This tread is a result of the attention this floor jack caused over in Thomas' shop tread (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567), but as not to get to much OT there, I made this tread instead.
So, to sum up.
This was the original post that started it
The post was ment to show the AWESOME transmisson conversion that guy had made on the drill press, but somehow the jack made just as much attention
This was Thomas reply:
I edited out some stuff about the drill press, as it doesn't really apply here (sorry Thomas) Even though it's a REALLY cool find, and I will probably make another tread on it later.
So then I replied as following:
Then came this from Omr:
Which leads to a google patents page, showing a lot of info on the mechanics of the jack. All really helpful when the day comes when I will take it apart for servicing...
And this from Nooner:
Talk about a response. That is great. I actually stumbled upon a man who has lived where it was manufactured, and wants to find out more!
And then this from Thomas again:
It would be awesome if this jack actually was capable of that much weight, wouldn't it?
And Nooner again:
REALLY Looking forward to that!
And once again Thomas:
Aaaand that's the spirit of this forum! I litter this guys awesome thread with a few insignificant pictures of some old stuff I bought, and he's all like "WHOOA, come on in!" Thanks again Thomas!
This is so cool!
From the cover plate on the jack we can gather that there was a production facility somewhere in Lockport, NY, called RV Manufacturing Corp, and that they made floor jacks (probably amongst other stuff).
And if Nooner gets a response on his request to the Niagara County Historian's Office, we'll probably get some more info on them.
I picked the largest jack of the ones left in the shop (all the working ones were already sold), and I paid what is about equal to 50 USD for this jack. Yes, it is practically paying for dead steel as it sits now. But even with that in mind, I felt that in that setting that was to little (keep in mind that this is Norway, where EVERYTHING is expensive), but the gents were persistent.
No, it is not functioning at the moment, but that shouldn't be to much of an issue. And the cheapest junk of a china jack of equal size and power, well it probably doesn't even exist. My guess would be about 3-400 USD and upwards over here. For something that even wouldn't come close to the quality and feel of this thing!
Quite exiting to get these responses from the forum members. Anyone else sitting on information, please do post!
Also, I will refurbish it to working order in the time coming. I won't be right away, as it is -15 degrees C (5 degrees Farenheit) outside for the time being, and I only have an uninsulated workshop.
Hopefully I will post again soon with more info
So, to sum up.
This was the original post that started it
Sory for this bit of OT, Thomas. But I thought I'd take the opportunity to thank you (and of course Mr. Johnson) for your efforts in louring all of us into your sphere and way of thinking
Today, I made a deal with a couple of older gentlemen, who is in the process of sorting through their late brothers workshop, trying to give prolonged life to all the tools and equipment their brother had accumulated through the years.
I bought a few items, didn't pay to much for them as they gents expressed it: "Better if the stuff is sold to be used, rather than being tossed or sold for scraps!"
I myself haven't got much of a workshop yet, but it's better to start collecting sooner than later, right?
Aaanyway, I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of a drill press I bought. I simply love the genius in it, it appealed to me at first sight. The two gentlemen told me this was one of the first tools this man bought when he started his business years ago, and even after buying a much bigger replacement later on, he had been using it all the way up to his retirement a few years ago. As you can see, this machine has a bit of what I'd call the "Mr. Johnson pragmatism" to it. Years back, it had only one speed, and as his needs expanded, he simply replaced the straight axle with a gearbox, so now it has several speeds (and probably also reverse?) Of course, it is quite small, and probably looks like junk to some, but I feel this will suit me well for my needs, at least for now. I know, it needs a belt cover.
(anyone recognize the gearbox, btw?)
Also bought this huge floorjack (one of four not functioning properly)
It needs full refurbishment, as far as I can see (so thanks for that too)...
So, once again, thank you, my good sir, for taking the time to let us (or at least me) get onto the old tools track...
Sorry to all for this interruption in broadcast, back to topic.
The post was ment to show the AWESOME transmisson conversion that guy had made on the drill press, but somehow the jack made just as much attention
This was Thomas reply:
Fantastic find babaluba, wow!
SNIP
Your floor jack was a nice score also. I'm confident it can be serviced with parts from Hiball no problem and you can cosmetically refurbish it to your taste. Who is the manufacture and what capacity is it rated for? Great to see this old equipment is being recognized as having much useful service left and is being used but not abused!! Congratulations and way to go! Thanks for sharing with all of us here.
Thomas
I edited out some stuff about the drill press, as it doesn't really apply here (sorry Thomas) Even though it's a REALLY cool find, and I will probably make another tread on it later.
So then I replied as following:
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 perhaps 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!
My guess is this plate also covers the oil filler cap?
Btw, thanks for the encouraging words!
Then came this from Omr:
Which leads to a google patents page, showing a lot of info on the mechanics of the jack. All really helpful when the day comes when I will take it apart for servicing...
And this from Nooner:
Talk about a response. That is great. I actually stumbled upon a man who has lived where it was manufactured, and wants to find out more!
And then this from Thomas again:
It would be awesome if this jack actually was capable of that much weight, wouldn't it?
And Nooner again:
REALLY Looking forward to that!
And once again Thomas:
Thanks very much Nooner. It's efforts like this and from everyone else who post in that makes this thread so interesting and informative. You guys rock!!
Thomas
Aaaand that's the spirit of this forum! I litter this guys awesome thread with a few insignificant pictures of some old stuff I bought, and he's all like "WHOOA, come on in!" Thanks again Thomas!
This is so cool!
From the cover plate on the jack we can gather that there was a production facility somewhere in Lockport, NY, called RV Manufacturing Corp, and that they made floor jacks (probably amongst other stuff).
And if Nooner gets a response on his request to the Niagara County Historian's Office, we'll probably get some more info on them.
I picked the largest jack of the ones left in the shop (all the working ones were already sold), and I paid what is about equal to 50 USD for this jack. Yes, it is practically paying for dead steel as it sits now. But even with that in mind, I felt that in that setting that was to little (keep in mind that this is Norway, where EVERYTHING is expensive), but the gents were persistent.
No, it is not functioning at the moment, but that shouldn't be to much of an issue. And the cheapest junk of a china jack of equal size and power, well it probably doesn't even exist. My guess would be about 3-400 USD and upwards over here. For something that even wouldn't come close to the quality and feel of this thing!
Quite exiting to get these responses from the forum members. Anyone else sitting on information, please do post!
Also, I will refurbish it to working order in the time coming. I won't be right away, as it is -15 degrees C (5 degrees Farenheit) outside for the time being, and I only have an uninsulated workshop.
Hopefully I will post again soon with more info
