Pre 1970 OLD TOOL finds, purchases and restorations

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

We all like old tools if you are in this section so whether it's "VINTAGE", "ANTIQUE", or just old let's post a few of our finds that might show other members what they are missing.

also some members don't know much about these old tools so when posting yours if you can give all the information you can read off of it and any other you know or that you've researched that would be great.

I for one am looking for the next tool that i didn't know i needed and i'm sure that there are others like me to share my passion.

i'll start with this 1940's early 50's Craftsman table saw i bought from a 75 year old that restored it. As i find more information about this awesome saw i'll edit my post and add that when i do because i don't have it today.

as the title says anything prior to 1970's, but if you have something you think is pretty old and very cool looking even if it might be in the early 80's post it with what information you know and i'm sure that will be ok.

or if you've modified an old tool to make it better like McB's blockmeister might be a good example.

EDIT: Also how about posting old tools here that you don't know much about? sort of like all those WTF threads we all see. post what information you can see on the tool and as members help let you know what it is and is used for then you can edit your listing to show the results. nothing better than having pictures of old tools and the way that they can be used.

thanks

Fretters · Jan 16, 2015

I'll start off with one of my almost finished bits. Still needs the vice jaws sorting and a motor setting up as yet. This was the baby of the Rapidor hacksaw family.

6" cutting capacity, approx. 100 strokes per minute. An old advert illustration for it.

That image was extracted from the following PDF, which has some info regarding the saw at around the 18th page in.

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/images/e/eb/Er19330217.pdf

General condition when it arrived here.

It was literally covered in years worths of grease and swarf. This one is probably from around the 30's to 40's, (if I recall correctly). The 'New Manchester Saw' on the bow changed to Rapidor with the later models.

Edit: I've deleted the original post this was from and put the content in this post.

drivesitfar said:
Fretters: so it's a sort of vertical band saw for metal. have you cut many things with it and how do they work?

They're just a large, mechanised version of a handheld hacksaw. No speed demon, but they're simple, rugged and reliable. Here's a random video from Youtube showing one running. It's being powered by a stationary engine in this vid.

Cypherian · Jan 16, 2015

Well I can play:
All are awaiting full restore the most complete is the Floor Model Drill Press:

Power King 3 Wheel Band Saw 1950s

Rockwell Delta 15-000 Variable Speed Drill Press 1960s??

Walker Turner Bench Drill Press 1944

Craftsman Grinder 1964

Unimat Mini Lathe 1950s

I have already posted three of these separately I will have to find them and get a mod to move them here.

Fretters · Jan 16, 2015

I no longer own this machine, (one of the rare times I've ever sold any of my equipment), but this is just to show what the next model of saw up was in the Rapidor range. This was the Major model. The first one I posted became known as the Minor, at some point after initial production. The one in this photo was made by Alexanders, who appear to have taken over or continued production from Herbert's, probably sometime around the 60's or 70's, from what I gather. Never been able to find out what type of time period these were produced within exactly.

This was the condition of that one when it arrived.

The cutting capacity on those was again 6". The main difference was a beefier bed and bow, and a welded sheet steel stand rather than the pair of cast iron legs as used for the Minor.

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

Cyph: you don't have to put so many in one post. go ahead and edit and have one per post for all those awesome tools. that way you can edit in more information later for an individual machine for those that want to know more.

very cool collection.

i'm planning on posting more especially as i find them wherever that may be.

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

SC: i just noticed all the new tools you posted because i was scrolling back to my first post to edit. i really like all of those and they all deserve their own posts so when you get some time can you edit to have one per post? that would be awesome so as you learn more about each one you can edit that information in to just that post.

Fretters: are those hack saws wood only? or can you set them up for steel too? i do like the way you make your old stuff shine.

All: i added another option to this thread. we all have WTF tools and some are a rusty piece we might even throw away. how about posting them on this thread with many close up pictures and just post what writing you can see on the tool. that way as the members let us know what that tool is we can go back and edit in the information sort of like a WTF 101 thread would be. ok??

