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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
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    439

    Default Restor to Original or pimp it

    I have found an old Alta Combo that I was interested in.... just wondering what people thought about restoration.. Should a machine like this be restored to as close as original as possible or would it be an OK thing to make a few mods to pimp it a bit. The area I was thinking about was to maybe trying to add some sort of dust extraction..... I notice on another thread that Matty seemed to leave them pretty much original. I also wanted to build a better mobile base to avoid the topple issue that these seem to have. This would be my first restoration so I will be calling on the many learned people on here for guidance... will share pics as the progress occurs.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Sth Gippsland Vic
    Posts
    4,355

    Default

    Pimp It .
    I like the Alta . Did my apprenticeship on Dads one which he bought new.

    I love the original Paint with Patina and a buffed all over look like its been used well and loved as far as looks go . That's Cool .

    But then I think back to the first time my jaw hit the floor at the first look at Jacks PK here !

    As far as mods go though , I think its a great idea . specially for safety and dust control.

    I had a Carbatec table saw for years . I didn't mind drilling and tapping a hole in its top which meant I could bolt a stop in place which stopped the cross cut sled going to far and falling off.
    And I got stuck into the insides with an angle grinder and removed part of the sheet metal base to make the dust extraction go out under the wooden floor boards off to the dust extractor. Instead of out the side of its base.

    A better base would be a good idea too . So many have broken fence adjusters because of those little wheels that the Alta came fitted with.
    I bet some got broke in the first week people had them delivered .
    Rob

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Canberra
    Posts
    5,124

    Default

    Pimp it to mega-retro!!!!!

    I am prejudiced. I love old machines made wicked sexy: After Restoration Pics

    IMG_0571.jpg

    Add digital readouts, black paint, pin striping, modern attachements and chrome/brass steampunkery.... nice

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    Northern Beaches, Sydney
    Age
    68
    Posts
    329

    Default

    Personally I like old machines that have been restored as close as possible to original right down to the same paint colour but we all know that some parts are unobtainable etc. In those cases fudging it with a different pulley setup, a more powerful and newer motor or a VFD is totally OK in my book too. Then there are the restored yet modernised machines that just look so much better than the original ones...
    http://vintagemachinery.org/photoind....aspx?id=8854S

    Stewie

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Thats one awesome looking machine woodpixel.... I think I wouldn't want to use it looking that good

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Thanks Rob..... I was thinking along your lines.... Close paint colour...work out a method to add dust extraction... I think adding something under the jointer will be easy but the saw may be a bit more difficult.... The other thing I was thinking is mabe making brass vernia to replace the manky aluminium ones on both fences.. and of cause the mobile base to avoid the topple issue... as this machine will need to be easily movable due to my workshop also being where the wife parks her car.... Its not a bad thing really as it makes me keep the place tidy and also makes me think carefully at about having a place for everything. I do like shiny things so I am sure there will be some polishing where it's going to look great

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Rockhampton
    Posts
    439

    Default

    Thanks Stewie.......Yes I can see the argument for a restoration to original.... just wasn't sure if the Alta machine was that valuable to require this treatment..... It is a machine I would like to keep and use and if I can make it safer and more user friendly I would like to do that.... where possible. As always I appreciate your learned advise.

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