Above 1200 Sq/FT Restored 1930's Auto Shop

[babaluba]

Thanks GT-TX. That would look about right!! Even the split int the bottom part of the gear lever is there on the one I have here.

Small bit of history: The drill press is labeled with the city of "Kristiania", which is the name our capital had up until 1925 (just checked), so it looks to be from the period before that. However, I don't think this bloke was in business quite that early, so my guess would be he bought this second hand sometime in the fourties-early fifties, and put the gear box on some time after that. At that time anything and everything was rationed here in Norway (after WWII), so one had to take what one could get. It was a lot like the car situation in Cuba at present, the few pre-WWII cars here were mashups of whatever one could find, and post-WWII cars were also rationed (that is if you were allowed to buy a car, one had to justify the need and so on, very strict).

The other option is that the two remaining brothers are mistaken, and that the gearbox was already attached when he bought it. Not sure which is which, still cool as I see it...

With that out of the way, back to Thomas!

 

[GT-TX]

You know, I have absolutely no idea. I was the biggest in the shop, so I thought it might be the one most worth keeping. Capacity-vise, I would take a wild stab at perheps 3-3,5 metric tons somewhere, for the manufacturer all I have is the text on aluminum cover plate.

Hey look, it's made on your side of the pond! Anyone recognize this, or perhaps have got any idea on where to find info on it?

My guess is this plate also covers the oil filler cap?

Btw, thanks for the encouraging words!

Babaluba:
Click on the following link and it will pull up the U.S. Patent records and a great "exploded" illustration of your hydraulic floor jack. The patent was filed on May 7, 1935 and issued May 5, 1936. Once there, print it out and frame it for your shop wall. The part in your photo above is shown in "Fig. 1" of the drawings and is part 56. If you click on the "Specifications" link on the left side of the website it describes in vivid detail how everything works and what each piece is. The piece shown above in your photo with the patent number and manufacturer's name is the oil reservoir cover. Its purpose is described in the specifications on page 2 of the text (read the text until you find part 56). Page 2 of the narrative description can easily be found by entering "5" in the "GO TO PAGE" box; part 56 is mentioned in the right-hand column at the start of the second paragraph.

http://patimg2.uspto.gov/.piw?docid...1=2039895.PN.%26OS=PN/2039895%26RS=PN/2039895

Regards,
Fred

 

[krazypig]

Wow stuff like this really gets me interested and I find myself researching all kinds of stuff after looking at old pictures. Really glad you got in there and saved this place. wish you lived closer so i could see this place in person. Was wondering what the most valuable tool you found in there and the most valuable part was. if u talked about this already i am sorry but i couldn't make it threw all 300+ pages.

 

[GT-TX]

Babaluba:
Click on the following link and it will pull up the U.S. Patent records and a great "exploded" illustration of your hydraulic floor jack. The patent was filed on May 7, 1935 and issued May 5, 1936. Once there, print it out and frame it for your shop wall. The part in your photo above is shown in "Fig. 1" of the drawings and is part 56. If you click on the "Specifications" link on the left side of the website it describes in vivid detail how everything works and what each piece is. The piece shown above in your photo with the patent number and manufacturer's name is the oil reservoir cover. Its purpose is described in the specifications on page 2 of the text (read the text until you find part 56). Page 2 of the narrative description can easily be found by entering "5" in the "GO TO PAGE" box; part 56 is mentioned in the right-hand column at the start of the second paragraph.

http://patimg2.uspto.gov/.piw?docid...1=2039895.PN.%26OS=PN/2039895%26RS=PN/2039895

Regards,
Fred

Babaluba:
I just noticed that the link doesn't work after 24 hours; so go to the following link and enter the patent number in the search box, then hit "enter" and once the next page opens, click the "IMAGES" button and it will open for you.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm

Fred

 

[Micktw68]

Still hanging in here ...up to the low hundreds now and loving every page.
I'm torn between the air meter and the Lift control as my favorite pieces so far...theres something about the red paint and chrome that screams Americana to me...makes me want a red Vette with white walls. Thomas , your attention to detail is incredible ,and commendable.
I did a google search to see where Philo is (obviously the centre of the universe..Duh! )and it looks like a wonderful place to live...big sky's and wide open views.

