Restoration work can be done only with hand tools, if you work exclusively with a museum. Normal clients don't care how it was done, only that it looks good. Of course, time is also money and it takes money to buy my last tool first.
Needing a thickness planer that was usable but affordable I kept my sights on one of the local woodworking forums. After a month or so, I found the diamond in the rough.
It's not big at only 6 inches wide. Nor does it self-feed, it only has a flat surface for me to push a board through manually.
It's definitely not pretty, but it is solid. (It weighs nearly 200 lbs with the stand.)
It was manufactured just after World War II and the blades are sharp. It works really well, not to mention the fact that it cost me $60. I used it to mill about 24 foot of 3 inch wide reclaimed poplar for the laundry basket project yeaterday.
For the price it was a great temporary solution to a long-term problem. It will definitely work until a larger one comes along.
I love that it has history, and (knowing you) I bet even if you find a better one, this will become a prized backup. Speaking about history, please post some of these museum projects pictures (finished & listed with interesting quandaries over doing the projects) for me. I have been following your projects, but the step-by-step has overwhelmed me on keeping track of what was what? I envy you in the success you have found in getting / finding the kind of work you love so much. Stay healthy brother- there are risks involved, and I want to follow your success for a long- long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike! Like you, I do believe that it may stick around for a while after I upgrade, I guess it all depends on how much space I need.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that finished projects would be nice to post, too bad I always forget to take "before" photos. Haha. I will make an effort to make a few "big project" entries in some upcoming blog posts.
Also thanks for all your support, Mike! You've always been a big part of my success; past, present, and future!