First electric powered saw that I learned on...now mine

[Bundoman]

My dad offered this one to me awhile back and I finally went to pick it up!  Delta Homecraft 28-110 with a similar vintage Century 1/4 hp. motor.  I plugged it in and the motor purrs.  Delta recommended 1/4 hp. in the manual and the original owner must have sourced this one when he got the saw.  Saw appears to be 1955 vintage by the serial number registry I located online.  Dad put the saw on this base when he bought used in the early 60’s and tells me that the base was from an old office machine of some sort but not sure anymore what or where it came from.  When I retrieved it, the base had a large mouse condo in it from years in the back shed and rust is prevalent in the base because of it.  I will need to address this.  New tires and a replacement for the missing blade guard are incoming from the auction site folks and I have this one torn down to clean, address the rust and paint the saw.  Guides and all bearing appear good and serviceable and I hope to be cutting again with it very soon.  I do not intend for a full restore but just to freshen her up a bit.

This saw and I have “history” as I cut my some of first power tool wood on this saw as a kid, first by turning the pulley with one hand while moving the wood with the other hand. Later, when I was deemed ready by my dad, we plugged it in and this became the first power saw that I was allowed to operate.  Glad to be making it a part of my shop.  Not fancy or impressive, but it will allow me to keep a wide blade on the big saw and use this for Moore intricate cutting.  Glad to have it!

[Cal]

Very cool Brent, be sure to post up another pic or two after the rehab.

[Larry Buskirk]

The Homecraft saws like this are commonly referred to as "Gumby" band saws.

I used parts from one of these to rebuild a Delta 785. Lot's of parts available. 

Very Cool to bring back a blast from your past. 

 

[Bundoman]

A little Progress!

[Gunny]

Well that is coming along nicely!!  

[Larry Buskirk]

Looking good! 

Same wheels I used for the 1930's 785. 

[Al B]

Wondering, Wasn't Homecraft the brand name for Montgomery Ward tools?

[Bundoman]

50 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Looking good! 

Same wheels I used for the 1930's 785. 

Very pleased thus far with the overall condition of things on the saw.  New urethane tires are here and look like they will be a good fit although they are slightly thinner than the rubber originals. Probably will get them mounted tomorrow.  The base will be more of a project though.  It is really a mess from rust. Still thinking through a good plan of attack for it.  It may be that I sand blast it to get control.  TBD...

[Bundoman]

2 minutes ago, Al B said:

Wondering, Wasn't Homecraft the brand name for Montgomery Ward tools?

Homecraft was sold as the “crafters” or “hobbiest” line of Delta Rockwell.  This saw was built in 1955.   The serial tag in the above photos tells the whole tale.

[FlGatorwood]

Great story and nice bandsaw.  Looking for projects using that bandsaw.  

[Bundoman]

1 hour ago, Al B said:

Wondering, Wasn't Homecraft the brand name for Montgomery Ward tools?

Thinking about it more, PowrKraft (unsure if this is correctly spelled) may have been the Montgomery Wards line.

[Larry Buskirk]

8 hours ago, Bundoman said:

Thinking about it more, PowrKraft (unsure if this is correctly spelled) may have been the Montgomery Wards line.

Just missed the - Powr-Kraft. IIRC Delta supplied a few machines that wore the Powr-Kraft name.

I miss the old Monkey-Wards store.  

[Larry Buskirk]

10 hours ago, Bundoman said:

Very pleased thus far with the overall condition of things on the saw.  New urethane tires are here and look like they will be a good fit although they are slightly thinner than the rubber originals. Probably will get them mounted tomorrow.  The base will be more of a project though.  It is really a mess from rust. Still thinking through a good plan of attack for it.  It may be that I sand blast it to get control.  TBD...

I still need to mount my tires, I went with the thicker rubber tires.

Have you ever tried Electrolysis for rust removal? It's real easy. 

 

[Bundoman]

18 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

I still need to mount my tires, I went with the thicker rubber tires.

Have you ever tried Electrolysis for rust removal? It's real easy. 

I have been considering this as a first option but the only problem is that I haven’t got a large enough tank and may have to fabricate something temporary with sheet plastic and creativity.  “Mouse exhaust” is really tough on metal parts and this may be the best option so thinking on it.  The toughest part is that the base cannot be reasonably disassembled as its all welded and has dividers and shelves impeding access so getting everything clean will be a challenge.  Probably will work harder at saving this one than I normally would simply because of The history.  I fear that when I start removing the rust, the bottom shelf will be a shot holed mess!    I Have to give my garbage cans a good look to see if it will fit in them.  It could be a possibility ..

 

[Al B]

11 hours ago, Bundoman said:

Thinking about it more, PowrKraft (unsure if this is correctly spelled) may have been the Montgomery Wards line.

That sounds right. I knew their brand had craft or Kraft in the name. 

[Bundoman]

Finally getting back at this thing!  Been busy around here so it’s been slow going!  I think I can finish it up tomorrow night, at least assembly.  Tuning may take a little time as everything was apart.  Paint isn’t perfect as I have been pushing the cold weather and I wound up with a couple small runs on the base but overall greatly improved!  At least the rust is now under control and with a large livestock tank, I was able to use electrolysis to clean the base and then coated with inside with rust converter before painting.  All new wiring and I was able to disassemble and clean the original switch so it functions properly again.  A few more pictures are included just as promised.  

[Gunny]

That is a beautiful job.  

[Cal]

That looks fantastic Brent!  Now, tell us what that other "project" you got going there in the background?  I do not recognize that sharp body line above the rear wheel

[Bundoman]

36 minutes ago, Cal said:

That looks fantastic Brent!  Now, tell us what that other "project" you got going there in the background?  I do not recognize that sharp body line above the rear wheel

That is my first car, which I bought at 15 years old.  1967 Mercury Cougar.  It gets intermittent attention but mostly wears sawdust these days.  Brought it home in November of 2018 after storing it 28 years.  My son and i got it started and got some new fluids in it to preserve it.   That project is a little rich for this college dads bloods for right now however.  

[Bundoman]

10 minutes ago, Bundoman said:

That is my first car, which I bought at 15 years old.  1967 Mercury Cougar.  It gets intermittent attention but mostly wears sawdust these days.  Brought it home in November of 2018 after storing it 28 years.  My son and i got it started and got some new fluids in it to preserve it.   That project is a little rich for this college dads bloods for right now however.  

 

Pics....it has survived pretty well but does need a fair amount of cleanup.