Metal Power Tools - Remember Them??

[crash325]

Was wondering how many of you still have and use power tools made of Metal.

The sears (Craftsman) is over 40 years old and is used quite often. After a while it gets hot. But let it cool a little and go again. Finished the oak floor with it last year.:thumbsup:

Not sure how old the Black & Decker tools are. The sander needs a minor repair. The 1 speed saber saw works just like it did when new. :laughing:

I've got a few others but these were handy.

 

[groundcover]

You bet, a couple of Craftsman sanders, big Rockwell grinder and a beast of a Rockwell 1/2" drill ,Rockwell saber saw, back when tools were built to last !:thumbsup:

 

[Jim Thompson]

I have my dad's old Craftsman circular saw that is probably from the 50s and an old Black and Decker 9" grinder that will take your leg off if you just think about mishandling it. Sure does make the sparks fly though.:thumbsup:

Jim

 

[smstonypoint]

I have my Dad's Skil (sidewinder) circular saw from the late 1950s-early 1960s. The saw is incapacitated due to a burned-out motor -- a consequence of my using the saw with an extension cord that was too light. I kick myself for that mistake.:ashamed:

I made some inquiries about getting the saw repaired, but got no encouragement from local repair shops. This thread will prompt me to renew my efforts to restore the saw, although I don't think I would ever use it again -- it weighs a ton.

Steve

 

[Ken]

Steve a motor rewind shop can do the work. I have one that is rebuilt and as much power as when new. also the 2nd is still going strong.
Can't wear them out they just keep running. unless some one pushes to hard and chokes the blade when sawing.
ken

 

[k0ua]

Have one old Skill 1/4 inch drill, all metal, and a big honking heavy as all get out Skill 7 inch grinder.. thing weighs a ton. Works good tho, you can just use its weight to grind with, no pushing needed!

James K0UA

 

[smstonypoint]

Steve a motor rewind shop can do the work.

ken

Ken,

Thanks. I going to put this on my "to do" list.

Steve

 

[JDgreen227]

As I am almost 60 years old, I remember those althought the only one I have is a Porter Cable circular saw, but those are made of metal even today. I have seen a number of the older metal power tools at thrift stores but would never consider buying one, I have so many tools already I don't need any more, PERIOD.

 

[crash325]

As I am almost 60 years old, I remember those althought the only one I have is a Porter Cable circular saw, but those are made of metal even today. I have seen a number of the older metal power tools at thrift stores but would never consider buying one, I have so many tools already I don't need any more, PERIOD.

Aw Shucks, Never Enough tools. :laughing: You being a youngster have plenty of time to wear out a few. :thumbsup:

When & If I ever really get my shop staightend out, I have some really old stuff to get out. A hand cranked Drill Press, a Timber Drill and some more old goodies.

On the list of to do's is set up a black smith shop. Set up and actually use most of the old stuff. :thumbsup: Hidden by the ladder is a hand cranked forge.

 

[MMagis]

I still have a number of my dads. A 3/8” Craftsman drill, ½” Porter Cable drill, A Skil reciprocating saw, and an old HEAVY 7” angle grinder. I’m pretty sure all are older than me and I still use them regularly. However, the weight of the reciprocating saw has me considering a new one.

 

[20 20]

I have a couple saws, skill saw and jig must be close to 50yrs old now, if not more.

 

[jonyyuma]

A word of Caution, if you still use these metal handled tools, Be sure to check the cords. If a wire breaks it can accidentally electrify the handle. If replacing cords it is best to add a grounded cord to it. Plus be sure to use a grounded extension cord. These old tools have claimed a lot of lives>> Just 2 cents.

 

[rswyan]

The 1 speed saber saw works just like it did when new.

Had one of those .... sold it when we moved .... kinda wish I still had it.

 

[JDgreen227]

A word of Caution, if you still use these metal handled tools, Be sure to check the cords. If a wire breaks it can accidentally electrify the handle. If replacing cords it is best to add a grounded cord to it. Plus be sure to use a grounded extension cord. These old tools have claimed a lot of lives>> Just 2 cents.

Good advice there, THANK YOU for adding it. I started to say something about not wanting those old metal cased power tools because of the shock hazard. With a metal case, it should be easy to attach the ground pin on a newer cord.

Just wondering here, if you had the old 2 wire metal power tool plugged into a GFI outlet, wouldn't that provide protection in most cases if the hot wire in the tool shorted out?

I am such a Nervous Nellie around power tools, I won't use my newer double insulated ones on anything BUT a GFI outlet.

Gonna tell you guys a funny story, yes it's funny now. When I was younger and dumber, I had a Craftsman circular saw with an on-off switch that would stick. And to make matters worse, the blade guard would sometimes stick too. But it was MY tool and I knew about the hazards. Well, one day my brother came over when I wasn't home and borrowed the saw...he was using it to cut trim boards on the floor. Well, he cut thru a 1X6 with the saw, set it on the floor, and the blade guard stuck, AS DID THE ON-OFF SWITCH. The saw traveled across the brand new vinyl floor, ripping a groove in it, until it ran over the extension cord and lost power.

From that day on, I either repaired or junked any power tools that malfunctioned in ANY way before using them. NEVER AGAIN will I use one that is unsafe.

 

[johnrex62]

As a young lad I had the pleasure of being a carpenter's gopher. I was on my first jobsite helping raise walls when I was a mere 4 yrs old. My sole job was to make sure the studs were on the line. I tried to help position a door buck, but it weighed more than I did and put me on my ***.

I was perhaps as old as 8 or 9 when I was given the task of helping the lead carpenter cut a roof. My job was to had him whichever tool he needed. His saws were all Milwaukee or Skil saws with the full metal housings. One morning we were working in knee high grass which was full of dew. Everytime I picked up one of the saws I got shocked and dropped it quickly. After 5 or 6 shocks, I got courageous enough to refuse to pick it up again no matter how much the carpenter cursed or yelled.

After he became disgusted at me and picked it up himself I was sent to the truck for screwdrivers and electrical tape so he could repair the short. :thumbsup:

 

[JDgreen227]

As a young lad I had the pleasure of being a carpenter's gopher. I was on my first jobsite helping raise walls when I was a mere 4 yrs old. My sole job was to make sure the studs were on the line. I tried to help position a door buck, but it weighed more than I did and put me on my ***.

I was perhaps as old as 8 or 9 when I was given the task of helping the lead carpenter cut a roof. My job was to had him whichever tool he needed. His saws were all Milwaukee or Skil saws with the full metal housings. One morning we were working in knee high grass which was full of dew. Everytime I picked up one of the saws I got shocked and dropped it quickly. After 5 or 6 shocks, I got courageous enough to refuse to pick it up again no matter how much the carpenter cursed or yelled.

After he became disgusted at me and picked it up himself I was sent to the truck for screwdrivers and electrical tape so he could repair the short. :thumbsup:

Can you imagine what a case a child labor law attorney would have had in your situation?

 

[2manyrocks]

I remember metal power tools. Maybe the ones we used to have were cheap, but today's tools are much better, IMHO. I would not go back.

 

[jonyyuma]

If you are well grounded, as in laying under a house and drilling a hole. Then the tool or cord fails, it could be as fast as a hairdryer in a bath-tub. .While getting shocked hard, it is hard to talk or holler for help. If it is strong enough you will taste copper or your tooth fillings in your mouth. It only takes a little current in line with the heart to be fatal. I like the new double insulated tools, plus they seem to be built stronger and better designs.