Used woodworking tools: getting them back to being useful

[Ohmthis]

My wife’s uncle passed away about a year ago. He lived by himself with adult children who live far away. We went months ago to clean his house and get affairs in order. He was a very talented woodworker and had tons of tools. The estate decided to have someone give a price to take the whole lot. The people who they contacted gave roughly scrap prices. I said I’d take it all for that price. Anyways, I want to get these back to working condition. I don’t know how long they went unused, they were in his unconditioned garage/shop. Everything turns easily, but I want to make sure they are 1) safe to use 2) cut accurately 3) are going to last. I’ve taken pictures and hopefully you guys and gals can see the condition easily. There is a 12” craftsman wood lathe, a cabinet makers table saw, floor drill press, vertical bandsaw, shaper, dust collection machine, and a 15” planer. The dewalt compound miter saw is mine. I also bought tons of chisels, blades, jigs, sanders, routers w/ bits, drills, etc. I gave $250 for everything to give you an example of what the scrap prices were.

 

[hsvtoolfool]

Good heavens, every large item you've shown except the chopsaw and vacuum is worth a lot more than $250. Basically, you got an Instant Woodshop for free. Congratulations!

Frankly, it all looks good to go. Just plug 'em in and test 'em. If you don't already know how, learn how to maintain and service them. That's just cleaning, lubrication, blade sharpening, changing blades, and changing belts. The hardest chore is learning how to "change and set" the blades on that 15" thickness planer.

The most dangerous tool you've got right now is the table saw. If you don't have experience with them, please learn and follow the tablesaw safety rules before using that saw. Kickbacks are dangerous and scary. Fingers are also nice things to keep attached.

 

[Ohmthis]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I know it was a great deal! The “chop saw” was already mine. It is a 12” sliding compound miter saw. I bought it with the “free” stand to trim my last house, trust me, it was a lot more than $250. I have experience with all of these tool with the exception of the wood lathe. Although I have run a metal lathe for several years. I would use the same safety precautions. Maintenance is different than restoring to me. If bearings, spindles, or other parts need to be addressed, I’d like some info. I guess a start would be to get some manuals and go through them. I have ran the drill press and band saw. The others I want to make sure I don’t need to do anything special to make sure I don’t destroy them upon start up.

 

[Davefr]

First of all "you ****" getting all that for $250. I wouldn't overthink it. Just start them up and see how they run.

Here are some tips:
1. Bandsaw - make sure the rubber tires on the wheels are in good shape then just adjust the tracking and blade alignment

2. Drill press - that model has the tiny V belt. It might not hurt to get a replacement to have on hand. Your model looks like it has the ultra scarce table lift. (that will be worth it's weight in gold!!).

3. Table saw - google "table saw alignment". This is where you'll likely spend most of your time.

For everything else just blow them off with compressed air and give the motors a couple drops of oil if they have oil ports. Make sure you start with sharp blades.

Enjoy the tools that were part of your family!!

 

[MarvinBerry]

Those don't look ancient and seem to be in good shape. Make sure blades & such are tight and fire 'em up... watch & listen for any weird vibrations before running stock through.

Take care with the planer, they can be somewhat dangerous too if it gets jammed. Key piece is don't try to take too much material off in one shot. Also a good idea to visually inspect the blade on that for chips & damage... if he was running raw stock & hit a nail or something it'll gouge the blade.

 

[R_einan]

First of all, you ****... that delta band saw is worth more than the $250 you paid for the lot.

Secondly, congrats! You got a heck of a start getting a nicely equip woodworking tool collection.

Now seriously, check any rubber components for damage/wear, check blades and bits for sharpness, check fence/blade alignments for square. Then try cutting some material and figure out what you plan to do with them. As for using them, never force a tool; the tool should do most of the work, your job is to guide and direct the material. If you are having to use force to do a task, stop and assess if a change needs to be made.