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

[flybefree]

The place is just looking great! Glad your back is feeling better too.

v/r

Shaun

 

[Wingnut65]

Dave, Looking forward to your next post on your latest delivery! I'm sure you will have no problems with the cold weather or the storm troopers as the Force grows stronger and more abundant!

BTW, we had 39° this morning while the map shows you were around 46°. We are enjoying the brief cool spell, but it should be gone by noon.

For the crack you noticed in your floor, I don't think it needs any work done to it. Once the floor slabs return to normal temperatures, everything should settle back in place and the crack will be closed and virtually invisible. Anything that is done to it will make it stand out and look like a repair. If it is only visible when shop temps are below normal operating temperatures (single digits or those with the negative sign...) then those are probably the days that you should not be out in the shop! (But we know you better than that!)

Your shop layout looks nice. Waiting to hear what you have in mind for the workbench header and overhead storage. Fridge looks great all cleaned up. Does it keep the IBC above freezing?

I recently picked up one of these Craftsman/Parks 18 inch band saws for $40.00 at an Auction. It needs new tires and guides. I am looking for a part source for these, if you guys know of a place.

Welcome to GJ, Cptn_Howdy! You made an awesome score! And glad that you found the 1950's Craftsman Garage, which is a warehouse of knowledge on vintage power tools. But, Red Leader sometimes sends us followers to the Library to get more information - The Old Woodworking Machines website (www.owwm.org)

fbf, glad you are back with us, as well!

 

[DynoDave]

- look a little closer at those fuses:

Some goofy shots for the heck of it:

Man, the finish on that Atlas sure is nice. Did you repaint this? If so, what did you use?

 

[shopnut]

Wow, you've been busy - the cleaned up place looks great. You deserve a break!

 

[gricegear]

Everytime I look at this thread it just keeps getting better!! You have done some wonderful things in there. I love the theme and all the vintage tools that are being used!! Thats awesome. Keep up the great work and progress.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Awesome fuse bypass apparatus. Glad you caught it. I discovered something similar in a shaper a couple years back. In that case the entire fuse had been replaced with a somewhat undersized bolt (loose, not amps ) You could see a little bit of burning around the edges. It must have had an effect on the power. Owner said it ran strong.

That fridge is really looking great. Heck, the whole garage is looking great.

Merry Christmas

 

[Red Leader]

Howdy all!

I was going to make a post a few days ago, but just didn't have the time (hmm...wonder why!)

On Tues, Dec 17, we welcomed the newest addition of the RL family, weighing in at a health 9lbs, 1oz!

As you can imagine, we've been busy! Mom and baby are doing great and I haven't seen the garage in a while

What is crazy is I did actually get the bandsaw up and running and completely functional on its own 20A circuit before the baby came home. Pictures of that to come...sometime

I'm getting all kinds of fun ideas for the garage, especially related to the overhead shelves and ceiling, but those will have to wait for now. Good time for planning and sketches.


Merry Christmas to all

 

[Red Leader]

I recently picked up one of these Craftsman/Parks 18 inch band saws for $40.00 at an Auction. It needs new tires and guides. I am looking for a part source for these, if you guys know of a place.

That is an AMAZING score. Min was over 8 times as much, which is still a score

These bandsaws cost about $250-$300 or so back in the 1950s-1960s, which equals about $2000 in today's money.

This bandsaw has two things really going for it. Just going off of memory, the Parks Woodworking Machine Co either folded or was sold off in the 1980s sometime and all the NOS parts were sold to a supply company called DC Morrison. They still support this tool with new parts, which is pretty amazing, considering the tool has been offered for many years from the late 40s (Craftsman, I believe 1949 to 1966) and into the 1980s - a span of 4 decades. The tool was virtually unchanged during this time. I got new guides, tires, and some other small part for it from DC. Here is their website:

http://www.dcmorrison.com/

I recommend you call them.

The other thing this bandsaw really has going for it is that the wheels are pre-crowned, so no funky crowning operations


I'll try and respond to everyone else's posts, as I do appreciate all of you for stopping by with your kind thoughts. It just might take me a while

 

[Wingnut65]

Congrats, Red Leader and Mrs. RL on your latest addition to the RL Family!

