The repurposing thread

[The Cobbler]

Here is a re-purposing before picture.
I picked this up on the weekend because I love the look of it and I can picture it all cleaned up with new paint, chrome and maybe some pin stripes.

But what to re-purpose it as? So far I'm thinking of adding draws and wheels and using is as a cool tool chest, but thought I'd post a pic here and see if anyone has any other ideas?????

Its just a shell, structurally sound and complete but no motor etc and I don't want/need it to be a working fridge..

Just like my folks first fridge. it was just trashed about 4 yrs ago, still working 100% but the hydro had a program to get old ones off the grid...

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

Make a smoker? Use it to store flammables?

 

[MScott]

Here is a re-purposing before picture.
I picked this up on the weekend because I love the look of it and I can picture it all cleaned up with new paint, chrome and maybe some pin stripes.

But what to re-purpose it as? So far I'm thinking of adding draws and wheels and using is as a cool tool chest, but thought I'd post a pic here and see if anyone has any other ideas?????

Its just a shell, structurally sound and complete but no motor etc and I don't want/need it to be a working fridge..

Lots of interesting ideas, but I have to ask, what the Hell are "Draws." Sorry, but the use of that word for drawers just irks the hell out of me.

I looked up the definition of "draw" and it shows a list of 44 meanings, none of which fit your usage:

draw (drɔː)
vb, draws, drawing, drew or drawn
1. to cause (a person or thing) to move towards or away by pulling
2. to bring, take, or pull (something) out, as from a drawer, holster, etc
3. (tr) to extract or pull or take out: to draw teeth; to draw a card from a pack.
4. (Brewing) (often foll by: off) to take (liquid) out of a cask, keg, tank, etc, by means of a tap
5. (intr) to move, go, or proceed, esp in a specified direction: to draw alongside.
6. (tr) to attract or elicit: to draw a crowd; draw attention.
7. (tr) to cause to flow: to draw blood.
8. to depict or sketch (a form, figure, picture, etc) in lines, as with a pencil or pen, esp without the use of colour; delineate
9. (tr) to make, formulate, or derive: to draw conclusions, comparisons, parallels.
10. (Law) (tr) to write (a legal document) in proper form
11. (sometimes foll by: in) to **** or take in (air, liquid, etc): to draw a breath.
12. (intr) to induce or allow a draught to carry off air, smoke, etc: the flue draws well.
13. (tr) to take or receive from a source: to draw money from the bank.
14. (tr) to earn: draw interest.
15. (Banking & Finance) finance (tr) to write out (a bill of exchange or promissory note): to draw a cheque.
16. (tr) to choose at random: to draw lots.
17. (Metallurgy) (tr) to reduce the diameter of (a wire or metal rod) by pulling it through a die
18. (Mechanical Engineering) (tr) to shape (a sheet of metal or glass) by rolling, by pulling it through a die or by stretching
19. (Archery) archery to bend (a bow) by pulling the string
20. (Cookery) to steep (tea) or (of tea) to steep in boiling water
21. (Cookery) (tr) to disembowel: draw a chicken.
22. (Medicine) (tr) to cause (pus, blood, etc) to discharge from an abscess or wound
23. (General Sporting Terms) (intr) (of two teams, contestants, etc) to finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc; tie
24. (Card Games) bridge whist (tr) to keep leading a suit in order to force out (all outstanding cards)
25. (Bridge) draw trumps bridge whist to play the trump suit until the opponents have none left
26. (Billiards & Snooker) billiards (tr) to cause (the cue ball) to spin back after a direct impact with another ball by applying backspin when making the stroke
27. (Hunting) (tr) to search (a place) in order to find wild animals, game, etc, for hunting
28. (Golf) golf to cause (a golf ball) to move with a controlled right-to-left trajectory or (of a golf ball) to veer gradually from right to left
29. (Curling) curling (tr) to deliver (the stone) gently
30. (Nautical Terms) nautical (tr) (of a vessel) to require (a certain depth) in which to float
31. draw a blank to get no results from something
32. (Law) draw and quarter to disembowel and dismember (a person) after hanging
33. (Cricket) draw stumps cricket to close play, as by pulling out the stumps
34. draw the line See line151
35. draw the short straw See short straw
36. (Bowls & Bowling) draw the shot bowls to deliver the bowl in such a way that it approaches the jack
n
37. the act of drawing
38. (Banking & Finance) US a sum of money advanced to finance anticipated expenses
39. an event, occasion, act, etc, that attracts a large audience
40. a raffle or lottery
41. something taken or chosen at random, as a ticket in a raffle or lottery
42. (General Sporting Terms) a contest or game ending in a tie
43. (Physical Geography) US and Canadian a small natural drainage way or gully
44. (Metallurgy) a defect found in metal castings due to the contraction of the metal on solidification
[Old English dragan; related to Old Norse draga; Old Frisian draga, Old Saxon dragan, Old High German tragan to carry]
ˈdrawable adj

