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sleamhain · Nov 8, 2008, 12:27 PM

Anyone out there know of a site that reviews older power tools? Or even a trade mag etc.. I'm looking at some bench grinders and drill presses- heavy duty equipment. I've heard from people in the field that the older stuff is built really solid and better than the new stuff out there. But I'm not familiar with the brands - any help appreciated. I'd like to hear from you if you've had personal experience with older model power tools - maybe you could let me know what you liked about a particular make and model, drawbacks, repairs necessary, parts availability etc.
Thanks in avance -

Scleros · Nov 9, 2008, 01:54 AM

There's Old Woodworking Machines for some information. Not reviews per se. Many of the companies listed also made metalworking equipment.

I have older equipment from the following companies:
Delta - 1940s drill press
Duro - 1930s belt sander
Rockwell - 1960s tablesaw, bandsaw
Southbend - lathe
Walker-Turner - drill press

My father has:
Bridgeport - vertical mill
Cincinnati - pedestal grinder
Clausing - drill press, lathe
Do-All - vertical bandsaw
Kalamazoo - horizontal band saw

Advantages:

Stuff can be had for cheap at auction if you're willing to put some effort into cleaning and refurbishing the machine.
Heavy/Durable. Designers didn't have a computer to tell them that was really all the metal they needed to put into the machine to prevent it from breaking when it would inevitably be used in a manner not intended.
Availability. A modern day equivalent may not exist, so it can't be bought even if the ridiculous amount of money it would likely cost isn't a problem.
Little/no plastic.
Duty cycle? What's that?

Drawbacks that come to mind:

Finding original equipment in good shape without a lot of wear is a challenge.
Finding parts ranges from hard to impossible as manufacturers have gone out of business, merged, been bought and product lines changed.
Significant guarding retrofits may be required if OSHA compliance needed.
Significant effort may be needed to get machine operational.
True condition of machine not always evident until it is sitting in your shop and money parted with.
Feature set and ease of use of newer machines often superior.
Metric? What's that?
Heavy.

Clough · Nov 9, 2008, 02:16 AM

Hi, sleamhain!

That's an excellent question that you've posted! This thread could be some kind of review board, for that matter!

If you would let us know the particular makes and brands that you're considering, there will hopefully be a number of people who will come along who might know about them. We do have at least some people on this site who are well-versed in the use of power equipment of various kinds. They usually are posting the most in the home improvement type of topic areas.

Thanks!

sleamhain · Nov 12, 2008, 08:29 AM

Thanks! I have two immediate questions:

Wilton bench grinders - I don't have make or model at the moment, but will try to supply in a later post. Is Wilton, or was Wilton a good name? The equipment I looked at seems to be about 40 yrs old.

Old Sears Craftsmen power tools - I just learned that the older power stuff was made by Rockwell.
Anyone out there have old S.C. stuff that they're happy with?

I'll have more questions, I guarantee.

S

KISS · Nov 12, 2008, 08:44 AM

My friend has a power tool, I haven't even seen before. It's a drill that's horizontal. The bit doesn't rotate terribly fast.

You push the work in and it drills, pull it out, the bit reverses and move the work to the between both directions and it stops. Your holding the work in your hands.

I shouldn't say drill. He uses it to tap wood in his business.

Scleros · Nov 12, 2008, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by sleamhain

Is Wilton, or was Wilton a good name?

I like my Wilton vise, but it basically just sits there not saying much.

Originally Posted by sleamhain

Anyone out there have old S.C. stuff that they're happy with?

6" jointer - Fence could be more rigid.
12" wood bandsaw 113.24260 - Acceptable, light/medium duty saw. Fence design I find awkward. Table trunnion support bracket could be more rigid (cast aluminum vs. cast iron).

Sears/Craftsmen products vary depending on what company actually manufactured them. Most of them I consider light/medium duty. This Sears and Craftsman Source Product Code List may be useful.

Steamfab · Jul 20, 2012, 11:31 AM

I registered to this site because I know I can find answers from experts from time to time. Hopefully, I can also be of help. I came across that vintage machinery site and instantly became a fan. I like the sturdy looks of those vintage machines. When time permits, I will take an old machine, refurbish it and post it in that site.