Thanks for welcoming the Salt Life Family into your home and garage as we toured the west this summer. We were thrilled to hear the news of this family expansion.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

 

[7th Kahuna]

Congratulations!!! What a holiday you are having. Enjoy.

 

[Red Leader]

Man, the finish on that Atlas sure is nice. Did you repaint this? If so, what did you use?

About those fuses...one of two things was going on...either this guy was trying to bypass 30 amps or he already blew the fuses from going beyond 30A!!!

To be fair to the previous owner of this saw, these saws were sensitive to overloading. When I picked it up, it had a 110V plug on it. I honestly don't know that much about electrical stuff, but some old timers have told me that some of these tools just seem to be in a happier state running on 220V. When I finally get things rolling for it, we'll get a dedicated 15A or 20A breaker and run it on 220V. The 40A runs on 8.3A at 220V.

My previous Craftsman RAS was happy on its own 15A 220 line. Actually, I already have that line on the back wall. I'll probably just give the table saw a dedicated 220V outlet. I still have 1 more outlet space.

The color on the Atlas is Rustoleum Hammered Verde Green. Not available in the big box stores (no clue why, its an awesome color).

You can get it online -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ole...e-Green-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-7219830/202058746#

 

[Red Leader]

Red there is only one thing that is sad about your set up. And that is the fact that we can no longer purchase "new" the kinds of tools and equipment that you are so fortunate to own in your excellent shop! We have lost a lot over the last 50 years.
Your equipment stands and tells us what we once were----(and I better stop here).

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

For the most part, this is true. However, there are a few that are still around. A few come to mind:

http://www.olivermachinery.net/index.php?node=home

http://www.tannewitz.com/tannwood/prod02.asp

General is another top tier manufacturer (but NOT General International, their imported line).

There are some other companies still around like Delta and Powermatic that may or may not have 'Made in USA' tools. Anymore these days, it is tough to really, truly know. Tools may be made in USA, but have a lot of parts that are sourced overseas or materials sourced overseas.

There were a lot of things that contributed to this situation. I'm not an economist or historian, but if we look at the corporate buyouts in the 1960s that led to the cheapening of the tools, the increasing regulations by the EPA (foundries) and OSHA, and of course, the dirt cheap importations of foreign made tools, the quality could no longer compete. Back at the turn of the century, we had a lot of cheap labor and expensive tools. These days, we have expensive labor and cheap tools. Labor is cheap in other countries, so when those tools have the same overhead as the others, they come out cheaper, or the same cost with a lot more options.

To put it in perspective, I saw an ad once for a Walker Turner bandsaw. It had been used in a shop for decades. The owners were forced to sell it because if they didn't get rid of it, OSHA was going to fine them $10,000. To replace it with a comparable saw, they were probably going to have to spend about $1500 minimum and then probably more $$ in safety equipment. I'm led to believe that these things happen all the time. It makes it hard for the manufacturers and the companies that use their tools to keep up, be in compliance, and still stay above water. It is standard practice for Chinese manufacturers to make a near exact copy of an American item (tool, microphone, etc), skirt copyright and patent laws, then sell for less.

The whole entire debacle is just unsustainable for homegrown manufacturers. You will continue to see furniture company liquidations and factory closeouts take place. Tempering the chance to get a great deal on a solid American-made tool is the knowledge that a little bit of the American soul died when that place closed.

At some point, maybe when other developing nations experience the same thing we did in the 1960s-1980s, as as desperation for local jobs continue, hopefully there will be some regulatory reform and the manufacturing will return.

I'm not sure I'll hold my breath for it, but I am hoping for a renaissance.

Bottom line, if you are looking for a 100% American made tool, no questions, there are some great vintage pieces available at great prices and the money you save can be put towards updating to modern safety standards.

Your last line sums up my thoughts exactly. As you can see, I have a hard time stopping.

 

[Red Leader]

The place is just looking great! Glad your back is feeling better too.

v/r

Shaun

Thanks Shaun! Your place has made some amazing strides as well - reading about that salvage operation was pretty cool!

