Thread: What are the most used tools for restoration....

Originally Posted by Richard

Thanks Glen, but at the risk of sounding stupid, what do you use the vise for? I have tried a dremel vice for holding my dremel tool but found holding the blade to the work bench and fetching the dremel to it also gives good results. Am I missing something?

Rich

“Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions.” – Mark Twain

Let me count the ways

To nestle the razor with the jaws slightly open when I file the old pins off..
the same use as I take a 1/16 punch to pop the pins

to hold the new scales together while the rubber cement dries
to hold the scales after cutting and initial sanding to sand the contours in..
to hold the 1/16 rod when I cut them off for pins
to hold the 1/16 rod when I file off the cut end for pins
to hold the 1/16 rod when I do the initial peening on one side for pins
to use as the anvil to peen in the pins (drill a few sizes of divots in the top)
To straighten out bent tangs see some of the DA threads
to hold a razor for mod'n the curves
to hold a razor to fix a heel
to hold a razor to fix a toe

those are just off the top of my head

Great post, Glen. Would you, and whoever else responded with their setups, mind posting the exact manufacturer and model of whatever power tools you're using?

My restore tools:

Dremel: I use a 400 XPR Dremel, with the Dremel Flex Shaft using the following accessories:
-Dremel Flapwheels (80 & 120 Grit)
-Dremel Buffing Wheels (180, 280, 400 Grit)
-Dremel Chuck Key
-Dremel EZ-Shaft
-Dremel cotton buffing wheel
-Felt Wheels

Tumbler: I use a Lyman 1200 Pro tumbler for finishing my razors. Walnut and corn-cob media loaded with TurtleWax rubbing and polishing compounds, respectively. Works great if you dont have the time to polish by hand.

Drill Press: The most economical solution for me was to purchase the Dremel Workstation. It serves as a drill press and tool holder. A great buy for a Dremel guy.

Slack Belt Sander: I use the 1" x 30" belt sander from harbor freight. It really works great for making scales, and I have even used it for regrinding a razor tip. Its not high quality by any means, but it is compact, cheap and efficient. I would buy another one if it broke on me. I also have 1" x 30" sanding belts up to 400 grit.

Bench Top Sander: A must have. There are various tools, but the one I currently use is simply an inverted handheld 1" x 18" belt sander. I use a wooden jaw hand screw to keep the belt sander from moving around. Its an old beast, and loud as hell. Once I get a few &'s, I'll get a Delta benchtop/disc sander combo from Lowes.

Power Saw: I own the Skil 9" Band-saw from Lowes. A good deal for a bandsaw that works. Not top of the line, but it gets the job done. also, a Japanese pull saw works if equpped with a proper jig and some cutting skill. I recommend the Skil band saw for its low price, and good workload.

Originally Posted by commiecat

Great post, Glen. Would you, and whoever else responded with their setups, mind posting the exact manufacturer and model of whatever power tools you're using?

Lathe: King Canada KWL-1016C (Power Tools, Woodworking and Metalworking Machines by King Canada)

Band Saw: Delta 28-206 14" w/ open stand

Sander: Ryobi 4x36 Belt + 6" Disk bench Sander

Scroll Saw: Delta 2000 series (I forget the exact model)

Drill Press: Mastercraft 9" (Canadian Tire)


For anyone who can get them, I highly recommend King Canada. Very solid tools, industrial class stuff at consumer prices.

I guess I am a Craftsman kind-o-guy, pretty much my whole shop is Craftsman... I know it probably ain't as good as it used to be but heck everything is "Made in China" nowdays anyway...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I guess I am a Craftsman kind-o-guy, pretty much my whole shop is Craftsman... I know it probably ain't as good as it used to be but heck everything is "Made in China" nowdays anyway...

When I was a kid in the '80s I think I got my father several Craftsman items every birthday/Christmas for years. Now that he's relaxing up in the Smoky Mountains, his shop is almost entirely Craftsman as well.

I asked for specifics mostly to help my Google searches. I got those acrylic blanks you sent me (many thanks!) and started working on them last night. I did a rough cut with a Dremel and fiberglass cutting wheel, then I cleaned up the edges with the 60-grit sanding drum, and finished the contour by hand sanding with 400-grit. I'm really considering a bench sander and the Dremel drill press, and maybe a tumbler to make things easier. Besides, you can never have too many power tools.

Dremel: I have a no name Dremel. It's green and has a pink knob for speed adjustments.
Buffing wheels.
Cotton and felt wheels.

Ultrasonic: Diamondback 2-quart tank. Heated with timer. All digital display.
Variety of solutions. Personal favorite at the moment is Aqua2000.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I have been noticing quite a few threads about what tools are used in restoration workshops...



Buffer: if you can only have one get a 1725 rpm or a variable speed and get a buffer not a torn down grinder the longer the arbors (arms) the better...These can also be made from an old washing machine motor...
Watch the HP, for what we do you don't need a ton of it....This is one of the most dangerous tools we use, I tend to want a lower HP rating so if I mess up it doesn't yank my arm off...

Can you point me in the direction of instructions on how to make a buffer from a washing machine motor?

I just happen to have one in a washer with a leaky tub. I would love to make it a winter project.

Thanks.

I use the following:

Harbor Freight 36" x 4" / (6" disc) bench belt sander ($80)

Delta variable speed 8" 1725-3450 Buffer/grinder with all guards removed ($115)

Harbor Freight drillpress ($42)

9" Skil bandsaw ($100)

Variable speed dremel, corded /w flexshaft attachment ($80)

I put together my shop on the cheap, and nothing has failed me yet.

What do you call them magnetic blocks people use to set the razors against?