Who needs Car Boots?

[Harbo]

My father died over 7 years ago and when my mother moved to smaller accommodation I had the task of sorting out his workshop.
He was a hobby woodworker and a bit of a Magpie, my maternal Grandfather was a Mechanical Engineer who also tinkered with wood and metal and his father was a wheelwright back in the 1840's
So I found a lot of stuff - 3 generations worth, which due to the quantity and other logistical problems I just boxed up and took them home.

Every now and then especially when its raining, I have a sort through.

The sad thing is that a lot were not kept (by my father) in the best condition so its quite a job cleaning and de-rusting to get them usable again.
My latest task is getting a number of hammers back to life and I have come across a number of 2 foot metal folding rules.
What's the safest way of cleaning them without destroying the markings - the rules that is?

Rod

 

[custard]

Funny you ask that, I was just reading the Anarchist's Tool Chest and sure enough there was a section on refreshing a folding boxwood rule without removing the markings, I think he used oxalic acid, but I'll double check and get back to you!

 

[Harbo]

Thanks Custard but mine are metal


Rod

 

[Alf]

I'd treat them like a saw, Rod. Fine wet 'n' dry (As fine as 400g for safety) wrapped round a hard block with a little white spirit. (If they can't be rescued, those old rules make cracking good scratch stock blades, so all will not be lost)

 

[Harbo]

Thanks Alf - I think a couple of them are past it but one is a Lufkin Rule Co. Saginaw USA. Is not too bad and has some brass features at the ends.

Rod

 

[adidat]

i struggle to believe you rod, but lots of pictures will help change my mind :twisted:

adidat

 

[AndyT]

I've used 'Barkeeper's friend' powder (sold for cleaning stainless steel sinks etc) and found it good, on a non-precious old steel ruler where I just wanted to see the markings and use it.

 

[Harbo]

Here's the cleaned up rule alongside a couple of others:
Lufkin Rule Co Saginaw USA No. 87? with brass tips.

A for the unbeliever here's a small selection of stuff I am working on:

The saw is a Mansell Tool Co. Sheffield Cast Steel - I cannot find anything about it?

One of the hammers has "Put it down" stamped on it - somebody's joke?

Rod

 

[adidat]

very nice, like the perfect screwdrivers and the little lathe

adidat

 

[Benchwayze]

I think the hammer without a handle might be a roofer's or tiler's hammer.
Can't be sure. but it looks familiar.

The 'Put it Down' is a 'nudge' to the curious not to take it away!

Similar to the phrase I used to write in my books 'This Book was stolen from....' :mrgreen:

John

 

[GazPal]

I think the hammer without a handle might be a roofer's or tiler's hammer.
Can't be sure. but it looks familiar.
The 'Put it Down' is a 'nudge' to the curious not to take it away!

Similar to the phrase I used to write in my books 'This Book was stolen from....' :mrgreen:

John

For the shaftless hammer head I'd say it's a brick hammer or an adapted sett hammer with it's hook removed/worn away.

 

[dickm]

That "little lathe" is a real beauty. From what is visible, it looks like a relatively recent Unimat 3 complete with the milling accessory, which for small metal stuff is a remarkably versatile and useful tool. Daughter has its predecessor, the 1200, for jewellry work, and uses it an enormous amount.

 

[Harbo]

Yes its a Unimat 3 I bought off a deceased Watchmaker/Clockmaker - it came with lots of Unimat accessories and with what I found out later, some clock wheel cutters.
Hence another hobby:

And for some woody things - the fittings and blades for these:

Rod

 

[Benchwayze]

I think the hammer without a handle might be a roofer's or tiler's hammer.
Can't be sure. but it looks familiar.
The 'Put it Down' is a 'nudge' to the curious not to take it away!

Similar to the phrase I used to write in my books 'This Book was stolen from....' :mrgreen:

John

For the shaftless hammer head I'd say it's a brick hammer or an adapted sett hammer with it's hook removed/worn away.

OK... Accepted! :mrgreen:

John

 

[soulboy]

That's impressive Harbo, can you make small cogs with slanted slanted teeth (worm gear?) chris

 

[Harbo]

I don't really know - it's got a screw cutting attachment but I've never used it?

Rod

 

[soulboy]

ok, thanks, chris