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Second-Hand Tools Part 2

October 15th, 2009 in blogs     
patrick_mccombe Patrick McCombe, contributor
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Removing the cap screws that hold the motor to the main casting was the toughest part of the rebuilding. The process went faster once I realized the manufacturer had drilled access holes for the two least-accessible fasteners. Before that, at a quarter-turn at a time, it was slow going.
Almost done. Here Im installing the covers that provide access to the chuck. From start to finish, the process took a little over two and one-half hours. On the difficulty scale, Id say this project ranks about a 2.5 out of 4.
Ready for action. I even reinstalled the warning plate on the front of the machine, just in case I decide to pawn my purchase off on somebody else.
Removing the cap screws that hold the motor to the main casting was the toughest part of the rebuilding. The process went faster once I realized the manufacturer had drilled access holes for the two least-accessible fasteners. Before that, at a quarter-turn at a time, it was slow going.

Removing the cap screws that hold the motor to the main casting was the toughest part of the rebuilding. The process went faster once I realized the manufacturer had drilled access holes for the two least-accessible fasteners. Before that, at a quarter-turn at a time, it was slow going.
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As you may recall, in a previous post I described how my new mortiser that I thought was such a great deal turned out to have a cracked casting. Since the casting holds both the chisel and the motor, my new tool was nearly destined for the scrap pile. But instead, I ordered a new part from Sears and brought it back to life.

Swapping all the parts was actually a pretty straightforward procedure and I didn't need any special tools. Now that I'm up to $110--between my original purchase and the new part--you might ask, "Is having a used mortiser worth all this effort?"

Until I start making square holes, it's tough to know and I already used up this weekend's shop time fixing my purchase, so I'll save that discussion for a final installment. But in the future, you can bet I'll give a more critical eye to the second-hand tools I'm considering.

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Comments (1)

dungoogoogaroo writes: you could always strike up a friendship with a competent welder who could weld up a casting good as new in a jiffy Posted: 6:05 am on October 26th
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