Right...back to the grind

 

[BB767]

Wow stuff like this really gets me interested and I find myself researching all kinds of stuff after looking at old pictures. Really glad you got in there and saved this place. wish you lived closer so i could see this place in person. Was wondering what the most valuable tool you found in there and the most valuable part was. if u talked about this already i am sorry but i couldn't make it threw all 300+ pages.

Hello there krazypig sounds like you're our kind of guy around here. Welcome to Garage Journal a very cool site with tons of interesting material of all stripes and this thread which also has its moments. I'm a big history buff. I love the stories some of these old items have to tell. As I've mentioned to others should you by chance ever find yourself near by drop us a note, you never know.

Those are both interesting questions you ask. Since I guess you haven't come to the gold bar yet I won't mention what was the most fun item I've found is. As for most valuable tool and or part hmmmmm. Value of course is relative and I've still got a mound of material still waiting for me to sort through.

The anvil is certainly one I treasure since Mr Johnson was a blacksmith. Who knows over the years what has been formed, created or repaired on it. Fun to think about and I still use it myself.

Maybe the Walker Floor Jack has the most meaning to me as a tool. I well remember using it back in the 1960's when it looked like this.

Perhaps that's why I put so much effort into refurbishing it and...

...maybe also because we have video of Mr Johnson using it. That makes it pretty priceless to me at least.

Anyway, fun to think about so thanks for taking the time to read about the shop and posting in. You never know what will turn up here.

Thomas

 

[babaluba]

GT-TX, thanks again for the tips! I looked into it, and found the same patent in the google-link tonedef posted a few days back. Also, google supplies the complete patent as a PDF. So now it's been safely stored, waiting for me to print in large scale. Btw, not sure if you noticed, but I made a separate thread for the jack a few posts up (The (RV Manufacturing Corp) hydraulic floor jack find), as not to clutter anymore here

Thanks again!!

 

[BB767]

Babaluba:
I just noticed that the link doesn't work after 24 hours; so go to the following link and enter the patent number in the search box, then hit "enter" and once the next page opens, click the "IMAGES" button and it will open for you.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm

Fred

Fred, I might be the only one, but I'm still having a problem getting your new link to work. There is no place to hit "enter" but when I hit "search" it comes up error. Could you possibly look into it for us?

Many thanks for all your terrific information on that drill press gear box. Nice job with that.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Still hanging in here ...up to the low hundreds now and loving every page.
I'm torn between the air meter and the Lift control as my favorite pieces so far...theres something about the red paint and chrome that screams Americana to me...makes me want a red Vette with white walls. Thomas , your attention to detail is incredible ,and commendable.
I did a google search to see where Philo is (obviously the centre of the universe..Duh! )and it looks like a wonderful place to live...big sky's and wide open views.

Right...back to the grind

Micktw68, good thing you posted in. We were just about to send out a search party for you, thought you might have gotten lost!

I can completely understand about both those pieces of equipment. They turned out quite well and I truly enjoy looking at them every time I'm out there. Also you can never go wrong with a red Corvette either, good choice.

As you read more of the thread you'll get to see more of Philo. It's even better than you can imagine. I trust you'll understand why it is honestly; TCOTU. But don't let me distract you from your work!

Thomas

 

[67ImpalaSS396]

Re: Beltsville Shell

Hey that's a terrific idea oberst! May I be so bold as to be the first you send it to? I'd like to sign, date it and then sent off on its merry way to the next deserving member here. I'll PM you my address and let's get the ball rolling shall we? I think this has a lot of merit on many levels, especially since it's a great, fun story, a quick read (only takes a few enjoyable hours) and I have (and I bet most others here have), a real sense of camaraderie with everyone who follows this thread. We're all buddies that meet up here from time to time it seems.

I'm all in. PM sent!

Thomas

Hi everyone.

I just finished reading Beltsville Shell, on Thomas's recommendation.

(Thanks, Tee! Fun book!)

Here's my offer: I'll send it postage free to the first person who PM's me with an addy (in the U.S.) and will do two things:
• post up here that it's available after he or she has finished (to collect an address,) and
• pay to send it to the next person who wants to read it.
- And so on and so on. It only costs a cuppla bucks to ship, and it might be a fun way to entertain ourselves while we wait for new installments of this thread from the master.
We can sign and date it as we read it.
What say the braintrust? Takers? Anyone want to play along or is this a lame idea that deserves to die on the vine?

