A Mess of Old Wood Working Machines

[Bob Hall]

So here's a little comic relief for a late winter evening. In the midst of all of the efficiently organized and beautifully decorated garages here on GJ it seems like a good time to show my garage.
Here in the hills a "mess" can mean a lot or a quantity of something, like a "mess of company" or a "mess of beans", but sometimes a mess is just a mess...

There are probably around 30 old machines here, give or take a few. It might be fun to play a little I spy. What do you see?

1 Here's a view from the back workbench corner:
2 A few from the side bench:
3 Looking at the side bench:
4 Looking down the stairs from the house:
5 Looking back toward the rear bench:
6 A better shot toward the front corner a couple of the larger toys:
7 Elaborate entertainment system, and a peek at the shelf of smaller stuff and collectables:

Thanks for looking, if you want to play along, tell us what you recognize here in my mess. Ordinarily a beginning like this would lead to an impressive re-organization. Don't expect that here. I'm not opposed to getting organized, but it probably won't happen anytime soon....

 

[don long]

I have just been introduced to old tools over the past year.
My dad had a radial arm saw an old craftsman lathe and a 150 drill press in the basement the whole time I was growing up. I didn't think much about them until I started collecting stuff.

I see many old tools and machinery in your pictures.
Do you use them? what do you like to use in your shop?

Thanks for posting up your pictures

Don

 

[Bob Hall]

I have just been introduced to old tools over the past year.
My dad had a radial arm saw an old craftsman lathe and a 150 drill press in the basement the whole time I was growing up. I didn't think much about them until I started collecting stuff.

I see many old tools and machinery in your pictures.
Do you use them? what do you like to use in your shop?

Thanks for posting up your pictures

Don

Hi Don,
Thanks for taking a look. Your Big Party Garage is amazing. It's Disneyworld for car guys! If I had a little of your skill and drive, this place would look a lot different! It would be fun to see your take on restoring old wood working machines.

I use some of them. What I really like best of all is my 1959 Unisaw and the DeWalt MBF radial arm saw which belonged to my Uncle Clyde, a fine old guy, now long gone. This is the view from the bottom of what a lot of old machine guys call the slippery slope. There actually is a plan. I'll be retired in about 8-10 years. Before then, I want a functional shop of all 1930-1960 machines. In the process a lot of times I have found "bundle" deals so occasionally I sell one or two, Right now three of the ones here are sold and just not picked up.Sometimes I've bought what I thought was the best thing in some type that I'll ever find, band saw, for example, then I'll find a better one! A few more are valuable enough machines that I'm waiting until I believe I can do them justice, to restore or even just service them. A few are reserved for my two boys when they get homes and enough room for shops of their own.

 

[HSpencer]

Wow. I see many treasures. It would be really nice to have such beautiful tools to restore.
I am amazed and impressed!

I could "vacation" in your shop for quite a while.

Best Regards
Herb

 

[Bob Hall]

Wow. I see many treasures. It would be really nice to have such beautiful tools to restore.
I am amazed and impressed!

I could "vacation" in your shop for quite a while.

Best Regards
Herb

Hey thanks Herb! You would certainly be welcome here. Yours is one of the best examples of how I would like to complete this place. I have a long ways to go....

 

[36truck]

You have some very neat old machines. I had a BIG old joiner like that it was heavy.

 

[bubinga]

my shop is a "mess" too.
As in, lots O stuff, and as in, A MESS!

 

[A_Pmech]

I don't know what make it is, but I see it has a knife grinder! Unusual for a machine that size!

Here's one of my best, can you guess from this little top view?

 

[Beenman]

So here's a little comic relief for a late winter evening. In the midst of all of the efficiently organized and beautifully decorated garages here on GJ it seems like a good time to show my garage.
Here in the hills a "mess" can mean a lot or a quantity of something, like a "mess of company" or a "mess of beans", but sometimes a mess is just a mess...

I for one like the ''messy garage'' look. It just seems like work actually gets done in there. Ultra clean garages seem to be for display only.....

 

[Bob Hall]

I don't know what make it is, but I see it has a knife grinder! Unusual for a machine that size!

