Tool Repair & Restoration
One of my favourite things is taking old tools that look like they are at the end of their life, and restoring them to their former glory and function.
Do you have a loved machine or hand tool that you would like restored? Below are some of the tools I’ve had the pleasure of working on.
Tanner Planer
This fantastic old Tanner Planer was found tucked away at the back of a garage and had not been used for many years. It was suffering from all of the degradation of old age. After a full strip down and repaint, the electric motor was fully serviced and new bearings installed. The electrics were fully replaced and a control box with motor overload protection and an emergency stop was installed. A custom cut set of new blades and a new drive belt were fitted. The fabrication and fitting of a belt guard, shavings diverter and lockable castors made this a versatile and mobile piece of kit for the workshop. A hand made blade guard has been crafted and fitted since these photos were taken.
Log Splitter
One of my favourites in our collection of restored hand tools is this 8lb log splitter made by True Temper in the USA. It was found in a pile of old tools in a second hand store in terrible condition. With a lot of careful cleaning and a few minor repairs I was able to restore the original Hickory handle to service. The head responded well to a lot of work with the wire brush and and a good cut and polish. The handle has been given several coats of Tung oil to protect it and restore the suppleness of the timber and this is now an often used tool in our kit.