I just finished reading Beltsville Shell. Thomas sent it to me after he and Chris read it. It's a quick read and a very fun book that will take you back in time and put a smile on your face. I'm ready to send it to the first lucky person who sends me a PM (with a U.S. address). See the instructions above and keep this book moving! Thomas included a self-addressed mailer (which I will enclose), so that if someone gets 'stuck' and can't finish it, they can send it back to Thomas to get the ball rolling again. I'll add a post when a 'winner' has been chosen, so I don't keep receiving requests!

Thanks oberst for the great idea!

Best Regards,
John

NOTICE! Sweet Old Bill has just replied and will receive the book next. Regards, John

 

[welder57]

Great work to all your family for making a great post that will inspire us all. Keep doing what ya'll are doing to make this post so darn good.
I love the work you did on the welding tables. Made a welder proud. Where did you got your info on the casters for the tables and the weight that they will hold? Thanks for any info you can provide. Have a Blessed Day.

 

[Vernmotor]

Welder I don't know what page but I know he posted a lot of info about them casters. brand and where they came from.

 

[krazypig]

Hello there krazypig sounds like you're our kind of guy around here. Welcome to Garage Journal a very cool site with tons of interesting material of all stripes and this thread which also has its moments. I'm a big history buff. I love the stories some of these old items have to tell. As I've mentioned to others should you by chance ever find yourself near by drop us a note, you never know.

Those are both interesting questions you ask. Since I guess you haven't come to the gold bar yet I won't mention what was the most fun item I've found is. As for most valuable tool and or part hmmmmm. Value of course is relative and I've still got a mound of material still waiting for me to sort through.

The anvil is certainly one I treasure since Mr Johnson was a blacksmith. Who knows over the years what has been formed, created or repaired on it. Fun to think about and I still use it myself.

Maybe the Walker Floor Jack has the most meaning to me as a tool. I well remember using it back in the 1960's when it looked like this.

Perhaps that's why I put so much effort into refurbishing it and...

...maybe also because we have video of Mr Johnson using it. That makes it pretty priceless to me at least.

Anyway, fun to think about so thanks for taking the time to read about the shop and posting in. You never know what will turn up here.

Thomas

thanks for ur time shop looks great.

 

[GT-TX]

Fred, I might be the only one, but I'm still having a problem getting your new link to work. There is no place to hit "enter" but when I hit "search" it comes up error. Could you possibly look into it for us?

Many thanks for all your terrific information on that drill press gear box. Nice job with that.

Thomas

Thomas:
Once the patent search link opens, fill in the patent number and hit SEARCH or your "ENTER" button on your keyboard. That should open up the drawing and if it doesn't immediately show the drawing, then click the "IMAGES" button near the top of the page.

The only thing I can think of that might be preventing you from seeing the drawing would be the patent office requirement that you have a browser plug-in such as RealPlayer (it's free) to view the image.

Here's what the Patent Trademark Office offers in their FAQ if you can't see the drawing: "PTO's full-page images, nearly four terabytes overall, are stored and delivered at full 300 dots per inch (d.p.i.) resolution in an image file format called "TIFF," using CCITT Group 4 compression. This is the format which is required by the international standards to which all patent offices must conform. TIFF is also the most used lossless image format in the world. Unfortunately, due to the volume of the image data, available funding, and other technical considerations, PTO cannot convert these images to a format more popular on the Web either permanently or by converting on-the-fly as they are delivered.

As a result, you must install and use a browser plug-in -- similar to those required to access Adobe® PDF files, RealPlayer®, or Macromedia Flash® files -- on your workstation in order to view these files directly. An alternative method is to use third-party software or services to view these images either directly or after conversion to another format, such as Adobe® PDF.

The plug-in you use cannot be just any TIFF image plug-in. It must be able to specifically display TIFF files using ITU T.6 or CCITT Group 4 (G4) compression.

