Hi All,
First time on this forum, usually hang out on “Knots”.
I acquired a Rockwell Jointer 8″ model 37-315. I’ve been on line and filled out the order form to get a parts list and owners manual.
I’m looking for comments as to the overall quality of this machine so I can gage how much energy to put into restoration
Any comments from any one who has a like unit or has used one would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much!
Mack (from Knots)
“WISH IN ONE HAND, S–T IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST”
Replies
The old ones were as good as anybody's, for that size. You collecting or using?
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
VaTom,
I wish I had the space to collect stuff that big!! LOL Just using in the case of the jointer. I got it free but the outfeed table has some damage. Monday it goes to the machine shop where I had my 1950 Unisaw table reground. I figure if I can get it up to speed (bead blasted, painted, two new sets of knives, new bearings, link belt, table repaired and tuned up) for under $500, I'll be in tall cotton. I'm hoping the machine shop guy can repair the table for under $300. It has a chunk missing from the dovetail about the size of my thumb. Will have to be welded/filled and remachined. It could be junk but the Baldor motor alone was worth the hauling.
Thanks for posting.
Mack (from Knots)"WISH IN ONE HAND, S--T IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
You're welcome. Forgot to say "welcome to bt".
I prefer old tools. My 12" jointer I picked up at a machine shop auction. It was the smallest there and set me back $350, fully operational. Babbets that are still working fine. Also has the only rack and pinion gearing for moving both tables away from the cutterhead that I've ever seen. Why anybody bothered I have no idea. When I scraped off the grease and grime I found gilded detailing.
The reason I asked about your intentions was that I've encountered many tool owners who have little intention of using them. Not necessarily collecting for profit, but not using. Built a house for a guy who has the largest collection of hand planes I've ever seen. Noticed on ebay that he's still buying. In his world I'm a "Nahmy" (Normy, as in Abrams) due to my use of electric tools. I'll refrain from offending anybody by repeating my response.
When he offered to find me a compass plane I accepted. A week later he offered me my choice of 3, then told me which one to buy. It had a lovely repair which didn't affect function but made it close to worthless for a collector. Love it.
Good luck with your jointer. Sounds like you have something nice there, if not very collectable (due to the repair). <g> PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Mack -
Here's where you'll get more info than you'll ever need about that machine:
http://www.owwm.com
The older Rockwells are great machines, pre-1975 or so. There are some dogs after that time, but jointers are fairly immune from major design screwups.
Jon E