to put a giant vintage Craftsman planer or table saw on the list, but some small wrenches/sockets would be perfect!

The wife has Vera Bradley, I have vintage Craftsman! And they would make great stocking stuffers!

 

[Drebs]

thats awesome im so glad you got that box its beautiful

 

[98TJ]

That's perfect! Good score!

 

[Red Leader]

If you look at that box circled, it is the one you have. The text circled in yellow stated there is a cover for the drawers but it can't be seen in the photo and it fits down over the two bottom drawers but locks all 8. Today was a good day... my drill press found it's way home too. Pics to follow...

Oh, haha - I forgot there were drawers in the bottom part.

I totally had in my head the standard rolling chest that just had the empty space below.

 

[omr]

Oh...wow, you're right. Haha...it was a good day for tools, a bad day for spelling.

Well, nonetheless, I'm happy to have my Craftsmam toolbox

hee hee

lol .

 

[shopnut]

Hmm, I think I'd probably need to mess up ankle or something too, to level out the playing field! J/K

Honestly I'm such a slacker since I really haven't done much at all to the garage in the past month or two (last couple of nights it has hovered right around -3 to -5 degrees F) so I sure as heck haven't even wanted to. But since we've all been talking about these old tools, it skews the posts/views to make it look like so much more is happening than reality would indicate

Views aside, I think the real test comes down to this:

Me:

You:

Rest assured, mine has been a terrible mess more times than I care to think about. In fact, right now it's a dead ringer for your place in the top picture after being interrupted at the start of the loft build. Oh well, most of us use our shops too, don't we?

Nice find on the old C'man tool box combo. It's a perfect fit for the 1950s garage!

 

[Nightshift]

...(snip)... Thoughts? Opinions? If you think of a different configuration that you like better and is not shown above, please let me know!

RL, the left column is best in my opinion. I have 4 bandsaws and that's where three of them have switches. My Powermatic has it down below the table on the front side and that is just as bad as below the table on the right end. If it wasn't built in, I would move it. There is a reason modern industrial bandsaws locate their switches on the left column ... here's an example of one of mine. Bill