The only free, unlimited time TIFF plug-ins offering full-size, unimpeded patent viewing and printing unimpeded by any advertising on Windows® x86 PCs of which we are aware are:

AlternaTIFF: http://www.alternatiff.com/ (tested: IE, Netscape, Opera)
interneTIFF: http://www.internetiff.com/ (tested: IE, Netscape) "

Sorry you asked? The above "bureaucratise" can all be summed up by saying download a free browser plug-in such as RealPlayer. I downloaded the AlternaTIFF: http://www.alternatiff.com/ one and everything worked great.

As an aside, I looked up the patent number on the old rotating Beacon Ray light you found last year in the shed and saw the drawings on it and the patent date. I just looked it up again and it was filed Sept 2, 1948 and called an "Enclosed Rotating Signal Light." Guess I should have sent them to you when you were posting about it but somehow life got in the way (doesn't it always seem to do that?).



Once you get your browser plug-in, search for the patent number on your Walker floor jack and print out the detailed exploded drawing - then frame it for your Man Cave right above where the jack is kept (of course I would expect it to be in a powder coated frame)! Then I'll feel like I've added a little something to the COTU World's Greatest Workshop!

Regards,
Fred

 

[Bogdan M.]

Greetings Bogdan M and welcome to our expanding circle of friends here. You might very well be the first to post in from Romania. Chris should be updating that information soon I would guess. I keep hearing that we're going to start service flying to Bucharest one of these days. I've never been there but would very much like to visit.

I don't know at what point we can consider this old shop as "being seen all over the world" but I think we're getting close. I've already got fellow in Cape Town, South Africa following along so all we need is Antarctica to post in and we'll have all the continents covered! What would Mr Johnson think of that?!

Thomas

Thanks!
If you ever come in Bucharest, please come by.

The auto shop is amazing, so the fame is very well deserved.

 

[Fyrme]

Thomas and Chris, I have waited and waited page after page dying to make a post here, but My grandfather always told me "If you listen first before you speak, your questions will probably be answered" So with that said, I won't be asking any questions yet since I have only made it to page 201. I read this thread EVERY day whether it be for 2 minutes or 2 hours. (not to many 2hour opportunities though.) Someday I will get to the end.

With that said, what you two have done with the property, it's history and it's resurrection are simply beyond words. And the inspirational insight to your personal past that you have so blessed everyone here with is something that Everyone should be moved by. There are so many people on this board from all over the world young and old that can learn about history, respect, relationships, and passion just by reading this thread. I know this paragraph sounds a little mushy, so I'll man it up a little.

I came to GJ a short time ago and have learned a lot. I have worked on cars since I could tell the difference between a flathead and phillips. I have always been the blue collar guy that has taught myself to do everything I can, mostly because I couldn't afford to hire it done, but also to live to say "I can do that". However, one thing that was never engrained in me as a boy was appreciation of tools. Now I appreciate them in a manner of, they are useful and get the job done, and can put money in your pocket. But what I mean is, the appreciation that you have sir. That every old tool still alive has a story to tell, and deserves to be heard.

Since reading about your resurrection of history, I find my self interested in vintage stuff. Mainly tools, but other things as well. I'll drive by an old shop and try and figure out the era which it was built, while looking for clues. Or see an old barn hiding in the trees smack dab in the middle of a field, wondering what's inside, and I've never been a collector of "things" always been a simplest of sorts, just own what I need and is functional at the time. When it becomes something I don't "need", I'll sell it and buy something else.
Well you have changed that. I have started collecting old tools. My first purchase was a wooden handled pipe wrench from the late 19th century. It is first up for a resto. I currently have my eyes on a 1922 Walker 740. And after responding to a ad on Craig'sList for some old rusty tools for sale. I explained that I am collecting old tools to restore and give a proper retired life of leisure. I get a call back from a older gentleman (70 years young) that he has a bench top full of relics, many of which were his grandfathers. And that he was hoping to find someone to give the the attention that they need. He invited me over for a beer or coffee and talk about them, and buy what ever I wanted.

The call I just received today from this gentleman is what drove me to make this loooong post. It reminded me so much of you (without the older part) and what you have done. I can only hope when I go meet him this weekend I can save some history so it can live to tell stories.

I look forward to dropping by here every morning and reading a few pages while I drink my coffee. The day I come to the end of the internet, I will, well....have to find something else to do I guess

To you and Chris!

