Using manpower to resurface valves the old way.

[coolmercury]

These two hand operated machines were used (I don't know how successfully) years ago to resurface valves.  Both operate by clamping the valve stem in a handle and turning the valve against a cutter.  The first one is actually called "The Perfect Valve Lathe" and was patented in 1920.  It actually has three adjustments so may be able to do a good job.  The second one is cheaply made and I actually thought it was newer until I found it in a 1930 Western Auto Catalog, last picture.  I have tried both of them and it would take a long time to actually resurface a burned valve.

[fatfillup]

I wonder if old valves were easier to resurface due to softer steel.

[goodfellow]

I like the catalog -- probably lots of neat old tools in there that have been forgotten over the decades.