 

[KPSquared]

Seriously... Pretty sure he meant "drawers"... Do the math

 

[Amrjon]

Yeah no.2
drawers, whatever...

The paint/solvents storage is a good idea, but I already have that covered with some re-purposed fire hose cabinets.... (excuse the mess).

These things are old school, very heavy duty.

 

[Amrjon]

Just like my folks first fridge. it was just trashed about 4 yrs ago, still working 100% but the hydro had a program to get old ones off the grid...

The guy at the place I picked this up from showed me another one he had that was still going strong- (with his lunch in it). It was older than this one though. We estimated '50s.
I'll be amazed if my current fridge which is about 2 years old is still running in another 10 . As for another 50 - no chance.

 

[quietsailor]

Here is a re-purposing before picture.
I picked this up on the weekend because I love the look of it and I can picture it all cleaned up with new paint, chrome and maybe some pin stripes.

But what to re-purpose it as? So far I'm thinking of adding draws and wheels and using is as a cool tool chest, but thought I'd post a pic here and see if anyone has any other ideas?????

Its just a shell, structurally sound and complete but no motor etc and I don't want/need it to be a working fridge..

Would you consider gutting a modern 2nd hand fridge and fitting the parts to this one? Then paint the outside? YOu'd have one cool beer fridge that way

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Draws, are something you can put cit in.

I this case the meaning would be the same as drawers.

Or, draws may also be used like this. Mscott just cit his draws when he read this post.

It is just one of "THEM" words with alot of different meanings.


Capt. Chrysler

 

[Craptain]

Draw is what I used to get ahead of payday.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Yeah no.2
drawers, whatever...

The paint/solvents storage is a good idea, but I already have that covered with some re-purposed fire hose cabinets.... (excuse the mess).

These things are old school, very heavy duty.

looks like you could use a place to store paints and stains. Maybe convert it into a storage cabinet

 

[Amrjon]

Believe it or not that stuff does all fit into those firehose cabinets, I just need to tidy up.

 

[Iroc-Z]

Here is a re-purposing before picture.
I picked this up on the weekend because I love the look of it and I can picture it all cleaned up with new paint, chrome and maybe some pin stripes.

But what to re-purpose it as? So far I'm thinking of adding draws and wheels and using is as a cool tool chest, but thought I'd post a pic here and see if anyone has any other ideas?????

Its just a shell, structurally sound and complete but no motor etc and I don't want/need it to be a working fridge..

To bad it doesn't work because I would use it and not change a thing.

 

[bgarrett]

But what to re-purpose it as?

I saw one of these with a gasoline pump globe on top , gas pump nozzle into the side, some decals, looked great And of course the cabinet has shelves so it can be used to store or display things. A clear panel can be used instead of the ugly back panel for your display. Gas pump on one side, lighted display on the other

 

[Amrjon]

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I never would have thought of the gas pump idea, but I'm interested in that.
No idea where I would find one though, might have a look into it.

 

[69supercj]

Was cleaning out some kitchen cabinets the other day and came across an older say mid to late 60's Osterizer "Galaxie" blender that runs like a champ with probably 6 or so variable speed settings. I hate to throw it out. What would be a good repurposing for this motor? Not sure but it sounds like it would turn 20,000 rpm on high!!

 

[KPSquared]

Make a smoothie?

 

[Amrjon]

Vice re-purposed to mini workbench

More of a modification than re-purposing perhaps, but anyway…..

