jweier111

I got started collecting old tools about 5 years ago after my grandfather passed away. For years I worked with him in his workshop as a kid until advanced age forced him to put his tools in "storage" with friend. And for about 15 years he told me how someday he'd let me have his tools. I never pushed the subject, as honestly I new he never really gave up the hope of one day setting his shop back up somewhere if he got the chance. Unfortunately that never happens, and after he passed we couldn't locate his tools. I don't know what happened to them, and frankly it's not important (the memories of working with him are worth more anyway).

Shortly after he passed I got my first grown-up garage (single stall, but better than nothing). I started out grabbing what ever I could afford on Craigslist, until an old timer sold me some vintage craftsman stuff I hadn't seen in years (a table saw, scroll saw, and jointer similar to the tools I used with my grandfather). He was giving up wood working for many the same reasons my grandfather had and was just thrilled that the tools wouldn't get stripped of their motors and scrapped. And so my affection for vintage Craftsman/King Seeley tools started. Fast forward a few years and I now have 6 or 8 tools from the line in various states of restoration (some finished, some waiting, some half done). I've moved up to a (very old) 2 stall garage with plans to build a new one in the next couple years. Bought a house, and am going to be marrying possibly the most understanding and lovely woman ever (hey she let's me buy all these tools man...she deserves a plug).

Anyway, you can take a look at our blog to see all the fun we have together restore our old house. I've also got most of my tools listed over at Vintagemachinery.org (http://vintagemachinery.org/members/detail.aspx?id=14188).

I'm singing up as I've been lurking in the form of over 2 years reading everything I can. Now that I'm taking on some slightly more complicated tool restorations I have questions I'm hoping some of the more seasoned members can offer some advice on.

So that's my deal in a nut shell. Feel free to drop a note if you want.

Collecting and restoring old tools, Computers, wood working, home improvement.