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

SC and ALL: sure. best way to do the reserving is to post with Resv. and post a new one every 30 seconds. GJ won't let you make multiple posts quicker than 30 seconds. so once you have all the posts you are going to fill up then go back in and edit in the pictures and information as you can. ok?

if someone slips in with a post in between it shouldn't be devastating because still on same page for you to re edit later as you find and hear more information.

thanks

Fretters · Jan 16, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Fretters: are those hack saws wood only? or can you set them up for steel too? i do like the way you make your old stuff shine.

Any metal shine is unintentional.

I try my damnedest not to make metal shine usually, unless it was already that way. If metal is that clean, that's usually because it was unrusted underneath layers of grease. Paint is obviously another matter.

They're both metal hacksaws. Can't see any reason why they wouldn't merrily cut wood too though, blade choice allowing.

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

All: I've posted this in the past, but not in this section so wondering what others might say about a 1300 pound cast iron 3 x 4 foot surface plate on a nice solid stand. i'm not sure what i'm going to do with it because originally i bought it to mount a huge vise to which i hear wouldn't be nearly highest and best use.

i think these old cast iron surface plates have been replaced with granite, but personally i like the steel a lot better. any ideas on how i can use this bench to it's full potential other than selling it to another machinist?

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

SC: thanks for taking the time to post all those awesome tools individually. if this thread gets huge all the better because we all like old tools and plenty of information about them.

Fretters: so it's a sort of vertical band saw for metal. have you cut many things with it and how do they work?

All: one post per big tool if you have several like SC just did and of course if you have a set of wrenches or other similar smaller tools a group post is ok. feel free to comment if you see somebody's cool tool post and if you have any information about it all the better.

Fretters · Jan 16, 2015

Whilst I'm on the subject of Rapidor's, might as well post some photo's of the daddy.

Even though this one is physically a lot larger and beefier than the others, it's still only a 6" capacity. They made various sizes of bow for this one though, so they could go upto 12" or so with the correct bow fitted. This one still needs some work to finish it off. Needs a new shaft or two, some bronze bushes, a new flat belt pulley and then the drive system sorting. Condition when it came here.

Current state.

These are old advertisements for this particular model.

Edit: Adding the following photo('s) to show a couple of these in use. Can't remember where the first photo came from, so I can't link to source.

The second, when I dig it out, is of one in a working industrial museum.

2nd edit: Photo of the vice parts for this machine. The rear jaw attaches using a large Tee bolt and swivels.

drivesitfar · Jan 16, 2015

Fretters: thanks for posting that youtube video. that kid that is talking sounds like a 80 year old or maybe he just has a very old soul. i think the vise you need for that tool was posted on the big vise thread today by one of your neighbors so you might want to get that from him or do you have one for your saws?

now that i saw that video i not only need that cool vise that holds all sorts of shapes, but i think i need that motor too. any chance that you can edit your post with that saw and put that youtube link in that post?

awesome stuff. do you have a cover for your modified pickup or do tell how you keep the insides dry since it rains all day in your area?

Fretters · Jan 16, 2015

drivesitfar said:
that kid that is talking sounds like a 80 year old or maybe he just has a very old soul.

The stationary engine bunch are an unusual lot.

i think the vise you need for that tool was posted on the big vise thread today by one of your neighbors so you might want to get that from him or do you have one for your saws?

Haven't noticed that post in the vice thread. I'll have a peek. I've got the vice parts for them both. The vice for the big green one needs a new bronze nut making for it, as the thread on the original one has stripped. It's currently in bits somewhere in the shed.

now that i saw that video i not only need that cool vise that holds all sorts of shapes, but i think i need that motor too. any chance that you can edit your post with that saw and put that youtube link in that post?

Will do.

awesome stuff. do you have a cover for your modified pickup or do tell how you keep the insides dry since it rains all day in your area?

It's a hybrid type design, the truck. It has pickup styling with the tailgate and such, but it actually has a full bodyshell, so it's not a pickup per se. It's a domesticated design derived from the Hilux pickups. It would be a lot easier if it did have a removable hard top when it comes to loading and unloading some of this stuff though.

I've got a tine mark gouge on the tailgate from when we were loading that big saw, at the farm where it came from, as there was only just enough clearance to get it in there.