I can't remember exactly when I hurt my back, but it did take a while for it to get better. We're all good now

 

[tinbender 66]

Congratulations on the new addition! Best Christmas present there is.

The place is looking great!

 

[Red Leader]

Wow, you've been busy - the cleaned up place looks great. You deserve a break!

Thanks! I'm trading work in the garage for a different kind of work now

Everytime I look at this thread it just keeps getting better!! You have done some wonderful things in there. I love the theme and all the vintage tools that are being used!! Thats awesome. Keep up the great work and progress.

Thanks so much. There is still a LOT of things planned...so many things I want to do...first aid kit, fire extinguisher, hidden shelves, filling the tool boards, ladder rack, upper shelves and facade, tool header, music player and speaker system, then all the tool restos...there is still prenty to come!

Awesome fuse bypass apparatus. Glad you caught it. I discovered something similar in a shaper a couple years back. In that case the entire fuse had been replaced with a somewhat undersized bolt (loose, not amps ) You could see a little bit of burning around the edges. It must have had an effect on the power. Owner said it ran strong.

That fridge is really looking great. Heck, the whole garage is looking great.

Merry Christmas

Thanks! The fridge cleaned up great. It was still running intermittently when I had it fired up. My father is a very electrically-savvy guy and I'll show it to him and get his thoughts. Right now, without a heater, there is no need to plug it in

About the shaper...yeah, people do some hokey things. Some things work, some things don't, and some things you wonder how it ever worked without injuring someone!

 

[Red Leader]

Congratulations on the new addition! Best Christmas present there is.

The place is looking great!

Paul, thanks man!

I agree - we had an early Christmas present!

The real question about the garage is how LONG will it stay looking like that. The last time it looked like that I didn't want to see it for a month (who knows how many hours I spent cleaning that silly thing).

I'm gonna get serious about organization in 2014.

 

[texasOFT]

Congratulations on the early Christmas Gift!

 

[Red Leader]

Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[DynoDave]

About those fuses...one of two things was going on...either this guy was trying to bypass 30 amps or he already blew the fuses from going beyond 30A!!!

To be fair to the previous owner of this saw, these saws were sensitive to overloading. When I picked it up, it had a 110V plug on it. I honestly don't know that much about electrical stuff, but some old timers have told me that some of these tools just seem to be in a happier state running on 220V. When I finally get things rolling for it, we'll get a dedicated 15A or 20A breaker and run it on 220V. The 40A runs on 8.3A at 220V.

My previous Craftsman RAS was happy on its own 15A 220 line. Actually, I already have that line on the back wall. I'll probably just give the table saw a dedicated 220V outlet. I still have 1 more outlet space.

The color on the Atlas is Rustoleum Hammered Verde Green. Not available in the big box stores (no clue why, its an awesome color).

You can get it online -

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ole...e-Green-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-7219830/202058746#

Yeah, those nails are down right scary to see.

Thanks for the link on the paint. Is that approximately the "propr" color for one of these Atlas drills?

And, lastly, but most importantly, Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

 

[Red Leader]

Yeah, those nails are down right scary to see.

Thanks for the link on the paint. Is that approximately the "propr" color for one of these Atlas drills?

And, lastly, but most importantly, Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

nope not proper at all


I think the original color was a dark gray. I have an original picture of the press around here somewhere, but you can also browse pictures of Atlas drill presses on the OWWM.com photo index and get an idea. If you have an Atlas tool and you are trying to figure out the original color, the best way is the punch the original tag off and view the paint underneath.

And thanks! We are loving having the new kiddo around!

 

[Alexbn921]

Merry Christmas Red leader
I have been looking for a craftsman 150 drill for a while and since you are the expert. What do you think about this one?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/4263993767.html

 

[thenephilm]

That band saw looks brand new in that craigslist ad!

 

[flybefree]

Not that it is any of my business...but BUY, BUY, BUY!!!! Hah..love spending other guy's money on Garagejournal.

v/r

Shaun

 

[aggierailroad]

I've got a quick hijack/question.

Got the old style (115.xxxx) 10" Craftsman table saw and finally started tearing it down this weekend. Lots of nasty gooped up sawdust and rust.

