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

[redintex]

RL - just getting caught up on the posts - congrats on the new addition to the family! Best * thing * EVER!!!

 

[bluebolt]

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.

Oh yeah I have had the experience of #15 several times LOL.

Bought a decent working pedestal bandsaw, a 6" sander with no motor and the pedestal base missing and a 6 1/4" jointer with a broken pedestal base and the blade guard missing from a guy for about $350 years ago.

Bought a much better identical jointer with a nice motor for $75. No stand so I fabricated a new base using the poles and upper mounts from the other jointer. Never did get the motor mounted.

Bought a slightly earlier running jointer on a nice wooden cabinet that has built in dust collector (a drawer, works decent for collecting the sawdust) for $50!

Sold the other two jointers. May not have gotten what I paid for them but I still think I am ahead since the latest one just needs new blades installed which came with the machine!

 

[hc8686]

Help help help - have the same 1957 model of the craftsmen tool chest you have just the lower bottom half. All drawers used to open smoothly but one got stuck so i pulled it out and now none of the top ones open at all! I have no idea what do! Please help if you know or have any ideas.

 

[Huxley]

Look inside the cavity where you pulled the drawer out of. There is probably a little latch mechanism that lowers when any drawer is pulled out. This prevents someone from opening all the drawers at once & tipping over the whole cabinet.

Just lift the lever up by hand & you should be able to get the next drawer out.

 

[SpeedinLemon]

Re: The Garage Door Opener

Hi RedLeader -- It's been a while since I stopped by and took me several days to catch up. The beauty of your thread is not always in the pictures...I really enjoy reading yours as well. Congrats on the new addition to the family (probably walking by now!). The garage is coming along nicely as always. I saw the compressor below and had to dig back and see how you acquired....sounds like a great find. I have one very similar that's had a much rougher life....if I can get it back to looking half as good as yours, I'll be happy. Do you use yours much? Looks like you've got it rigged up to use like a compressor. How does it work with no tank?

Something else I realized while doing this is it is FRICKIN FREEZING out there! We have a high of 4 degrees F, and it feels every bit of it out there. I don't think I noticed when I was out there yesterday since I was running around like a hamster on a wheel, but man, I could only be out there for about 2-4 minutes today, period. I was going to do some more rearranging of the garage today, but man I dunno if I can swing it. We'll see!

We should be back up to 40F on Wednesday.

Hope you guys are warming up a little, although it sounds like more cold is on the way!!??!!

I did make some progress on my Craftsman 150 DP. It's no show piece, but is now usable and I'm happy with how it turned out. Your thread inspired me to save it from the fire and refurb it. The first of many such projects I hope! I still need to locate a correct, or at least period-cool switch for it....Check it out:

View media item 36953
Looked like this after the fire:
View media item 13890
Put that 3M EXL wheel you recommended to the test...what an awesome tool. For the price, I was hesitant, but everything I've ever used it for has worked out really well.

Thanks for the information and inspiration you provide to so many of us!

Chris

 

[7th Kahuna]

I am suffering a memory buffer overload. Did you get rid of the Atlas table saw? I don't see it in the recent pictures. Anyhow, just wanted to check in because I am pulling apart an Atlas 3060 and didn't know if there might be any overlapping parts you were looking for. Hope all is going well with the newest member of the family.

 

[fred26t]

Now you make me feel old. I bought that model of drill press and still have it in use in my shop. Fred26thttp://garagejournal.com/forum/images/smilies/willy_nilly.gif

 

[Hotrod1959]

Don't know if you are still looking for tools but saw this beauty on CL Medford Or.

built in planer!

http://medford.craigslist.org/tls/4331885192.html

 

[coolwilly629]

I have a 1957 2oin craftsman jig saw for sale.

 

[coolwilly629]

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:

I have a 1957 craftsman/dunlap 20 inch tiltarm for sale. [email protected]

 

[coolwilly629]

I have a 20in craftsman/dunlap tilt arm for sale.

 

[Red Leader]

Hey all, quick update!


Not much has been happening on the 50s Cman Garage front. I was in process of restoring the belt sander when super freakish cold weather hit and didn't really do much past that.

We are starting to see some nice days here and there, but my time has been pretty occupied with a new kid around! I will say that so far what has been has been enjoyed when I go out there to work on random stuff (little projects here and there). It is so nice to think of a tool I need and know right where it is!!! Right now the garage is competing with vehicle projects, basement stuff, kid stuff, etc. But I haven't forgotten about it! Things are just kinda on hold right now. It won't always be that way. I'll get out there once the weather starts looking up a little. It feels like it has been so cold for so long.