Sorry again for the long read

 

[busted knuckle]

I hope you have the good fortune of acquiring some of those vintage tools and start a link of the progress to restoration if any is needed. A lot of times a tool is best left alone for its patina which reflects its heritage relative to the era. Goog luck and look forward to your finds.

 

[markviii]

Welcome, Bogdan. This page is full of surprises! People posting in from Romania, Norway, and various parts of the US. I like it!

We now have 34 countries and 49 states (missing Idaho - I can't get my friend or her husband to join GJ and make even 1 post). Many people have posted with no indication of their location, so if I'm missing a state or country, let me know so I can correct/update the list. I like to be as accurate as possible (sorry for the UK "blunder") - keeping up with 6K+ posts can be daunting, to say the least! I think we have all the continents covered except Antarctica.

To see the list, go to page 97 (post #1921). That's the post where I've been keeping up with the updates.

Chris

 

[GT-TX]

Chris:
Saw that you needed Idaho so I'm on the phone with a friend in Idaho and he's posting right now; you can check Idaho off your list. He is posting while we speak on the phone and his user name is autojockey123. He likes 60's Chevys like Thomas. He should be post number 6302 below mine.

Congratulations on making all 50 states! Now how many countries do you need to have them all?
Fred

 

[autojockey123]

well i heard from a friend about this web site & heard you were short Idaho, well not anymore I'm up in north Idaho & love your web site I'm into chevelles so was nice to see the nova in previous pictures.

 

[markviii]

YAYYY!!! Thanks GT-TX and autojockey123. I'll update pg. 97 now.

We use to have a Chevelle ('67? - Tom will correct me if this is wrong) which I drove all over the state and to/from student teaching in 1973/74 - loved that car (though we had to fill up the oil at the same time we put in gas - I usually carried a quart with me to be safe).

Thanks again for filling in our last US state.

Chris

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Okay guys, help markviii fill in the 'missing blank'; someone has just got to know someone in Antarctica with internet access. Get them to become a GJ member and post to this fabulous thread! Philo, Ill. cannot be the true center of the universe unless we have the entire universe reporting in. lol

 

[Penguinman]

Okay guys, help markviii fill in the 'missing blank'; someone has just got to know someone in Antarctica with internet access. Get them to become a GJ member and post to this fabulous thread! Philo, Ill. cannot be the true center of the universe unless we have the entire universe reporting in. lol

I'm working on it!

 

[BB767]

YAYYY!!! Thanks GT-TX and autojockey123. I'll update pg. 97 now.

We use to have a Chevelle ('67? - Tom will correct me if this is wrong) which I drove all over the state and to/from student teaching in 1973/74 - loved that car (though we had to fill up the oil at the same time we put in gas - I usually carried a quart with me to be safe).

Thanks again for filling in our last US state.

Chris

It was a '68 Chevelle Malibu Chris. A $350 special that got us both through college and beyond. It was your favorite until your Mark VIII if I'm not mistaken? Butternut Yellow with a black interior, bucket seats and an auto with that horseshoe shifter on the console and oh yah, it did indeed burn oil as if I were an Exxon shareholder! Mercy!

Once I get caught up on some sleep I'll be back here with a post or two later.

Droopy Eyed Thomas

 

[Micktw68]

Just have to comment Thomas,before I dive back into the thread,I'm up to the Barn Bench Build and I'm astounded at the quality of you carpentry skills. It looks like a very well built bespoke Shaker style kitchen.
We had a bespoke kitchen made by Smallbone here in the UK which cost us a big chunk of cash and the quality of the joinery wasn't a patch on yours.
I can't wait to see where this journey takes us....I have to restrain myself from peeping further into the thread.

Mick.

 

[maybe smith]

I am a total lurker and have been with you from the first post. I always check in on your site daily and really enjoy it. I recently have started re reading most of the posts and think it is worth while to re read them. There is so much that I had forgotten and it is quite interesting to revisit some of the material here.

Keep up the good work (fun).

