Thread: Is there an equivalent to 1960s Durden Pacemaker?

Unfortunately for you, there is nothing remotely like this available for under $500. Anywhere in Australia, since about 1985.

Occasionally you see the odd antique Luna (a long extinct brand) combination machine in that price range second hand but the newest next best thing thing from Kity will be in excess of $2000, second hand.

Obviously you are new to this craft. My suggestion would be to for you to describe what your near and long goals are, and we can offer suggestions.

Hello Mark,
My long and short time goals are to learn new skills in my retirement. Woodworking has always captured my heart. I grew up with a dad who taught wood machining at Leederville Technical college (now TAFE) for 40 years. My brother is still living in the 100 year old home that dad maintained/upgraded. However, all the dressing/preparing the timber pieces were done at Leederville which I did not witness. I only saw the readied timber being installed.

My shortest term goal is to make a frame for a hinged bench seat which will be clad in Perma-Timber to match the deck I am currently building.I have drawn up a design for the bench to hold the cushions. I wish to build a couple of well designed storage lockers for my garden trolleys, a deck platform under my mango tree, various potting benches made out of pallet timber (but I don't like the undressed look). I want to make a coffee table with inlaid black granite top,(which I got from a salvage yard) I want erect fencing screens too. That's the bigger stuff.

I want to make display boxes out of fine timber and embellished with handmade copper hinges and catches. These will be custom made to suit the OOAK polymer dolls and their wardrobe. I want to make purpose built tool carrying boxes that house drawers etc and have specialist places for tools of leatherwork, copper enamelling etc.

And that's just the beginning. Gotta have a dream and reason to engage both mind and hands.

There are similar machines to the Durden, a quick look on Gumtree turned up a Woodfast machine in WA with an asking price of 250.

But there are other options as well, such as the Triton work centres which sold in their thousands mostly to the gunnado types who hardly used them and they can be picked fairly cheaply. I often see the work centre with a saw for 100 or so, the planer attachment isn't that common but I've seen them for 150, the router table is fairly common as well.

Yesterday I answered a Gumtree ad via text message. The lady agreed to sell me the 1960s Durden Pacemaker for $350 and arranged for me to pick up at 4pm. Got another text at 3pm saying "hubby had sold the Durden Pacemaker for $350.

Then today I answered the ad mentioned above, Woodfast machine $250. Got an answering machine. 4 hours later...a A gumtree admin email, saying machine was sold.
"Keepin' my eye out as these inexpensive machine ads pop up and are snapped up quickly...I'm sure to get something soonish."

Originally Posted by Share All

Yesterday I answered a Gumtree ad via text message. The lady agreed to sell me the 1960s Durden Pacemaker for $350 and arranged for me to pick up at 4pm. Got another text at 3pm saying "hubby had sold the Durden Pacemaker for $350.

Then today I answered the ad mentioned above, Woodfast machine $250. Got an answering machine. 4 hours later...a A gumtree admin email, saying machine was sold.
"Keepin' my eye out as these inexpensive machine ads pop up and are snapped up quickly...I'm sure to get something soonish."

You'll definitely find something within the next month or so if you're patient, I've seen Pacemakers and Woodfast combos going lots lately on Gumtree. I'll be sure to post if I find anything.

Both the machines you mentioned actually sat there for a while, the Durden had been listed a couple of times over the last month. So I'm sure you should be able to pick up something if you check in regularly.

Hi Share All

You may wish to join the Fine Wood Association, here in Perth. The club has monthly meetings at which there is usually a couple of lectures on woodworking interests plus information about tools and materials. Generally a turnout of about 50+ each occasion.

Meetings take place at the Perth Wood School on the second monday evening of each month (so you have just missed the recent one). PM me if you want more info.

Also, I shall shortly be advertising a few machines that were owned by a dear friend of mine, who passed away a few years ago. His widow has asked me to sell them on her behalf. These are all quite compact machines. One is a German-built Metabo Tablesaw with sliding table, there is a Black&Decker radial arm saw, a small jointer-thicknesser, and a morticing machine. Contact me if interested in anything here.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by derekcohen

Hi Share All

You may wish to join the Fine Wood Association, here in Perth. The club has monthly meetings at which there is usually a couple of lectures on woodworking interests plus information about tools and materials. Generally a turnout of about 50+ each occasion.

Meetings take place at the Perth Wood School on the second monday evening of each month (so you have just missed the recent one). PM me if you want more info.

Also, I shall shortly be advertising a few machines that were owned by a dear friend of mine, who passed away a few years ago. His widow has asked me to sell them on her behalf. These are all quite compact machines. One is a German-built Metabo Tablesaw with sliding table, there is a Black&Decker radial arm saw, a small jointer-thicknesser, and a morticing machine. Contact me if interested in anything here.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I don't want to tread on any toes as you've offered them to Share All, if he's not interested I would probably buy the Metabo table saw.

Bueller, I have private messaged Derek about these items.

Originally Posted by Share All

Bueller, I have private messaged Derek about these items.

So close! Haha enjoy them mate.

Pacemaker on Gumtree for $200 at the moment if you're keen for a trip to Safety Bay.

Woodworking saw and thicknesser Pacemaker | Miscellaneous Goods | Gumtree Australia Rockingham Area - Safety Bay | 1127850848

Thanks Bueller, but I bought the items that Derek Cohen offered. So now I am on a steep learning curve and loving it. Nothing like new challenges to keep the brain and hands fine tuned.

Good to hear mate!