Vintage Craftsman toolboxes and a PC tool appraisal

[txlonghorn1989]

I picked up some old toolboxes yesterday off of CL for $10. A couple of Sears Craftsman toolboxes and a shop built wooden toolbox. Just wondering what you guys would recommend on removing the rust from the Craftsman toolboxes while still trying to retain as much original patina if that's even possible. I'd also appreciate any thoughts on the wooden toolbox and the little surprise that came with it.

Thanks for any input/advice!
Mike

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I'm wondering also if you guys know dates for when the toolboxes would have been from and the same for the PC router. Is it worth anything? Is it desirable or better yet a good user? It appears that one of the router handles isn't original but I'm not sure which one.

 

[LB-1911]

Here is a start -

How to tell Craftsman Tool box years?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245177

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Thanks for the link! Looks like most likely from the 70s-80s. I figured earlier than the 80s but not clear from the link.

 

[JHuston]

For what it's worth, the router was built c. 1957-60. It was called the 1100 before that date ( 1949-1956) and was sold under the Rockwell name afterwards ( 1960-1980).
The smaller knob is original, the larger one looks like it's off a Stanley router.
-James Huston

 

[txlonghorn1989]

For what it's worth, the router was built c. 1957-60. It was called the 1100 before that date ( 1949-1956) and was sold under the Rockwell name afterwards ( 1960-1980).
The smaller knob is original, the larger one looks like it's off a Stanley router.
-James Huston

Thanks for the info James!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I was hoping to get some advice on what method you guys would use to remove the rust from these two Craftsman toolboxes? I've used vinegar and electrolysis. I think I prefer the electrolysis but should I be concerned with that harming the badges? Fyi, I am not restoring these toolboxes. Bought these for my son who does hand painted signs. He loves the old look but I want to get rid of the rust if I can to prolong the life of these great old toolboxes as long as possible. Your advice and thoughts are most appreciated.

 

[Larryjones]

If I wanted to keep the patina I would just rub them with 4 0 steel wool and wash them with a detergent to get any old oil or grease out then give them a couple coats of a clear laquer or enamel, what ever is compatible with the paint on them. Don't do any rubbing on the badges just keep them as they are.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

If I wanted to keep the patina I would just rub them with 4 0 steel wool and wash them with a detergent to get any old oil or grease out then give them a couple coats of a clear laquer or enamel, what ever is compatible with the paint on them. Don't do any rubbing on the badges just keep them as they are.

Larry,
When you say rub them with 4.0 steel wool I assume you're talking about get ALL the rust off but just using steel wool. Is that correct?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Larryjones]

I was thinking just get the loose stuff off, don't be real agressive, after all, the rust is part of the history.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

The larger of the two Craftsman toolboxes has some pretty severe rust with a dime sized hole in the bottom already. I want to stop the rust process and the only way I know how is to get rid of the rust. Will applying lacquer stop the rusting process? If not does anyone know of other options to STOP the rusting process?

 

[YoungVolks]

If it were my box and I wanted to save the patina, I'd use steel wool as well. If I didn't want to save what's left of the original colours and rust, I'd have it sandblasted and I would use a product called POR-15. "Paint Over Rust" is a product that I've used a lot and it does a fantastic job of sealing and converting rust so that it does not get any worse. Fantastic stuff. Though, it doesn't like paint, so you'll have to remove the lose paint and flaking rust first.

If there is a dime sized hole in the box, chances are with blasting or rust removal it will get bigger, so you're likely going to have to use some body filler to fill in the hole. I'd use the stuff with fiberglass strands in it, much more rigid than just straight Bondo.

Clear lacquer will seal in the patina but probably won't last as long especially if it's a user.

Unless you fully restore the box, taking all the old rust and paint off, cleaning it really well, using some POR on the rusting spots, and priming and painting it, you'll never stop the rust, or even the patina that's on there.

I like things to look old too, but there's a question you need to ask yourself if it's going to be a show piece or a user.

Just my two cents, hope I helped.

YV


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cope]

I had one of those P-C 100 routers. IIRC, it's 7/8 HP. It's great for small bits. I found a 1 1/2HP Milwaukee and gave the P-C to a friend. That was 1980, and last I knew it was his only router and still going strong.