I consider myself pretty handy with a set of tools. I have been rehabing a few of my power tools that I haven’t used in years. I began with the drill press. It was covered in rust and I wasn’t sure that the table was dialed in properly. I picked up a box of refinishing pad and some rust remover from a local tool supplier. What I wouldn’t give for a buffer!
After that, I picked up a Craftsman 6″ jointer on Craigslist for super cheap. The surface was true, but had surface rust. The jointer is about 50 years old, but everything works perfectly. I double checked the knife assembly and fence with a dial indicator and straightedge. I again used the rust remover and applied paste wax to the bed. I also had to built a cabinet for the machine to set on and house the motor.
With so much confidence at this point, I found a used table saw built by Rockwell. Rockwell is now a part of Delta which builds great machines. The Rockwell saws have a great reputation and probably the reason why Delta bought them. The example I bought looked to be in great condition. The table top was clean and flat for the most part. It ran well, but was missing a few parts that I new I could get from Delta. We struck a deal and I took the saw home. I felt some conviction because the saw didn’t have a wood splitter or blade guard. For those that don’t know, a splitter and blade guard basically keep you from being hit by wood if a kickback occurs and keeps you from cutting your fingers off. I contacted Delta and spoke with a rep who I provided the model number and what I needed. She was able to tell me every part that I needed to get the splitter and guard for the saw. I placed the order. Within a few days, I received a call for parts pickup. I was so excited that I would be able to use the saw. The clerk rang up my order and it was more than what I paid for the saw itself. With heart in throat, I took my bag of parts home and assembled the table for use. I am still excited about using the saw and it works great, but not so much with paying a brand new price for a used saw at this point. I put a dial indicator to the arbor and it could probably be replaced, but I will disclose that to the person who buys this saw next.
The next tool I picked up was a planer. I found one online that I liked and called the distributor and placed an order for a brand new one.
It’s fun to refurb, but not when you are on a tight budget. I am still looking for a bandsaw. I have refurbed one inthe past and now that I have some experience from the table saw, I might consider a used one.
0 Responses to “A dollar saved..”