 

[Vernmotor]

YAYYY!!!
We use to have a Chevelle ('67? - (though we had to fill up the oil at the same time we put in gas - I usually carried a quart with me to be safe).
Chris

Well that's chevy thing.. I thought they was all that way !!! LOL

 

[BB767]

Great work to all your family for making a great post that will inspire us all. Keep doing what ya'll are doing to make this post so darn good.
I love the work you did on the welding tables. Made a welder proud. Where did you got your info on the casters for the tables and the weight that they will hold? Thanks for any info you can provide. Have a Blessed Day.

Welder I don't know what page but I know he posted a lot of info about them casters. brand and where they came from.

Hello welder57, I haven't been ignoring you, honest, I've just been gone is all. You are most kind and I thank you for following along on our journey and for your encouragement. Vernmotor is correct, I did post information about the casters but here it is again. I know there is a lot of material to digest on this thread so no worries about that!

The casters are Blickle Casters, made in Germany. Here is a link to their web site:

http://www.blickle.us.com/home_en.html?bcmp=adwords02&gclid=CL3Rmsze87QCFUKd4AodtiMAFA

If you download the catalog you'll see that it is 500 pages long and contains quite a bit of information and specifications, among them, caster load bearing specs. I suspect they will have a caster to fill your needs. What I did was calculate the empty weight of the PDR (approximately 700 lbs), then guessed roughly what might be the heaviest object I'd be likely to ever have on the table plus a fudge factor, add those two figures together and divide that by 4 (the approximate weight each wheel would have to support). With that information I called their customer care line and talked with an extremely sharp gentleman explaining what I was doing and seeking his recommendations. I thought I wanted rubber tired casters but he's the one who told me at the weight I was talking about rubber tires would flat spot from sitting in one spot for a long time and recommended polypropylene. As we discussed the shop environment (tile floors), my work habits etc we narrowed in on a couple of choices. Additionally he mentioned that the Blickle Caster that McMaster-Carr carries are much cheaper because of the volume they do rather than buying them directly from Blickle. He was easy to work with and an absolute fountain of information. Highly recommended.

Hope that helps, if not drop me a Private Message (PM) and I'll see what else I can do.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas:
Once the patent search link opens, fill in the patent number and hit SEARCH or your "ENTER" button on your keyboard. That should open up the drawing and if it doesn't immediately show the drawing, then click the "IMAGES" button near the top of the page. ...........


..................Sorry you asked? The above "bureaucratise" can all be summed up by saying download a free browser plug-in such as RealPlayer. I downloaded the AlternaTIFF: http://www.alternatiff.com/ one and everything worked great.

As an aside, I looked up the patent number on the old rotating Beacon Ray light you found last year in the shed and saw the drawings on it and the patent date. I just looked it up again and it was filed Sept 2, 1948 and called an "Enclosed Rotating Signal Light." Guess I should have sent them to you when you were posting about it but somehow life got in the way (doesn't it always seem to do that?).


Once you get your browser plug-in, search for the patent number on your Walker floor jack and print out the detailed exploded drawing - then frame it for your Man Cave right above where the jack is kept (of course I would expect it to be in a powder coated frame)! Then I'll feel like I've added a little something to the COTU World's Greatest Workshop!

Regards,
Fred

Thanks Fred, I suspect the Wi Fi I was using in the hotel in Brazil also had some issues downloading the patent information. Once I get home I'll try it there and see how it goes. From all the detailed information you provided I'm sure I can "do the deed" as it were. The Beacon Ray drawings look great!

I had exactly the same idea about the Walker Floor Jack, downloading the patent drawing, printing it and then having Chris frame it (powder coated of course) and hang it in the shop. (Surprise Chris! See what great ideas your husband comes up with for you while he's flying. )

There is no question Fred you have contributed here to everyone's benefit and in time will have greatly enhanced the visual qualities of the shop. Mr Johnson would be proud.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Thomas and Chris, I have waited and waited page after page dying to make a post here, but My grandfather always told me "If you listen first before you speak, your questions will probably be answered" So with that said, I won't be asking any questions yet since I have only made it to page 201. I read this thread EVERY day whether it be for 2 minutes or 2 hours. (not to many 2hour opportunities though.) Someday I will get to the end.

