Restoring old Craftsman Skilsaw
- Thread starter rzims
- Start date
I've actually got an older SkilSaw that I also grabbed at a yard sale a few years back. Never thought about restoring it until I saw your post. So now I'm in for some suggestions and ideas, too. Thanks for the inspiration!
I haven't done anything with it yet other than plop it down on the bench and there it sits..
This weekend I'm hoping to start taking it apart and cleaning it. The cord is frayed where it goes in to the unit so that will need to be fixed.
Not sure the best bet for cleaning it up...was thinking a good cleaning then maybe go after it with some steel wool to see if it polishes up at all...
Think it will look good on a shelf above the workbench...I also have an old drill of the same vintage around here somewhere so I'll have a matched set....I think that one is a Skil IIRC...
This weekend I'm hoping to start taking it apart and cleaning it. The cord is frayed where it goes in to the unit so that will need to be fixed.
Not sure the best bet for cleaning it up...was thinking a good cleaning then maybe go after it with some steel wool to see if it polishes up at all...
Think it will look good on a shelf above the workbench...I also have an old drill of the same vintage around here somewhere so I'll have a matched set....I think that one is a Skil IIRC...
Zeeman
Well-known member
I have attempted some polishing on a few old tools like yours. They never seem to be worth the effort for me, and I end up quitting. A product I really like is called Semichrome polish by Happich. It is really good stuff, and will make a chrome like shine if you rub it enough. You will have to do several passes with it, and I like to wear gloves. The black residue it will produce is a mess. Good luck, and post pictures of your progress.
Billy Jack
Well-known member
Once you check it out, don't be afraid to use it.
My Dad bought one of those in the early 60's for home use. Around 1980, I bought him a new Rockwell and got the Craftsman hand-me-down. Other than cleaning and a new cord, it has never needed any repairs. Simichrome is a great product, but it's also very mild. You may want to search for some Meguiar's Metal Polish, which is available in Heavy, Medium and Fine Cut levels. Other than specialty Detailer's Supply shops, very few stores stock it, but you can do a free ship-to-store at Wally world.
Bill
My Dad bought one of those in the early 60's for home use. Around 1980, I bought him a new Rockwell and got the Craftsman hand-me-down. Other than cleaning and a new cord, it has never needed any repairs. Simichrome is a great product, but it's also very mild. You may want to search for some Meguiar's Metal Polish, which is available in Heavy, Medium and Fine Cut levels. Other than specialty Detailer's Supply shops, very few stores stock it, but you can do a free ship-to-store at Wally world.
Bill
thehorse13
Well-known member
That's a great saw. I have one that looks to be in the same shape as yours only with a nice new blade. I use it all the time. You can't beat a vintage tool.
I had an old B&D 1/4"drill that was factory painted silver. There was a similar model that was polished aluminum. The paint on mine was peeling so I stripped the paint and buffed it out. It took a beautiful shine. Almost looked like chrome. Later I inhereted another one that was bare aluminum but have been older than mine. The chuck uses an allen key instead of a normal geared key. I never saw that before.
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don long
Well-known member
I have a collection of Craftsman skil saws and I have polished up a few.
It takes a little time but when it's done right they look super.
I took the saw apart and sanded each piece with several grits of sand paper from 100 to 800 then buffed them out on my power buffer
It takes a little time but when it's done right they look super.
I took the saw apart and sanded each piece with several grits of sand paper from 100 to 800 then buffed them out on my power buffer
Zeeman
Well-known member
Those look really nice Don. I like your collection.
So, I've started to clean this thing up - it's a model 336-27963
Where the cord goes into the housing, they had it goobered up with something...I'm guessing there's a grommet or plug that the cord should pass through, but not having much luck finding an old parts manual or schematic online...
Any ideas or suggestions?
Where the cord goes into the housing, they had it goobered up with something...I'm guessing there's a grommet or plug that the cord should pass through, but not having much luck finding an old parts manual or schematic online...
Any ideas or suggestions?