I’ve collected a couple of these Dawn woodwork vices as I tend to grab Aussie made stuff like this when I can, especially these quick release versions.
So a had a couple lying around not in use.

Also, a little while back it occurred to me now useful my old folding workbench has been over the years.
It was only ever a cheap and nasty one to begin with, both plastic handles have broken off, and it’s been left out in the rain and generally well and truly abused over the years. Yet it keeps hanging on and coming in handy and being put to use for one thing or other.
(mine is like this, I don’t have a pic, but imagine that + 10 years of abuse and neglect, handles broken off, bolts missing... )

Anyway, combining A + B above, I had an idea to use the Dawn vice as the basis for a mini-workbench build.

It’s made from 90x45mm Australian hardwood (Blackbutt) and finished in Castrol Edge 5w-30

I made the legs detachable so that it would take up minimal space if not in use. Design wise, attaching/removing the legs works fine, however the top is heavy as hell which makes it not so easy to handle when disassembled, so it will probably just stay set up in one piece.
It’s great on the castors though, super easy to move around and very firm and stable when they are locked.
Here is the end result.

 

[sberry]

old appliance cab and a sink cut out. I put some free wheels on it and screwed a piece of scrap angle in to stiff up the front of the shelf.

 

[Craptain]

Amrjon. The bench is wonderful and an appropriate use of a great wood vise. Really quality construction.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[alpinewhite]

Re: Vice re-purposed to mini workbench

How did you attach the dynamic jaw to the top?

 

[Amrjon]

There's a few things that will hopefully hold it there nice and tight.
First its a tight fit, so that when the two lengths of timber were clamped together for the glue up, they clamp tight on the steel.
Also, there are screw holes in that jaw for fixing, before glueing the two lengths together the inner one was fixed with two screws. Finally I also used some liquid nails.
Time will tell, but I think it should hold up OK.

 

[PelicanPines]

There's a few things that will hopefully hold it there nice and tight.
First its a tight fit, so that when the two lengths of timber were clamped together for the glue up, they clamp tight on the steel.
Also, there are screw holes in that jaw for fixing, before glueing the two lengths together the inner one was fixed with two screws. Finally I also used some liquid nails.
Time will tell, but I think it should hold up OK.

You sir did well !!!

I would be proud of that table.

 

[VC455]

Very nice idea and execution, but I'm not sure I get it, wouldn't you need 2 of the vices, one on each end to duplicate the usefulness, flexibility and rigidness of the original design?
1) to keep the thing from racking when you didn't want it to, and yet adjustable
2) to allow the 'racking adjustment to grab irregular shaped objects.
maybe I missed something?
still beautiful work ....

 

[bgarrett]

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I never would have thought of the gas pump idea, but I'm interested in that.
No idea where I would find one though, might have a look into it.

There are several places
http://www.time-pass.com/shop/index.html
http://www.oldgas.com/
that sell globes, decals, gas hose and nozzle, face plates to make your fridge look like this. The green fridge is too wide, yours will look good
Dont put the nozzle in the door, hang it on the side like God and Henry Ford intended

 

[Amrjon]

Very nice idea and execution, but I'm not sure I get it, wouldn't you need 2 of the vices, one on each end to duplicate the usefulness, flexibility and rigidness of the original design?
1) to keep the thing from racking when you didn't want it to, and yet adjustable
2) to allow the 'racking adjustment to grab irregular shaped objects.
maybe I missed something?
still beautiful work ....

I did briefly think about using 2, that would be super strong, but overkill for my needs. As is, this will easily exceed the clamping pressure (probably x100) that the folding table is capable off. Of course there will be an amount of racking if I clamp something out at the end an crank it up, but its plenty rigid as is. I'll simply clamp items centrally and for situations where that doesn't suit I've got plenty of other benches/vices clamps etc.
Other than as a simple extra work surface, one of the other uses I've got in mind is to fix various other bench tools that I don't want to mount permanently (vices, grinders etc) to base plates with a section that sits in the jaw and use this to hold them tight while in use.

Your 2nd point is right. I did ensure that the positioning of the legs and the leg cross-braces allows for the use of F/G clamps all round, but this design doesn't allow for clamping irregular shapes directly in the jaw. 2 vices wouldn't achieve that either because they only allow a small amount of racking.