A_Pmech, sorry I missed this when you posted it. That's one that I hoped would draw attention. It's a 1949 Crescent Rockwell model P-18 18" planer. It was an EBAY find that I got from a pattern shop in Broadman Ohio. ( the only pattern shop I've ever been in, it is an amazing place and something every machine guy should see.) It had spent over 60 years just a few miles from where it was built in Leetonia OH. They had taken very good care of it and it might just be plug and play, but is in that catagory of machines I've delaying use until I can be a little more confidant of not screwing it up. It came with the grinding bar, a nice little grinder that rides on it and several small accesories for the same. It's 5 horsepower belt drive model and weighs about 1800 pounds inspite of having some aluminium covers. It's big brother to my 12" Crescent Rockwell Jointer which is stranded in restoration awaiting me to get off my **** and finish it. One bandsaw will probably go on the schedule and then the planer.

Here's an ad from a 1939 magazine showing the direct motor drive version of the P-18.

 

[Bob Hall]

Beenman,
Thanks for stopping by, nope, my place is a never gonna be a "for display only" but I do admire the guys who can accomplish that!

 

[DenisG]

Here's a view from the back workbench corner:

Is that a tenoning jig on the table saw? I recently built one (mostly out of wood). I'm not sure that I've seen a casting like that one.

(Edit: Aha! Found a picture of one. Delta 34-172)

 

[gungatim]

well I see lots of old Delta there, old unisaw, big A$$ Planer, huge aircraftcarrier of a jointer...What kind of morticing machine is that? looks like it came out of a factory. Does it use standard bit/chisels? Mine (from the '10's) only takes one size as it has a set collar instead of a chuck...

nice shop by the way...

 

[HSpencer]

Bob

Every time I look at your place I see something I missed before. Lots of things I would like to get my hands on. It is so interesting to see the old tools and imagine the work and design and castings that it took to produce such tools. Not to forget the craftsmanship of the workers who used them to produce homes and furniture that are standing today as a proud result of excellent hard work and skill. You are very fortunate to have such items as shown in your shop, and I am sure they are all in very good hands today. Thanks so much for sharing your passion for these tools.
And--I suggest you don't waste any time on a "For display only" shop. I think that would take all the pleasure out of what you have now. I really like it the way it is!!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[Bob Hall]

Is that a tenoning jig on the table saw? I recently built one (mostly out of wood). I'm not sure that I've seen a casting like that one.
(Edit: Aha! Found a picture of one. Delta 34-172)

DenisG, You are correct! It was a surprise find one night when I responded to an ad for a table saw that turned out to be way overpriced, but the guy didn't seem to value the tennon jig much at all. Lucky me!
The Unisaw it's setting on is my pride and joy machine. Not the biggest or oldest or most unique, but just a terrific old well kept survivor machine.

well I see lots of old Delta there, old unisaw, big A$$ Planer, huge aircraftcarrier of a jointer...What kind of morticing machine is that? looks like it came out of a factory. Does it use standard bit/chisels? Mine (from the '10's) only takes one size as it has a set collar instead of a chuck...

nice shop by the way...

gungatim,
Thanks, yes, lots of Delta. Delta, Crescent and the crossovers between the two are my favorites. Lot's of interesting( to me) history there. The Crescents and some of the Deltas were made relatively near where I live, but I still have had a hard time finding them. The mortiser is one of the multi-branded models having Crescent(the actual maker) Rockwell and Delta brands all on it. It is not in service yet because it needs an oil seal directly above the bit. Yes, it can accept wide range of sizes. I believe I recall it is a 2hp motor, so it could poke a pretty big square hole.

Bob

Every time I look at your place I see something I missed before. Lots of things I would like to get my hands on. It is so interesting to see the old tools and imagine the work and design and castings that it took to produce such tools. Not to forget the craftsmanship of the workers who used them to produce homes and furniture that are standing today as a proud result of excellent hard work and skill. You are very fortunate to have such items as shown in your shop, and I am sure they are all in very good hands today. Thanks so much for sharing your passion for these tools.
And--I suggest you don't waste any time on a "For display only" shop. I think that would take all the pleasure out of what you have now. I really like it the way it is!!

Best Regards
Herb

Thanks Herb. Maybe you'll be in Parkersburg someday and can come by and swap some stories. As much as possible, I try to collect stories to go with each machine.