With that said, what you two have done with the property, it's history and it's resurrection are simply beyond words. And the inspirational insight to your personal past that you have so blessed everyone here with is something that Everyone should be moved by. There are so many people on this board from all over the world young and old that can learn about history, respect, relationships, and passion just by reading this thread. I know this paragraph sounds a little mushy, so I'll man it up a little.

I came to GJ a short time ago and have learned a lot. I have worked on cars since I could tell the difference between a flathead and phillips. I have always been the blue collar guy that has taught myself to do everything I can, mostly because I couldn't afford to hire it done, but also to live to say "I can do that". However, one thing that was never engrained in me as a boy was appreciation of tools. Now I appreciate them in a manner of, they are useful and get the job done, and can put money in your pocket. But what I mean is, the appreciation that you have sir. That every old tool still alive has a story to tell, and deserves to be heard.

Since reading about your resurrection of history, I find my self interested in vintage stuff. Mainly tools, but other things as well. I'll drive by an old shop and try and figure out the era which it was built, while looking for clues. Or see an old barn hiding in the trees smack dab in the middle of a field, wondering what's inside, and I've never been a collector of "things" always been a simplest of sorts, just own what I need and is functional at the time. When it becomes something I don't "need", I'll sell it and buy something else.
Well you have changed that. I have started collecting old tools. My first purchase was a wooden handled pipe wrench from the late 19th century. It is first up for a resto. I currently have my eyes on a 1922 Walker 740. And after responding to a ad on Craig'sList for some old rusty tools for sale. I explained that I am collecting old tools to restore and give a proper retired life of leisure. I get a call back from a older gentleman (70 years young) that he has a bench top full of relics, many of which were his grandfathers. And that he was hoping to find someone to give the the attention that they need. He invited me over for a beer or coffee and talk about them, and buy what ever I wanted.

The call I just received today from this gentleman is what drove me to make this loooong post. It reminded me so much of you (without the older part) and what you have done. I can only hope when I go meet him this weekend I can save some history so it can live to tell stories.

I look forward to dropping by here every morning and reading a few pages while I drink my coffee. The day I come to the end of the internet, I will, well....have to find something else to do I guess

To you and Chris!

Sorry again for the long read

Greetings to you Fyrme. I was out of the country on a flight when I read your post. It was so rewarding to think I had that much of a positive effect on you. My heartfelt thanks for sharing that with me, really.

Shops, tools, vintage equipment and the like, that's a subject near and dear to me and many others here at GJ. They are not just inanimate objects. They do have a story to tell if we would just listen. When you go to see your older gentleman about his tools you are going to be so lucky to hear the story behind them. It will be a link between you and him and his long passed grandfather. Every time you use one of those tools you will be reminded of that just as I am reminded of my father, grandfather, great grandfather or Mr Johnson. It's intangible but there's just something to that which is important to me. I "get it", you "get it" and many others here do as well. That's a common bond we all share here.

In the words of busted knuckle "A lot of times a tool is best left alone for its patina which reflects its heritage relative to the era." Well said. Something to keep in mind as you embark on your own journey rehabilitating old tools and equipment. I am somewhat concerned many think I believe in powder coating everything in sight to make it shiny and new. There are many items around the shop that have been left in their original state. I've always been a big proponent of keeping it original if at all possible. Many of my older cars are original and I have every intention to keep them that way, well maintained but original if possible. As you'll see in another post almost every piece of wood working equipment I own with the exception of 3 are still original paint, the oldest dating from the 1920's.

So from me to you Fyrme, thank you for preserving some history with your old tool quest. It's a worthy endeavor.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

Just have to comment Thomas,before I dive back into the thread,I'm up to the Barn Bench Build and I'm astounded at the quality of you carpentry skills. It looks like a very well built bespoke Shaker style kitchen.
We had a bespoke kitchen made by Smallbone here in the UK which cost us a big chunk of cash and the quality of the joinery wasn't a patch on yours.
I can't wait to see where this journey takes us....I have to restrain myself from peeping further into the thread.

Mick.

Keep plugging away there Mick, we're all pulling for you! As for the Barn Bench style, I refer that that as being BBD which is of course Basic Barn Design.

Thomas

 

[BB767]

I am a total lurker and have been with you from the first post. I always check in on your site daily and really enjoy it. I recently have started re reading most of the posts and think it is worth while to re read them. There is so much that I had forgotten and it is quite interesting to revisit some of the material here.

