Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 25, 2003 02:52am | #1

   EMerckx ,  Those old all aluminum power tools are dangerous. The insulation on the wires is all dried up and brittle. While it might start up, if you plugged it in. the bearings are plugged up with petrified grease. it soon will smoke and burn up,or it's windings will seize up.

   Since these tools were built before OSHA required ALL power tools to be either low voltage or double insulated,

   The probability of you (Or a family member) getting an electrical shock or even worse is high (especially,if used in a damp basement and/or,not using a grounded outlet/Ground fault interrupter)  (GFI)

   Six inch blades are almost impossible to come by. Carbide blades aren't available in that size.

   If you should lend it to a friend, and he dies, your insurance will NOT cover it, so his/her heirs will sue you and possibly soon will own your house/boat/pick up etc. 

   I hope you don't sense a note of negitivity in this post.  Ihave good news though...Ijust saved a bunch of money by switching my insurance to Geico. Stein

1. 
   emerckx | Aug 25, 2003 03:07pm | #3

   Yikes. Excellent reply. It's in the trash and I'll just use my dad's old craftsman wrenches when I need a memory!

   Thanks for the info. Both posters seem to agree. Sounds like I have a good excuse to get one of those nifty PC trim saws.

   Mike

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 25, 2003 04:52pm | #4

   Well a bit late, but.  Lots of older tools seemed to use universal motors (run on either AC or DC) and they do tend to arc a lot, and always did.   No comment on the particular item in question, however 

   http://home.fiam.net/eeharrow/6_16_02.JPG

   Here's "Dumpster Sally" (The saw, not the dog, he's Finbar.)  I got her out of the town's scrap-metal dumpster.  Plugged it in - seemed OK - pulled the trigger - ran like a top.

   I've cleaned it up, replaced the cord, changed the lube, and I've got a dandy 8.25" wormdrive.   

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 25, 2003 06:16pm | #5

   ED, nice job, but don't use it on a union job or in any commercial shop where OSHA guys randomly "Drop in'

   Make sure the cord is three wire (Grounded) and any extension cord used be three wire and heavy enough to deliver full amperage. G,Luck ED,    ED.

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 26, 2003 04:42am | #8

   LOL, If you love Dumpster Sally, you'll adore Big Bertha...

   http://home.fiam.net/eeharrow/extension-adapter.JPG

   She ain't tired, but the operator was pooped.  Back from the days when B&D really meant something.  <G>

   Oh, 10 GA cord employed to run these puppies, OSHA inspectors don't know who I am, nor do they care.  They'd love the suicide switch on Big Bertha.

2. 
   forestgirl | Aug 25, 2003 07:02pm | #6

   Darn, I have an accessory for one of those saw from an auction lot, still in the box.  Always wanted to get it matched up with a saw.  Sure you don't want to make an "old tools" display for your shop, LOL??forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   emerckx | Aug 25, 2003 08:03pm | #7

   I don't seem to have the room for an "old tools" display. That space seems to be constantly filled with cutoffs that someday, surely will be used for some masterpiece!

3. 
   PeteBradley | Aug 26, 2003 07:43pm | #11

   You might take a look on eBay before you take the trash out. A lot of folks collect those things. It's probably not worth a lot, but it might get you a downpayment on your new saw.

   Pete

2. 
   charlesm | Aug 26, 2003 03:47pm | #9

   Not promoting the use of the older saw but want to clarify that carbide tipped 6" blades are available although the bore would have to be enlarged.

   Charles M

   Freud, Inc.

3. 
   ETG | Aug 26, 2003 07:24pm | #10

   I understand the general idea you are conveying, but I don't understand some things you mention.  All voltage to portable tools in the US is supplied at 110/120 AC.  Stationary tools like table saws can be equipped with 24 V magnetic starters and many work environments require them.

   You are right that old machine motors can have cracked/split wires/windings but this is easily tested by a good, qualified motor repair shop.  As far as bearings go, new, unused machines can have the same problem with grease.  Any portable tool needs to have its gear train cleaned periodically and that is fairly easy to do.

   The worst problem about old tools is the lack of replacement parts.  All the older Black & Decker, Porter Cable/Rockwell, etc. portable machines no longer have parts available.  If it's a real "keeper," folks search the same model at flea markets, etc. for parts machines.

   I do disagree with you about the old aluminum machines - in general they are better built and more rugged than today's versions.  I worked in the steel industry for a number of years and we rebuilt/overhauled a number of portable tools simply because the new models did not hold up - and many of these machines were vintage 1950's.  And we were under constant scrutiny from OSHA and our state equivalent and all our machines passed muster.  Actually the opposite happened - our safety folks and external safety folks (Osha, insurance, etc.) felt we were safer with the rugged machines our folks used.

   And loaning out a machine with concern of being sued is just as great with a new machine.  Today's failure rate on portable tools is between 2 and 3 percent - and if one of those 2 to 3 percent is yours and your neighbor gets shocked, you along with the tool manufacture and vendor could be sued.  I'll take my chances on an older machine that I know has been thoroughly checked out and can take the abuse that anyone can dole out.

2. 
   Manchild | Aug 25, 2003 04:26am | #2

   I second Steinmetz's sp? opinion. I've run older power tools and they at best run slow, smell funny, and the brushes arc a lot (good light show if you turn out the lights).

   Set it on a shelf for memories.