Sent to the garage in 1999

[BumoutBob]

When I moved South in '99 I gave a Rockwell 6" jointer to a son-in-law who didn't use it and stored it in his garage. This weekend I got it back. It cleaned up easy enough. The bearings were a little tight but loosened with some oil. Runs great now. The motor you guys will appreciate, it's a 1953 1/3 HP Westinghouse. Still runs. How about that switch. This was in my fathers shop back in the '50s.

 

[toolferone]

Looks great! Not alot has changed in all those years. Nice to have a old friend back.

 

[nelsone]

That's a great looking tool. Glad to hear it's geting a new life again!

 

[LeftyTom]

I have a soft spot (perhaps between my ears) for old power (or hand) tools.

 

[Larry Rose]

My dad had a shop when I was a kid (far away and long ago). He had bought all of it from a retired cabinet maker so the equipment had to be from the early fifties or before. I sure would like to have them now just for the fact that they got me interested in wood working. My dad had to sell all of the bigger machines when he moved. The only thing I have of that shop is an old Diamond Edge plane about a #3 size.

 

[BumoutBob]

I have a question for the old power tool builders: the bearings were tight on the jointer and freed up when lubricated, are they going to fail quickly? I could hand turn the cutter head but I could feel a lot of drag.

 

[DIYGUY]

I think it is awesome! You should post it over on OWWM as well. I don't think your bearings are anything to worry about. I am guessing based on the tool vintage that they are ball bearings and not babbits. I would take the bearings out, soak them in something such as kerosene (or any solvent other than gasoline) to clean them out. A trick we used to use on bicycle chains would likely work here as well and that was to soak them in warm (not hot!) ATF. The nice thing about ATF is that it clings well without being spun off. I am sure others here will have equally good (or better) tips for you.

Your motor is a jewel - don't neglect it either!!

 

[Larry Rose]

Lefty Tom, BTW we moved from Jonesville. I graduated from what was then Jonesville H.S. in 65 and my folks moved east in 66.

 

[BumoutBob]

Thanks for the replys. I think pulling the bearings and soaking them is a good idea. What I can see right now is what appears to be shields on the bearings, not rubber seals.

The motor has bearing boxes that have lube caps. The shaft turned easy so I just added oil. When running a hard maple board thru it on edge, there was no bog so I guess I have enough motor. Wiring and switch need upgrading. There is a 1/2 HP TEFC on my shelf so I may trade up---sometime. Should probably build a belt guard too.