Keep up the good work (fun).

Ah Ha! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!! I just knew there was a TL out there somewhere. Congratulations maybe smith, we've had run-of-the-mill lurkers here before, but you are our first, self confessed TL- Total Lurker! I suspect every thread has one and you are ours. Don't you feel better now having admitted it to one and all? Feel free to continue to Total Lurk here of course, but now your conscience is clean.

Wow, so you've been with us from day one, post one? You are a trooper that's all I can say. And now you're rereading it. Clearly you take preparing for Chris's dreaded thread test seriously. (Guys, she really is working on it, trust me. ) You have my great thanks for your long, continued interest and patience in my ramblings here. I really do appreciate the support.

Humble Thomas

 

[Jim C.]

........As you'll see in another post almost every piece of wood working equipment I own with the exception of 3 are still original paint, the oldest dating from the 1920's.......

Thomas

I'm really looking forward to seeing some of those old machines!

Jim C.

 

[BB767]

Continuing with an addendum on the Portable Dirty Room, here's more information for your consideration on the PDR.

The whole the genesis of the PDR was to relocate and perform...

... most of the dirty, nasty, shop contaminating work outside.

Rather than go back and forth between inside and outside the shop, chasing tools as I was working with the PDR or the Welding Table, I needed a way to have metal working tools at the ready. So I shopped around for a small, roll around tool box that would be a companion for both those working platforms. cobblemizer had this Snap On roll around box for sale that fit my needs perfectly. He had taken great care of it and the size and configuration were just what I was looking for, perfect timing. It's small enough so it's easy to roll outside but contains several drawers of the right dimensions.

With this one box I can roll it along side the PDR and keep most of my commonly used metal fabricating tools in one area, close at hand.

I'm still setting up and assembling metal fabricating material for this box.

Pictured in the center rear dark boxes are metal letter and number stamps that belonged to my Grandfather, the steam turbine engineer. They date from the 1930's with his name stamped in the storage boxes.

I still have all the wood covers...

...for those storage boxes that had covers. He didn't lose them, my Dad didn't and I'm not about to be the one to screw that up.

Having all this material together when I'm doing welding...

...or other metal work...

...has really been handy.

Those spin on Metabo grinders (on the right) are so much easier use and faster to change wheels, it's the only way to go IMHO (In My Humble Opinion ) That Craftsman grinder in the center is over 30 years old and performed well over the years but the new Craftsmans aren't nearly as well made unfortunately.

The roll around box contains most of the commonly used metal working tools I need but I do have other material that I keep...

...in the red cabinet hanging by the welding table. My welding helmet is one as are consumables for the welder. I can now readily move all my material and perform work inside or outside next to the PDR or Welding Table on an as needed basis. So far it has worked out as well as I'd hoped.

Thomas

 

[frikkie]

I've already got fellow in Cape Town, South Africa following along

That would be me.

Long-time lurker to this thread, even though by now I know all the regulars by name like old friends.

Posting just to say thanks Thomas & Chris for sharing your adventures. I'm a very keen follower of this thread.

OK, back to lurking...

 

[ZRX61]

I think the covers on those old wooden stamp boxes need the BLO/#0000 steelwool treatment

 

[BB767]

That would be me.

Long-time lurker to this thread, even though by now I know all the regulars by name like old friends.

Posting just to say thanks Thomas & Chris for sharing your adventures. I'm a very keen follower of this thread.

OK, back to lurking...

vonfrikkie my man, that would indeed be you! An "official" welcome to you good sir! Many thanks for dropping by for a short post. I've got a couple more video's in the works so keep lurking away down there.

There, that makes Africa official now. 6 continents down and Antarctica to go. Get ready to revise that list Chris.

Thomas

 

[magnusk750]

Number stamps for fettling with frame numbers and angle grinders without their safety guards... Thomas, Thomas, I've been away for a week and you're already on a slippery slope Were will this end...

 

[BB767]

Number stamps for fettling with frame numbers and angle grinders without their safety guards... Thomas, Thomas, I've been away for a week and you're already on a slippery slope Were will this end...

Oh Oh, busted!!!!

Thomas

 

[supracave]

very cool!