I'm sure you're familiar with the engine-turned aluminum panels commonly found on tools of this era. Unfortunately, my saw must have been abused and that panel is in rough shape. You can still see the swirl marks but it's all covered in a haze of grime. I've soaked the panel for a day in degreaser and scrubbed with a cotton shop towel to no avail. Any tips on cleaning this piece? I've heard that buffing, steel wool or any other kind of abrasive will ruin the finish.

I'm all ears on the restoration of this piece.

 

[bisley45]

When I get home I'll post a before and after pics of one I cleaned up and you will never guess what I used navel jell yep sounds crazy but wow.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[texasOFT]

Try 4 OOOO steel wool or scotch bright pad using a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice and turpentine to clean up the surface.

 

[aggierailroad]

The steel wool makes me nervous, the patch I did with just brasso already started to cut through the swirls.

Now the naval jelly, don't know why I didn't think of that! Would love to see the pictures. Thanks for all the help everyone.

 

[bisley45]

Here ya go all I did was rub the Naval jelly on with a soft rag let it sit for 5 min and rinse off with water and repeat if needed.

 

[aggierailroad]

Here ya go all I did was rub the Naval jelly on with a soft rag let it sit for 5 min and rinse off with water and repeat if needed.

Damn!!

Did you re-chrome the handles? Mine are not pitted, but actually, "bumpy". I've never seen pot metal/chrome that is lifting like that. All six chrome handles are in horrible shape, like there is some kind of corrosion underneath it.

I have no idea what chroming "should" cost and if they will even fix the handles or just rechrome them and turn them into shiny turds vs. the works of art they are.

 

[bisley45]

Mine had a little of the bumpy stuff you are talking about I just used some mothers chrome polish and they shined up nice..

 

[Red Leader]

Merry Christmas Red leader
I have been looking for a craftsman 150 drill for a while and since you are the expert. What do you think about this one?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/4263993767.html

Buy buy buy if it is still available. I'd offer $100 cash and see if he takes it, but if not, buy for full price.

Craftsman made a lot of design changes in their drill presses in the 1930s. Based on the Craftsman catalogs, this one dates to 1936-1937. One version of this drill (floor) press can be found in the 1935 catalog, but the one in the ad more represents a 1936 model with the stepped pulley guard up front. Also in 1936 the first version of the 'slow speed' pulled attachment can be found. That pulley attachment is worth more than the drill press. What a find! I don't know if I've ever seen an early 1930s version of that attachment. Very rare.

In 1938 a new version of this press was offered with a full double pulley guard and called their 'floating drive' drill press, although it sounds like Craftsman already had that technology in their earlier presses. Perhaps their marketing dept stepped up in 1938.

That press has some holes in the table and the wrong era motor (1940s-1950s), but should be an easy restore that would be VERY worth it.

Snag that bad boy if it is still available.

There is an OWWM rule that states that in the time it takes you to consider making the purchase, someone else will have already reached that conclusion. Act now!

 

[Red Leader]

I've got a quick hijack/question.

Got the old style (115.xxxx) 10" Craftsman table saw and finally started tearing it down this weekend. Lots of nasty gooped up sawdust and rust.

I'm sure you're familiar with the engine-turned aluminum panels commonly found on tools of this era. Unfortunately, my saw must have been abused and that panel is in rough shape. You can still see the swirl marks but it's all covered in a haze of grime. I've soaked the panel for a day in degreaser and scrubbed with a cotton shop towel to no avail. Any tips on cleaning this piece? I've heard that buffing, steel wool or any other kind of abrasive will ruin the finish.

I'm all ears on the restoration of this piece.

When I get home I'll post a before and after pics of one I cleaned up and you will never guess what I used navel jell yep sounds crazy but wow.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Try 4 OOOO steel wool or scotch bright pad using a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice and turpentine to clean up the surface.

The steel wool makes me nervous, the patch I did with just brasso already started to cut through the swirls.

Now the naval jelly, don't know why I didn't think of that! Would love to see the pictures. Thanks for all the help everyone.

