Guys,
New to this forum, but have been poking around a little to see the wealth of valuable information.
I think I'm about to inherit a Jeffwood 703 thicknesser that's seen some better days. I plugged it in today and it started and looked like everything that should spin was spinning. I've been told it was last used about 3 years ago and has been sitting in someones backyard outside under some rags and a plastic tarp. It does have some rust, but it dosn't look as bad as i would have expected for something that has been living out side for so long. It looks no where near as bad as the pics Stewey posted.
Im fairly new to woodworking and am looking to start collecting some tools to help me along the way. I have always had an interest in old tools and for this reason I would like to try and restore this machine to its former glory. There is however several problem, I have no idea where to even begin because i have never pulled a machine apart or restored an old metal thing before.
Im hoping someone lives in Melbourne (im near Airport West) that would be interested in coming to take a look at the machine and give me some advice on how to go about getting it in safe working order. At face value i imagine i would need to change the belts, bearings, blades and ???. I dont even know how to go about getting parts!
Simply put.... im looking for a mentor and someone that is willing to spend some time with me to teach me the ropes and pass on skills and knowledge that seem to be fast disappearing with my generation (im in my early 30's). Is there anyone out there that is perhaps retired and interested in passing on their knowledge?
Regards,
James