 

[mmack66]

So here's a little comic relief for a late winter evening. In the midst of all of the efficiently organized and beautifully decorated garages here on GJ it seems like a good time to show my garage.
Here in the hills a "mess" can mean a lot or a quantity of something, like a "mess of company" or a "mess of beans", but sometimes a mess is just a mess...

Here's one of my best, can you guess from this little top view?

Thanks for looking, if you want to play along, tell us what you recognize here in my mess. Ordinarily a beginning like this would lead to an impressive re-organization. Don't expect that here. I'm not opposed to getting organized, but it probably won't happen anytime soon....

Light covers for garage door openers?

 

[Bob Hall]

Yep, they keep falling off.

 

[DenisG]

DenisG, You are correct! It was a surprise find one night when I responded to an ad for a table saw that turned out to be way overpriced, but the guy didn't seem to value the tennon jig much at all. Lucky me!
The Unisaw it's setting on is my pride and joy machine. Not the biggest or oldest or most unique, but just a terrific old well kept survivor machine.

I've a Unisaw too! Mine's a 34-450 from 1987. It was a nice step-up from the Craftsman table saw. I was constantly having to adjust the belt tension every time I changed the blade height. The Unisaw is so much smoother and powerful.

 

[always hopeful]

It is odd "one man's treasure, etc... Many people think I have any tool "they" could want. I find I have more than enough to support my skill level. Also, my skill level could grow to make better use of what I have. I am sort of a "projects" kind of guy and back into much of what I do. e.g. Build my own cupboards?
No, but I could build boxes, and hang them on the wall. I guess I could frame them so they'd look more like cupboards and cabinets. Doors? Well it's too late to hire the Pro from Dover now.
Hey, I've nearly remodeled my kitchen and I still don't know what I don't know. It is a nice collection, and I am sure it is fun and frustrating trying to find room to use this stuff.

 

[A_Pmech]

Ahh! A Crescent!

That's a damned nice machine and very hefty for an 18" machine. They don't make them like they used to. I highly doubt you can screw it up.

 

[Red Leader]

DenisG, You are correct! It was a surprise find one night when I responded to an ad for a table saw that turned out to be way overpriced, but the guy didn't seem to value the tennon jig much at all. Lucky me!
The Unisaw it's setting on is my pride and joy machine. Not the biggest or oldest or most unique, but just a terrific old well kept survivor machine.

This is what you call buying a Delta tenoning jig and getting a free saw with it!

Nice shop. I see a lot of great tools. Any messiness or disorganization simply reminds me of my own shop

 

[Bob Hall]

This is what you call buying a Delta tenoning jig and getting a free saw with it!

Nice shop. I see a lot of great tools. Any messiness or disorganization simply reminds me of my own shop

Hey Dave, thanks for stopping by, yeah, deals like that jig are far and few between! But I paid a little more fair price for the Unisaw. BTW Congrats on the new unobtainium planer. As much as I love to see them painted and polished, that one has a perfect look right now. Love the pool ball shifter knob

Ahh! A Crescent!

That's a damned nice machine and very hefty for an 18" machine. They don't make them like they used to. I highly doubt you can screw it up.

A_P Thanks, man I had to go back and look at your shop, I still cannot keep every body straight around here. Oh yeah, you're that guy. Absolulely awsome place you have, a real top notch set of machines!

 

[Red Leader]

Hey Dave, thanks for stopping by, yeah, deals like that jig are far and few between! But I paid a little more fair price for the Unisaw. BTW Congrats on the new unobtainium planer. As much as I love to see them painted and polished, that one has a perfect look right now. Love the pool ball shifter knob

I think I might just have to keep the pool ball for its, um, historical significance in the timeline of a rare tool. Actually, probably just because it is so cool Thanks for stopping by my place as well!

 

[Bob Hall]

Re: A Mess of Old Wood Working Machines Vise Rescue

Here's an old Columbian Vise that was "picked" from from my father in law's garage.