Here ya go all I did was rub the Naval jelly on with a soft rag let it sit for 5 min and rinse off with water and repeat if needed.

Whatever you do, be extremely careful with the engine turning on those panels. If you sneeze, it wears off. If it hears you even talking bad about it, it will come off

Some thoughts, if you have not thought about them already:

Go least invasive as possible. One might try getting a LARGE pot and sticking the piece half in and boiling it. This is a trick that is used to remove unoriginal paint from machine tags without damaging the tag. If anything, heat/wamth may loosen the dirt and grime which may make any other attempt to remove it even less invasive.

Another idea might be to pick up a bottle of goo-gone and try it on an hidden, unsuspecting area - the stuff I've used goo-gone on...I'm amazed at what comes off. I would only use your fingers or a microfiber cloth to rub it in and that would only be after a long soak. You have to remember that often, even if you use the gentlest of mediums (i.e. microfiber) the dirt/grime itself can/may/will act as an abrasive and destroy the panel.

If it were me, I'd try boiling and see how much come off or comes loose and then proceed with caution from there, either with goo-gone, or naval jelly. Just watch the clock on the naval jelly.

 

[bisley45]

Red leader is right be very careful. The first time I did one of these panels it came out very bad but I used a buffing wheel.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[Red Leader]

Just for interest of everyone/anyone, here is the complete list of OWWM rules:

OWWM Rule No. 1: The seller, standing in front of the machine with access to all sides and in full daylight, will not/cannot describe the machine correctly.

OWWM Rule No. 2: Better to own a machine and not have a need than need a machine and not have it/one.

OWWM Rule No. 3: You will find it, after making do with another.

OWWM Rule No. 4: Trust no one when shipping a machine or part.

OWWM Rule No. 5: In the time between finding a machine and asking others if you should buy it someone else will come to the proper conclusion.

OWWM Rule No. 6: Every OWWM has a back story. Tell the back story.

OWWM Rule No. 7: Your quest machine will find you shortly after you’ve found its lesser equivalent.

OWWM Rule No. 8: It always appears there are more old woodworking machines in places where you aren’t.

OWWM Rule No. 9: Cast zinc/pot metal/Zamack bends one time only. The second time, it will crack/break.

OWWM Rule No. 10: Never assume a circular saw blade is perfectly flat.

OWWM Rule No. 11: It takes a lot to kill these things.

OWWM Rule No. 12: Never assume a machine as received is set up correctly.

OWWM Rule No. 13: Never apologize/make excuses for liking OWWM.

OWWM Rule No. 14: Don’t count your chickens before you’ve bought the incubator.

 

[Wingnut65]

So true, Dave. Every one of them.

But you missed the one about the part that is the hardest to find will break during restoration. At least it seems that way.

Happy New Year, Red Leader and whole family!

 

[Red Leader]

Thanks Jeff! The same to you and your great family.

We are a little worse for wear, but holding down the ship. And very blessed

 

[bluebolt]

LOL some adds.

Rule #15: After you buy a crusty machine you have been looking for you will find a better one even cheaper that does not even need to be fully restored or painted.

Rule #16. After #15 happens a smart man will sell the higher priced so-so condition item for the same price as the nice one he just bought and be happy!

 

[Red Leader]

LOL some adds.

Rule #15: After you buy a crusty machine you have been looking for you will find a better one even cheaper that does not even need to be fully restored or painted.

Rule #16. After #15 happens a smart man will sell the higher priced so-so condition item for the same price as the nice one he just bought and be happy!

Actually, what kind of funny is I remember that 1st one. The list I posted must have been a little dated because I do remember one rule going something like this:

OWWM rule: After acquiring a quest machine, one will find the same machine closer, more complete and in better condition, for even cheaper.

It happened to a guy that was storing his tool at my place, and then it happened to me with the very same tool.

I've also managed to hit #16 as well. Seems like you are coming at these from experience, yourself.

 

[Red Leader]

By the way, Happy New Years everyone!

LOTS more to come in the 1950s Craftsman Garage in 2014! Stay tuned!

 

[7th Kahuna]

I just experienced rule #15 with a scroll saw.

Happy New Year All !!!