Introduction: Restoring a 1965 Rockwell Compactool Jointer
My Dad passed away Jan 13, 2014, so this instructable is for you Dad.
Before my Dad passed away he had tools and other items that he wanted to make sure I received as he knew my passion for Woodworking and older collectibles. He stated that the jointer worked and it was given to him by a very good friend of his.
When I got it home I went on line to understand when they were made and what was behind the Rockwell Compactools. I went on vintagemachinery.org to obtain a manual as I knew I was going to take the tool apart to restore it.
http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=1141&tab=3&sort=2&th=false&fl
Step 1: Tools and Supplies Needed to Restore the Jointer.
1. Mothers Aluminum Polish
https://www.amazon.com
2. Buffing Wheel
https://www.amazon.com
3. Soft Cloth ( sock or cotton t-shirt )
4. Red Paint ( you can use any color )
Lowes rust-oleum
5. 4 feet of 14 gage 3 conductor wire
Lowes
6. Elbow grease ... lot of it.
Step 2: Re-wiring the Jointer
In looking closely at the Jointer I noticed that the wiring needed to be repaired. All of the wire was splitting as shown in figures 1 - 3.
Figures 4 - 5 show the new wiring. I had to remove the motor and solder the new wire in then attach to the switch.
Once re-wired I turned it on and it ran like new, the motor sounded strong and the Jointer had little to no vibration.
Step 3: This Was the Condition When I Received the Jointer
As the surfaces that I wanted to restore was Aluminum I new I wanted to use Mothers Mag and Alum. Polish.
I took the fence off and noticed some light scratches on it and the table so I did the following;
a. I used 400 grit wet and dry sandpaper to remove the scratches
b. I then moved to 600 grit wet and dry sandpaper to start to polish the metal
c. I then used Mothers on a buffing wheel to give it a deep polish
d. In areas that I could not get close enough with the buffing wheel I polished by hand
Step 4: Table and Fence Polished. I Painted the Blade Cover and a Few Knobs and Replaced the Wood Base
This is the completed project which after finishing I was able to show my Dad.. He was impressed and happy that I was able to restore it and still use it today.. When I go out to my shop, I get a smile on my face seeing the Jointer on my shelf..
Thanks Dad..
Love Bruce

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Before and After Contest 2017
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