NJ Marty · Jan 17, 2015

Drives, great thread you started. Here is one I didn't know I needed or knew what it was but it was cool as beans when I saw it and made an offer. I can find some info on it and am so happy I didn't pass it by, but that would have never happened.

This is a triple compound cross slide for a watch makers lathe.

vertguy · Jan 17, 2015

Cool thread!!

Here's what started my vintage tool craze that I picked up right before Christmas.

1950's Sears/Dunlap DP

Before:

After:

Not sure why I bought this Walker Turner miter gauge... but after comparing it the POS that came with my Dewalt table saw, it became very clear why I "needed" it. Geared, self-indexing. :thumbup:

I just may need to get a matching table saw for the miter gauge!!

JUNK-MAN · Jan 17, 2015

Here is a Snap-On 3" extension I got last year for $3.00 I've looked at collectingsnapon.com and figured out its probably from the 40s or 50s?
It's an FVX-2 the model is not listed on the website but judging by the logo its appears to be from that era.
Edit: It just says Snap-On FVX 2 USA

hers a pic,

another one,

BlueBomber · Jan 17, 2015

Here's my 1956 South Bend 10" Model A. I picked it up at a local estate sale for a steal. It came with a box full of gears and tooling, as well as the bench it sits on. It is in perfect working order, but needs a good cleaning and oiling before being used extensively.

I ordered a scan of the original serial card and discovered my lathe was a special order for a local lathe distributor here in my town. "Packard" refers to his last name, rather than the automobile company. The company is still in business and I tracked down the grandson who runs the show today, but he told me their records were lost about 30 years ago.

View media item 41857 View media item 41820 View media item 41824 View media item 47360 View media item 47362 View media item 47363 View media item 47364 View media item 47365

1/2 Cup · Jan 17, 2015

Great thread Drives. :thumbup:

There is some absolutely magnificent equipment out there.. :thumbup:

Regards

jakemac · Jan 17, 2015

BlueBomber said:
The Power King DP I found at another sale. It is also dirty but functional. I don't know the year, but I think it's from the '40s.

Here's a link to a short history of the Power King Tool Corp over at the VM site.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=1138

And here's a manual for a 1950 model 611 Atlas/Power King 11-3/4" drill press.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=1829

And a slightly earlier spec sheet for a model 611 Power King.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=4770

sasquatch12 · Jan 17, 2015

Fabulous pics and info guys, lovin this topic!!

Gasgt1 · Jan 17, 2015

1955 Delta Radial arm saw

Gasgt1 · Jan 17, 2015

Atlas jointer

drivesitfar · Jan 17, 2015

Fretters: did you see that vise and would it work for your hacksaw? or post up yours or something else when you have time.

Marty: i'm guessing you'll have a bunch of cool stuff to post because you have a great eye for that good old kit as Fretters would say. nice little vise. go ahead and post your WTF tools too and as we give you and you get information on them please edit that into the original post. :thumbup:

Vert: amazing restoration on the DP and i can't remember seeing a Walker Turner table saw, but that guide has that Starrett type look of precision to it.

JM: small, but quality is ok. since your close up pictures are blurry like my cell camera usually takes can you edit your posting and put in any numbers or writing that is on that extension so somebody might help you figure it out?

BB: can you edit one of your awesome tools out of that post and put it in a new post? that way you can edit in Jake's information about that awesome DP you have on it's own post. also when you get more information on your nice lathe please edit and ad as you can. sorry if that's too much work, but pictures only tell so much of the story.

SAS: glad you approve and feel free to find something old and good to post.

1/2: glad you like it and post up a few from down under that a lot of us will never see if you have any fairly old to share. thanks

Jake: thanks for adding information on BB's Drill press. also add a few of your finds and WTF tools here if you get any.

Gas: can you edit one of those awesome tools out of your post and put it in a new post so they each have their own post. we have plenty of posts and not enough good old tools to talk about.

All: feel free to post more of your tools that you might have just bought, restored or those WTF tools. WTF for those that are wondering are what the heck is this tool or something like that. also have fun talking about these like Fretters and i did in the first few posts so we can learn how they all work. i was going to post a few more today, but home with the flu so will soon and let all you post yours.