In any case, thank you to everyone that has been followed along this whole time and especially those who have been trying to connect more recently. I really appreciate it and sorry that I haven't been around as much. I technically am in the garage almost every day - I just can't really stay out there

 

[Red Leader]

I have a 20in craftsman/dunlap tilt arm for sale.

I would love to see pictures of your saw! I did already acquire one, but these are such rare tools it would be great to have a record of another one!

-Dave

 

[Red Leader]

Don't know if you are still looking for tools but saw this beauty on CL Medford Or.

built in planer!

http://medford.craigslist.org/tls/4331885192.html

Cool saw! Those are fairly rare - there was one here for sale. I don't have hardly any more space

 

[Red Leader]

I am suffering a memory buffer overload. Did you get rid of the Atlas table saw? I don't see it in the recent pictures. Anyhow, just wanted to check in because I am pulling apart an Atlas 3060 and didn't know if there might be any overlapping parts you were looking for. Hope all is going well with the newest member of the family.

Yeah, the Atlas is gone, but it went to a really good local guy who is a part of our local OWWM group. He told me that the saw is being put to work and doing awesome.

What is the story on your saw?

 

[Red Leader]

Re: The Garage Door Opener

Hi RedLeader -- It's been a while since I stopped by and took me several days to catch up. The beauty of your thread is not always in the pictures...I really enjoy reading yours as well. Congrats on the new addition to the family (probably walking by now!). The garage is coming along nicely as always. I saw the compressor below and had to dig back and see how you acquired....sounds like a great find. I have one very similar that's had a much rougher life....if I can get it back to looking half as good as yours, I'll be happy. Do you use yours much? Looks like you've got it rigged up to use like a compressor. How does it work with no tank?



Hope you guys are warming up a little, although it sounds like more cold is on the way!!??!!

I did make some progress on my Craftsman 150 DP. It's no show piece, but is now usable and I'm happy with how it turned out. Your thread inspired me to save it from the fire and refurb it. The first of many such projects I hope! I still need to locate a correct, or at least period-cool switch for it....Check it out:

View media item 36953
Looked like this after the fire:
View media item 13890
Put that 3M EXL wheel you recommended to the test...what an awesome tool. For the price, I was hesitant, but everything I've ever used it for has worked out really well.

Thanks for the information and inspiration you provide to so many of us!

Chris

The 3XL wheels are great! I'm glad it is working for you!

Regarding the compressor, it actually is pretty terrible haha. I remember the first time I ever used it to pump up my motorcycle tire, my tire started deflating once I had it hooked up and running

I rebuilt it and it is working a little better now, but once it gets hot it doesn't want to hold over 30psi. It was originally designed as a spray painter and that is probably it's best role. It still looks cool though

Our son is around 2 and a half now, our new daughter is about 3 months old

 

[7th Kahuna]

What is the story on your saw?

Craigslist find. 'Free' section, just one picture.

Overall, it didn't look like much but the detail in the corner of the original saw cabinet was interesting and then I noticed the square cornered insert plate. It got me curious. Additionally, my portable table saw has been at my dad's house for several months for a project and I would like to bring it home. Seemed to me it was worth a look. At worst, it was a free motor.

When I got it home and finally took a good look at it, it proved to be in pretty rough shape. The Atlas fence had been replaced with a newer, broken, Craftsman fence, the homemade extension table was out of square, the tilt handwheel was damaged, one of the 1/4" hanger pin bolts was snapped off, the cabinet was sporting an assortment of 'extra' holes, the Atlas badge was missing, etc. It was useless as a temporary saw at my dad's and in my estimation, is a poor candidate for restoration. Hopefully the parts can be put to good use restoring other saws. I am keeping the motor. It's missing the junction box but appears to be a decent 2HP 1980's Taiwan made model. I'll also hold onto the miter gauge for now. The custom frame has already gone to the metal recycler.

That newer Craftsman fence is kind of interesting. When I looked up the part number it was associated with a 113 prefix (Emerson) Craftsman Model 100 benchtop saw. That model appears to have been made by Emerson, even in the 1950's, but the fence's part number prefix is 101 (Atlas). Ran it by Outlaw to see if he'd seen anything like that before, it was news to him. That is not to say that he was surprised.