 

[Amrjon]

There are several places
http://www.time-pass.com/shop/index.html
http://www.oldgas.com/
that sell globes, decals, gas hose and nozzle, face plates to make your fridge look like this. The green fridge is too wide, yours will look good
Dont put the nozzle in the door, hang it on the side like God and Henry Ford intended

I'm liking this idea. Thanks

 

[great white tj]

Let there be light..

 

[bubinga]

Let there be light..

thats pretty cool.

 

[great white tj]

This 2" ball works great as a metal shaper. I am working on the the 2 5/16" and an 7/8" shaper now.

 

[bubinga]

This 2" ball works great as a metal shaper. I am working on the the 2 5/16" and an 7/8" shaper now.

l used to have one of those in my tool box, as I did not have a muffler cone, and used to use it to re shape/make rounder muffler inlets/outlets.
And to expand pipes and mufflers slightly.

 

[brianh]

This 2" ball works great as a metal shaper. I am working on the the 2 5/16" and an 7/8" shaper now.

Thats a great idea, I have had a few occasions that would have come in real handy.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Lots of interesting ideas, but I have to ask, what the Hell are "Draws." Sorry, but the use of that word for drawers just irks the hell out of me.

Ain't thems what the hubby puts on after he gets outta the shower? One leg at a time an' all that...

I know the rugrats likes runnin' around without them...

 

[LUKE221]

Nice job rdsk8ter. Show everyone your custom made cutter. After seeing yours I made one too. I can now cut down the juice bottles I use in about a quarter of the time that I used to.

Dang I will be copying that

 

[jawoodworking]

Compared to many of the repurposed projects on here, this is quite tame, but a few months ago I purchased a lot of 3 metal bins at an auction. One of the metal bins was this Mk 14 spare parts bin. I love it because it has all kinds of patina and I can only imagine the miles it has under it and the stories it could tell.

I cleaned it up with a damp rag and then polished it with a bit of paste wax just to help bring out some of the colors. It is now housing my small collection of leather working tools.

 

[Debriefer]

From the department of excess: Funnel storage in a metal drum.

Start with a metal drum that used to be full of bulk chain:

Take a piece of sheet metal full of holes and weld little feet to it:

Seal the bottom of the drum with RTV, and drop in the metal base from earlier:

Toss funnels into the drum:

Put the lid back on, and enjoy knowing that your funnels are cleaning themselves by draining into the bottom of the drum, and are not being exposed to dirt and dust from your shop:

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Great idea. I will use that and add a spigot and legs on the bottom for draining.

 

[bubinga]

Made this tension crank for a delta 14" bandsaw, Other side is not shown, but used a piece of 1/2" rod, and some acme thread and a brass acme thread nut, and replaced the Too Short Delta OEM tension adjustment.
The ball crank is off an old delta tilting top table saw.
looks period correct I think!

 

[nine4gmc]

Bubinga, a sign of great work is when you can't tell anything was done. You did great, looks factory!

 

[bubinga]

Bubinga, a sign of great work is when you can't tell anything was done. You did great, looks factory!

Oh thanks nine4gmc, l just saw this, did not show in control panel for some reason.
Here is todays job, my knees need replaced, so l have a hard time carrying things up the steps sometimes.
Here is a sort of dumb waiter made from a garage door opener.
I just have the bag zip tied to the trolley for the picture, but it will have a hook for bags, and a removable basket for loading items into and sending up.
I would have made a video, but it was getting too dark. You can see what l mean from the photos.
I have a motor cover from a tread mill that will make a rain guard for the motor/gear assembly.

 

[ADSR]

Oh thanks nine4gmc, l just saw this, did not show in control panel for some reason.
Here is todays job, my knees need replaced, so l have a hard time carrying things up the steps sometimes.
Here is a sort of dumb waiter made from a garage door opener.
I just have the bag zip tied to the trolley for the picture, but it will have a hook for bags, and a removable basket for loading items into and sending up.
I would have made a video, but it was getting too dark. You can see what l mean from the photos.
I have a motor cover from a tread mill that will make a rain guard for the motor/gear assembly.

nice job, brother! That's really using your head.

I pray your knees feel better soon!!