Thread: Two new machines to restore

G'day Kadzu,

Keep it coming, this will be an interesting thread.

I wonder since you're going to the trouble that you are, if it'd be an idea to take it back to it's original colour?

Originally Posted by Waldo

I wonder since you're going to the trouble that you are, if it'd be an idea to take it back to it's original colour?

I was thinking the same. If you can find out what the original color was. I looked at (only) a few of the H&B restorations on owwm, and several colors have been used. Dunno if any were original. A couple of them had the letters in a contrasting color; looked good to me, if not too much of a contrast.

Joe

There was none of the original paint left on this machine. I found something gray last night that might have been some paint on it. So, I really don't know what color it might have been. But if I had to guess it was probably gray(grey).

I have restored several 1940's machines and use them in my shop. I painted them all very close to the original shades of gray. Very loyal to that. Fact is, I am tired of gray. I want a color that will look like it could have been used when it was new but makes this machine stand out but not because it is some bright color like pink!

Now if this were going on display somewhere I would try to find the original color and use that. But this is going in my shop where few people will see it, outside a couple of WW forums. There is no real collectors value to the jointer, so I am not hurting the value of the machine. And besides, paint it easy to change. So no permanent damage to the machine.

I don't like seeing old machines painted modern colors most times. So I am going to use colors that could have been used at the time. Bottom line is I am tired of gray. And since these two (the bandsaw and joiner) will be center pieces in my shop I want something different but still within traditional colors. I can see why some will say it's wrong and I have said that on some machines before too. But I just need a change from gray!

enjoying the progress pics.

I hear what you're saying about the Grey. I think the black will look cool if you do the lettering in a contrasting color. Something to break it up. You could play with a few colors on the lettering to see what looks best, after all you can just paint over it.......and then put it to a poll here and we will vote!

Originally Posted by Kudzu

I have restored several 1940's machines and use them in my shop. I painted them all very close to the original shades of gray. Very loyal to that. Fact is, I am tired of gray. I want a color that will look like it could have been used when it was new but makes this machine stand out but not because it is some bright color like pink!

Massey-Fergusson or Caterpillar Yellow. Then paint the guards and lettering in a matt-black. A paint job that shouts at the world: "Danger! I am a real woodworking machine! I eat wood for lunch and pick my teeth with the Operator's finger-bones!"

Excellent thread, and looking forward to more posts.
How about leaving it black and highlighting the letters in gold? Although, I must say I was taken by Skew's suggestion.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

I trust that the one going to the aircraft museum will be missing one knob?

Good one Skew

Fantastic job so far Kudzu. I have a friend who did a restoration on an old metalwork lathe (British origin) and he used a deep green with red contrast. But yellow for highlights is a real 'look at me' colour. Good stuff! Keep 'em coming.

Cheers,
Keith

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Massey-Fergusson or Caterpillar Yellow. Then paint the guards and lettering in a matt-black. A paint job that shouts at the world: "Danger! I am a real woodworking machine! I eat wood for lunch and pick my teeth with the Operator's finger-bones!"

ROFLOL!! Only thing is we paint our Massey's Red up here, but I love it!!

Interesting thread, looking forward to more progress
I often think about picking up some old,solid machines and cleaning them up. Dont make em like they used to eh

I worked in a shop in the Uk for a few years, most of the machines were old Wadkins and Robinsons (beasts they were!) they were all green, with red and sometimes gold contrast writing. They looked good
Cheers.

Haven't gotten to work on it much the last couple of days. Did some work for some other people. Now I am so sore I can't work.

Here are a couple of progress photos.



I have started to put things back together! Always a good turning point. Of course there is still a LOT of work yet to be done but this is always a high point for me. You can see my color choices too. I am not going to use much green, but just some accents. The tables mount on top of the green pieces. They will be painted black on the underside with just the edges painted green.



I am cleaning the table using electrolysis. I remembered I had some plastic barrels stored in my barn and they were almost the perfect size. So I cut the top off one and dunked the table in there. The tops are so heavy I can't pick them up. Had to use the lift to move them around.



Judgin by the rusty foam on the top of the tank I would say that it'd doing it's job. It's been in the tank about 36 hours. It will be close to 48 before I can pull it out and inspect it. But I am betting it's ready. Of course I have to flip it and do the other end since the tank is not tall enough.

Jeff,
Well done been following the work with interest, you must have a well proportioned shop to fit a monster like that. Great web site too bin thinking of building garage doors your story is just the inspiration I needed.

Thanks
Mike

Thanks! The garage doors are one of my favorite projects. There were no where near as hard as I expected but were more rewarding than expected! Not to sound like I am bragging, but I still smile when I look at them.

I have one side finished. The table is installed, raises up and down PROPERLY and the top is polished. The other one just came out of the tank and is drying. Then it it will get a quick cleaning and priming.