Official Luthiers Forum!

Not too many places where guys can get excited over machines, but I thought you guys might enjoy this.

After looking around for weeks to find a smaller size jointer for my garage shop, I stumbled across what appears to be a NOS (or very close to that) Craftsman 4.25" jointer from the late 50's or early 60's. My dad's shop has the 6" version and it is a killer machine. The 4.25" jointer appears to be identical in everyway except size. The one I am getting (should be here today or tomorrow) was basically still in original non used condition. All the manuals and warrenty cards still attached. Compared to todays 4" jointers, this one is all cast iron even the fence! It is built like an old ford truck! This should be perfect for light duty work. I like that the controls are still in the back by the in-feed table. A few years after this model, they changed the controls to the front side by outfeed table...which does not make sense to me.




Just thought I would share some of my excitement!

Joe

_________________
Joe

Cool- I love old tools. I was able to pick up a Inca 510 last year that was in the same condition. With a little care they will outlast us both-good luck-Bill

_________________
Mistakes are mandatory-learning from them is optional. http://www.opensourceluthiersupply.com

Thanks Bill.

Honestly, the old tools are built so much better than MOST of the modern ones. Even the smaller table saw I used to own was much better than the modern one at my shop right now. Back then things were cast iron or at least steel. I think even the metal appeared to be better back then. An old set of chissels seem to last for ever. A modern set is almost a throw away unless you buy the top end expensive ones. My Buck chissels are nice, but the new stanely and craftsman are no where near as nice as the old ones.

The other thing is, so many people are selling the old tools for so cheap! I don't think they realize how much better they are than the newer import stuff. I picked up this old craftsman for less than a 1/4 of the price of a modern flimsy 4" version.

Cheers!

_________________
Joe

Joe, I have one that has the same style of fence. Be careful with it. It will bite you if you aren't paying attention when you loosen the bolt. There is enough metal in the fence that it really smarts when it gets your fingers.

_________________
Aoibeann

Thanks Lillian! I have used the full size version of this same model off and on for about 30 years...since I was a kid. And your right the handle can pinch ya good.

I just recieved the jointer this afternoon. The table I made was small, but still way too big. This thing is really pretty small. Its perfect! I took a neck I had started making a few weeks ago and trued up the face. It was awesome. (I had cut the truss rod slot, but did not mount the fingerboard. The humidiy got really high this past week, and it opened up a touch). Placed on the machine and in one pass it was perfect.

So when I unwrapped this thing, it really was brand new NOS from the 60s. the gray paint was still on the blades. After I used it once, the paint was gone! The knives are sharp and the tables are in perfect adjustment.

Joe

_________________
Joe