 

[Red Leader]

Craigslist find. 'Free' section, just one picture.

Overall, it didn't look like much but the detail in the corner of the original saw cabinet was interesting and then I noticed the square cornered insert plate. It got me curious. Additionally, my portable table saw has been at my dad's house for several months for a project and I would like to bring it home. Seemed to me it was worth a look. At worst, it was a free motor.

When I got it home and finally took a good look at it, it proved to be in pretty rough shape. The Atlas fence had been replaced with a newer, broken, Craftsman fence, the homemade extension table was out of square, the tilt handwheel was damaged, one of the 1/4" hanger pin bolts was snapped off, the cabinet was sporting an assortment of 'extra' holes, the Atlas badge was missing, etc. It was useless as a temporary saw at my dad's and in my estimation, is a poor candidate for restoration. Hopefully the parts can be put to good use restoring other saws. I am keeping the motor. It's missing the junction box but appears to be a decent 2HP 1980's Taiwan made model. I'll also hold onto the miter gauge for now. The custom frame has already gone to the metal recycler.

That newer Craftsman fence is kind of interesting. When I looked up the part number it was associated with a 113 prefix (Emerson) Craftsman Model 100 benchtop saw. That model appears to have been made by Emerson, even in the 1950's, but the fence's part number prefix is 101 (Atlas). Ran it by Outlaw to see if he'd seen anything like that before, it was news to him. That is not to say that he was surprised.

Hmm, that is interesting about the fence. Do you have a picture? Would be real easy to tell from that. If the entire fence is cast iron, that lends itself more to the 1930s saws which would be the Atlas contract. If the main body of the fence is aluminum, it is probably 1950s. That is a huge generalization, however. Many models were made over the years and incorporated all types of construction methods and materials.

 

[Red Leader]

By the way everyone, I didn't die

Just been very busy with family, vehicles, basement project, and generally avoiding the cold weather in the shop!

I do have one new, gigantic addition to the garage, although you might not guess what it is...

 

[Wingnut65]

Need a hint... 110v, 220v, 2-wheels or 4-wheels?

 

[Red Leader]

hehe


4 wheels

 

[56vette461]

If craftsman ever build a car, we will know where it is!

 

[Wingnut65]

4 Wheels..?

Could be a trick. First thought would be a minivan or new super cool SUV for the growing Red Leader Squadron...

Or it could four caster wheels on a 'gigantic' vintage tool or even a vintage toolbox.

But I'm leaning more towards a vehicle of some kind. And since you have been busy with the basement project, it might be a pick-up truck, possibly vintage. Although it would probably be a crew cab for the whole Squadron.

Am I getting close?

 

[toddjb]

I vote (hope) truck!

 

[Red Leader]

Haha, I wish I could fulfill all of your guys' dreams hopes and expectations, but here is what has been occupying my time as of late -

Haha, so not quite this...

Ah, but that's okay

It is a 1990 4runner. I'm a big fan of the 1st/2nd/3rd gen 'runners. It is kind of a mild resto/mild build up vehicle that I can work on without the stress of trying to get it going for commuting, at least right now. It has the 4 cylinder 22RE engine in it, which is highly desirable and pretty rare as compared to the 3.0 V6 that most came with. A lot of times, guys will find these old (and older) 4runners and do a solid axle swap on the front end and they become the cream of the crop off-road/rock crawler vehicles. Not sure how in depth I'll get with it, but I already tore the front end down to replace the timing chain/cover/oil pump/water pump -

Something about me is that I tend to hop around from hobby to hobby, or go through 'seasons' as some might say. Sometimes they are very active and sometimes they are pretty dormant. They usually rotate around between cars, guns, guitars, music recording, garage, and tools. Right now, I'm on a big vehicle kick. This probably sounds horrendous, given the nature of this entire thread, but vintage tools and garage work don't really sound very interesting right now I'm mean, ya, if I stumbled across a '39 Walker Turner P-907 with the original cast base and pulley cover, that would **** me right back in, but much of what I've been seeing has been more of a distraction. Fortunately, it sounds like our local OWWM group is going to be getting back together soon and that will give me a chance to get back in the game a bit.

I really can't get too interested in the garage right now just because there are so many other projects - the Yota, the basement, the odds and ends, the yards, etc. But! The garage is doing exactly what is supposed to be doing - getting used for getting stuff done

 

[Wingnut65]

That has potential! Todd and I were on the right track... It is an SUV, which is more a truck than a car.

