Thread: First Time

I think I have the pics coming thre this time

Hey George,

That's more like it!! Now that I can see what you've done, I'd have to say for your first efforts with minimal tools, you've done a very nice job! (And a nice job with the photos, too!).

I don't think there's really the "one" tool that you'd need for restoration. That's kind of like asking for the one hone needed for sharpening (though, I suppose a lot of folks would say a Norton 4/8K would be that hone--well, maybe, but life is sure easier with a few more hones!).

But, the first tool I'd recommend is greater knowledge. Aside from the restoration forum, there's some good info in Bill Ellis' restoration CD (not a video DVD, but more of a restoration manual on CD). He sells it for $26, so that may or may not fit into your budget (or perhaps you already have it). You can buy it here:

Restoration CD

Undream (Brad Maggard) has what I thought was a very nice 91 minute restoration from start to finish DVD (that I actually just got last week) for $2.75. He also has posted all the segments on youtube, but, I figured for $2.75, this is a steal! (Plus, I like to support the guys here on SRP when I can). If you don't have it, I'd recommend getting it (particularly for for such low cost, you just can't go wrong, IMO!). You can order it from his website here:

Straight Razor Edge – Restoration and Custom Scales » For Sale

Of course, there's more than one way to skin a cat. But, the more knowledge one has, the easier it becomes to skin cats!

Beyond, that, I'm thinking probably have a buffer, wheels, and compounds would make the restoration process a lot easier. Harbor Freight has some very low cost buffers (I've bought a lot of stuff from them, and while they're not the highest quality, most of the stuff they sell gets the job done).

I'm very, very hesitant to even mention this, but I've used it before and it works; though, it can be very dangerous, too. (Hence, my reluctance to mention it). But, I will anyway. However, if you're not familar with power tools, or if you're not a very detailed--or safe--kind of person, then PLEASE DON'T DO IT!!

I've spent most of my life working as a machinist, and I'm well acquainted with the dangers of machinery; so I was willing to try it. (It was in a time period in my life when I didn't have much money). But, if you lack experience with power tools, then don't do it. PERIOD!

You can use a hand held belt sander in a similar fashion to a floor mounted kind by inverting the belt sander and putting it on the floor. I placed a heavy piece of steel on one side of the belt sander, and, sitting on the floor, used my foot to press against the other side of the belt sander to hold it in place. Then I could use both hands to hold the object to be sanded against the belt.

OK, guys, I know a lot of you will say, "Hey, that's dangerous, yada, yada, yada..."

I believe I've already mentioned the "dangerous" part, nor do I recommend this to anyone.

A safer alternative would be to mount the belt sander inverted in a vice (bolted to a table, of course), with access to the switches. But, the belt sander would have to be a configuration that would allow it to be clamped in the vice, so you need to find one that would be held securely. I've done this as well, and it works much, much better, and obviously is a lot safer. However, the belt sander has to held securely in order for it to work, other wise it's just as dangerous as the other method.

Of course, if you don't already have a decent vice, or belt sander that could work as described, then for the cost you'd be better off just getting a floor model belt sander (I got mine for $200 at Harbor Freight). But, if you appartment is small, then this option really isn't going to work (plus these units are HEAVY!). If cost is an issue, stick with hand sanding.

But, the most important piece of equipment you can buy is a pair of safety glasses!! I presume you already have them and wear them, but if not then you're a fool!! I get REALLY upset when people don't wear safety glasses! I have glaucoma, and have already lost some of the vision in one of my eyes. I've had 4 eye surgeries (and now have a hole cut in one of my eyes to reduce eye pressure), and currently have double vision with glasses (the result of my latest cataract surgery which left one eye far sighted, and the other eye near sighted--currently my doc are trying to correct my vision, as well as my double vision with contacts, but so far the results are "so-so").

When I worked as a machinist, twice I had to go to the emergency room to have stainless steel slivers removed from my cornea, and that was WITH wearing safety glasses!

So, the most important thing you MUST have is safety glasses--and don't be lazy about wearing them. It only takes an instant to have your eye put out!

I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but it's that important!

And, for fully disclosure purposes, I'm a newbie to straights myself. My ebay razors have been in fairly good shape, so all I've need to to was apply MAAS and elbow grease. So, in your first restoration efforts, you're further along the line than I am.

However, I approach this post as a machinist, in which I have lots of experience. I think your greatest time savings and results would be acheived with a buffer. Next would be a belt sander, preferably in a floor mount.

A verticle band saw or scroll saw would be nice, but in an appartment situation, the verticle band saw is completely out of the question. The scroll saw...mmm...maybe, depending on size and weight. (I have a verticle band saw and see no need for a scroll saw, but it's several hundred pounds and is in the garage).

Anyway, I like you first efforts! From my perspective, you're definitely headed down the right track!

Oh, and thank you for taking the time and effort to post the new pics! These I can see! (Initially, I thought my monitor might be having issues in that the blade was so dark, I couldn't see anything but the profile!).

Best of luck to you in the future, and I look forward to your restorations being posted for sale in the classifieds!

Kent