Gasgt1 · Jan 17, 2015

Delta wood / metal bandsaw

Gasgt1 · Jan 17, 2015

Up to date machine works bandsaw

Bricen18 · Jan 17, 2015

Still in the box vise grip pliers.

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Bricen18 · Jan 17, 2015

All these saws were my grandfathers there's at least two dunlaps.
My new jet drill press. Not sure on the year tho. I responded to a flyer at the hardware store. Picked it up for. 150$. The guy couldn't get around anymore so his bil. Was selling his stuff. This was originally the guys fathers and he had restored at some point.

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drivesitfar · Jan 17, 2015

Bricen: i can't say I've ever seen that vise grip and please edit and would you please put in any information you find or another member posts. very cool.

also thanks for taking up a couple posts and adding that old Jet DP. I am a fan of old Jet tools because there company started in my area even though most of them were made in Japan.

Gas: thanks for posting them separate and please post more as you can and find some. :thumbup:

BlueBomber · Jan 17, 2015

Here's a Power King DP I found at another sale. It is also dirty but functional. I don't know the year, but I think it's from the '40s.

EDIT: Here's some good background info on the Power King company, supplied by jakemac:

Here's a link to a short history of the Power King Tool Corp over at the VM site.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/mfgI...l.aspx?id=1138

And here's a manual for a 1950 model 611 Atlas/Power King 11-3/4" drill press.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs...l.aspx?id=1829

And a slightly earlier spec sheet for a model 611 Power King.
http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs...l.aspx?id=4770

hotrodtroy · Jan 17, 2015

Anyone have info on this old vise?

Thanks,
Troy

ihrescue · Jan 17, 2015

[/URL][/IMG] A 3/8" drive S&K.

drivesitfar · Jan 17, 2015

BB: thanks for adding that post of your DP with Jake's links. :thumbup:

Troy: welcome to our forum. it looks like a decent vise from your close up and Britman Electric bought out Rock Island in the early 50's. can you edit in a few more full size pictures so we can see the entire vise. also if you have the closed jaw width measurement and the weight that will help me (us) tell you more about your vise. ok?

IH: that is one of the finest ratchets around according to a lot of guys.

Gasgt1 · Jan 17, 2015

Buffalo drill press

JackDiddly · Jan 17, 2015

So I picked up this set of Pexto tin snips this morning for about $2. I do quite a bit of work with sheet metal and have been wanting a set like the ones that were always at the shop's sheet metal table when I was learning years ago. I have some newer ones but I hate them. Took the wire wheel to it and then busted out the files when I brought them home they could barely cut butter, but now :thumbup:

! Can't wait to put em to work. Paint is a bit sloppy and rushed but these are gonna be banging around my sheet metal bag so I'm not too worried about it.

Fretters · Jan 18, 2015

drivesitfar said:
Fretters: did you see that vise and would it work for your hacksaw? or post up yours or something else when you have time.

That Dohm? They usually tend to be more a precision type vice, if I recall, for holding various shapes. I've added a couple more photo's to the original post showing a couple of these machines in use. The vices are visible in those.

Gasgt1 · Jan 18, 2015

Old pruners

Gasgt1 · Jan 18, 2015

Delta 12" band saw

BlueBomber · Jan 18, 2015

drivesitfar said:
BB: thanks for adding that post of your DP with Jake's links.

Glad to accommodate, and thanks for "moderating" this thread! I added a few more pictures and the story about tracking down the grandson of the original lathe company distributor.

Mike

drivesitfar · Jan 18, 2015

Fretters: i went back and looked at the pictures and information you edited in and saw that vise. i also saw in post #31 a worker (maybe the company owner) using the hacksaw in his suit. how often would you ever see that in modern times? nice editing.

SC: i have one of those original Craftsman original stands and only question i have if i change from the stand i bought it on is where do i put the switch. can you maybe re edit your post and show where the on and off switch is located? also like the set up where you use the table saw's motor to run your belt sander. is it the same belt as you use on the table saw or do you have a couple belts?

Bomber: awesome and thanks

All: i had to cut off my reading because there is some football team in overtime that hopefully will win there game. more added later and thanks guys for posting and re editing your cool old tools.

Gasgt1 · Jan 18, 2015

Delta 14" band saw

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