Maybe the winter was just a little too cold or too long for you this year. We can't get burned out in any one project and need to change our focus every now and then. There are traces of vintage iron flowing in your blood that will always be there to keep you hooked.

Congrats on the new ride. Should work well for the whole family in all kinds of weather.



And I thought I was the only one that immediately started to take something apart when it came in the garage.

 

[toddjb]

Is this the one you've had, or is this a new one?

 

[Red Leader]

Is this the one you've had, or is this a new one?

New one...project soon to be *hopefully* a daily driver.

 

[Alexbn921]

Paging Red Leader. Any updates? Hope everything is well and wanted to bump you up to the top of the list.

 

[don long]

Well Alexbn921
Thank you for bumping red leader up
I've been thinking of reading through this thread but hadn't seen it for a while

I have become interested in wood working tools for a while and have a 1962 table saw and an old drill press and will be looking for help restoring them.

Don

 

[Red Leader]

Hey guys, sorry it has been so long. That 0-3 year period with new kids is no joke. That and I've been spending a lot of time working on vehicles and projects around the house/yard. The good news is the garage is getting used daily. There is so much more I want to do out there! But I just have no idea when the time or $$ will permit it.

I'll try and get some pictures up soon so you guys can see what it looks like these days

 

[shopnut]

He lives!!!

How is the garage holding up to the rigors of auto mechanics?

Good luck with those youngins!

 

[Red Leader]

The floor has certainly taken a beating, but other than the epoxy cracking where it didn't flex under -8F weather and some discoloration (from oil) on the clear, all is well

Actually, anywhere the floor has chipped it has actually pulled up concrete so at least I have the sweet feeling of justification for being hunched over for 20+ hours grinding the floor with an angle grinder

 

[slickgt1]

Hey guys, sorry it has been so long. That 0-3 year period with new kids is no joke. That and I've been spending a lot of time working on vehicles and projects around the house/yard. The good news is the garage is getting used daily. There is so much more I want to do out there! But I just have no idea when the time or $$ will permit it.

I'll try and get some pictures up soon so you guys can see what it looks like these days

Ha join my world 3 yo and 1 yo at home. Congrats on baby. Sweet suv. I love old runners.

They grow up super fast, so enjoy them. Garage can wait. I know mine is.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I've got a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old. It gets harder before it gets easier. And a lot of stuff has to give way. But it's always worth it.

 

[stewed baker]

Hello,
Am I doing something wrong ?
I am attempting to read this thread from the beginning and have become VERY frustrated with the HUGE size of most images.
It seems to stop around page 100, and are sized to be able to see them without scrolling around.
Is there any way for me to shrink them to a manageable size ?

 

[1Garageman]

Hello,
Am I doing something wrong ?
I am attempting to read this thread from the beginning and have become VERY frustrated with the HUGE size of most images.
It seems to stop around page 100, and are sized to be able to see them without scrolling around.
Is there any way for me to shrink them to a manageable size ?

That is just how they are posted. To shrink your browser's screen, IE, Google Chrom, etc,,, You usually just need to press "CTRL -". Thats the control key and also the minus key at the same time. It should shrink your screen. You can then press control plus when you want to bring it back to a bigger screen size. Hope that helps,
Rich

 

[rockingthe2]

Very nice 4runner, good on you for not getting the v6, those **** (owned 6, learned my lesson) I love the base model ones too, no sr5 package, just what you need to use it as a daily.

 

[Red Leader]

Hello,
Am I doing something wrong ?
I am attempting to read this thread from the beginning and have become VERY frustrated with the HUGE size of most images.
It seems to stop around page 100, and are sized to be able to see them without scrolling around.
Is there any way for me to shrink them to a manageable size ?

Heck man, I am sorry about that. I think it is an issue with the photo hosting sites. When they were uploaded, they were only the 640x400 or whatever size it was. I have no idea why they are huge (??)

In any case it bugs me too when I see those huge pictures in a thread. My apologies. I will look into it.

 

[tinbender 66]

Hey!! Red Leader Dave. I was hoping for an answer when I posted this in the tool forum but got almost no response. I looked at Vm.org and saw lots of pics of gray ones with the old style Craftsman badging but nothing in bronze with this badge. Thanks if you can help. We miss you!!!