Rusted hulk:


Fresh out of the electrolysis tank:


A few minutes on the wire wheel:


Painted and shined up:


Other side:


Beside the Wilton for scale:

Summary: This will probably go on a small bench for my younger son, to use in his RC truck hobby.( to get his stuff off my pool table ) I couldn't save the handle, it was deeply pitted by cat urine of all things Not too proud of the bolt, but it works and was within my skills.

 

[A_Pmech]

Absolulely awsome place you have, a real top notch set of machines!

Thanks Bob and same to you!

 

[Bob Hall]

Re: A Mess of Old Wood Working Machines Unique old tape measure

Pulled this down off the "shelf of old stuff" to see if anyone has any info on it. It was one of my brothers finds and one the few of his tools that I wound up with.

Window in the top:


Side view:


So far I've resisted putting it on the polishing wheel....

 

[Tarnished]

Don,
Glad to see ya finally posted you collection. Looks great just the way it is. Lived in! Lots of nice old Delta hidden in there. Planner is really nice, and to get the knife grinder is an amazing find. Good score on the tenoning jig. I have half of one, but haven't any luck finding the other half.
What size are the 2 DeWalt's?

 

[Bob Hall]

Don,
Glad to see ya finally posted you collection. Looks great just the way it is. Lived in! Lots of nice old Delta hidden in there. Planner is really nice, and to get the knife grinder is an amazing find. Good score on the tenoning jig. I have half of one, but haven't any luck finding the other half.
What size are the 2 DeWalt's?

Thanks for stopping by. The little DeWalt is a MBF 3/4HP 9" blade. The larger one is a GE 5HP 16" blade. Both are from around 1957. The MBF is a family machine and will always stay, but the GE may have to go to make some space.

 

[wmrra13]

Cool shop!

I think I've got the same (or similar) 20" Delta band saw. Mine's been retro fitted with a ZeroMax variable speed drive.

It's probably the best tool in my shop.



Cheers,
Tyler

 

[Vieux]

I like your "mess".
Old tools - they are beautiful!

 

[Bob Hall]

Merry Christmas to all the fine Garage Journal folks from here at the "Mess"!

 

[don long]

Merry Christmas Bob and thanks for all your support this past year

Don

 

[Bob Hall]

Vises becoming vices....

Here are few shots of my new old Emmert pattern makers vise. Again, I'm buying stuff for some future version of my shop, but as Mike and Frank say, "the time to buy it is when you find it"

 

[HSpencer]

Bob

That pattern maker's vise is awesome! It is a great find and I am sure your going to do it up nicely. ps: I will come to get the Wilton if it is in your way!! LOL

Best Regards
Herb

 

[Bob Hall]

Bob

That pattern maker's vise is awesome! It is a great find and I am sure your going to do it up nicely. ps: I will come to get the Wilton if it is in your way!! LOL

Best Regards
Herb

Ha! Thanks Herb. It's been on my short list and I found it in a very cool hardware store near Cleveland Oh. I think I'll do a little "scout report" on the place in a new post. It was terrific , 3 or 4 generations of family business in Painsville Oh. called Joughin Hardware. They pronounced it like jokin'. I bought the Emmert from the owner who's also a old tool guy.

Oh, I'll just work around the Wilton for now

 

[Bob Hall]

A little organization has crept into the mess. Have look.

 

[Bob Hall]

A few more views with some tools on the pegboard. As my wife said,"take some pictures before you screw it up"! She knows me too well.

 

[Spud1985]

What's the story on the big bandsaw in you avatar? I have a 36" Egan of that same design, currently awaiting mechanical restoration.

 

[HSpencer]

Bob

Your workshop is looking really nice. Great job on the bench and all you are doing. I am always very amazed and pleased visiting your thread. You have a treasure trove of really fine vintage tools!

Thanks for posting them for our enjoyment!

Best Regards
Herb

 

[Bob Hall]

I've made a few upgrades to the "mess" lately. Here's a new old bench I found last weekend. It's been the object of a multi year search. That is to find one priced like a workbench and not priced like a kitchen island or some other decorative object. It will only be a bench as long as I have it. I scrubbed off the worst of the paint and varnish residue as it 's wan't well loved in in the last shop. I like the current look, but am debating resurfacing and flattening the top and front edge to make it more useful. What are your thoughts?

Kinda bad looking as I received it:

Much better looking, but not quite fully functional.