Author Topic: Vintage corded tools  (Read 23942 times)

Offline DeadNutz

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Vintage corded tools
« on: August 26, 2018, 05:32:56 PM »
Here are some of my vintage power tools.
Craftsman 1/4 drill 2250rpm and looks like a date of 4-58 which makes it less than 2 years younger than me. $5, works great.
Power House 3/8" drill, $2, works great.
These came from an estate sale of a fellow who made clocks.

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2018, 05:39:11 PM »
A 1/4" Hercules drill with a Portalign drill guide from the same sale, $2.
The first power tool I bought in 1978 was this Montgomery Wards sabre saw. I had to build a small doghouse using scrap 1x lumber and I couldn't afford a circular saw so I went with this. Still works great and I wonder who made it?

Offline kwoswalt99

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2018, 06:04:43 PM »
A 1/4" Hercules drill with a Portalign drill guide from the same sale, $2.
The first power tool I bought in 1978 was this Montgomery Wards sabre saw. I had to build a small doghouse using scrap 1x lumber and I couldn't afford a circular saw so I went with this. Still works great and I wonder who made it?

The Hercules was made by Pet tools, the jigsaw was made by McGraw-Edison.

Offline john k

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2018, 10:18:53 PM »
Found this Craftsman sabre saw with metal case, earlier this year,  works great, replaces one that I bought used 35years ago.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2018, 05:14:29 PM »
Interesting that you guys call these sabre saws, I call them jigsaws.

Is that regional or something ?
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Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2018, 05:25:58 PM »
My late FIL Dunlap chromed 1/4"er drill is a show stopper.

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2018, 05:35:47 PM »
Thats a beauty looks like it's from a Buck Rogers movie.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2018, 06:46:14 PM »
Thats a beauty looks like it's from a Buck Rogers movie.

Thanks! Someone asked if it was available for sale, so, I asked the wife (as it was her fathers). The look I got said I would be sold before that thing!  :-\

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2018, 08:42:08 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2018, 08:57:04 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o
« Last Edit: September 07, 2018, 09:10:10 PM by bonneyman »

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2018, 09:01:59 PM »
Here's my Shop Craft 1/4"er. Don't know if it qualifies for vintage (prolly 60's or 70's) but it's the best dog gone drill I've ever had.

Been on the look out for it's 3/8" brother for 5 years.

Offline kwoswalt99

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2018, 09:15:44 PM »
Here's my Shop Craft 1/4"er. Don't know if it qualifies for vintage (prolly 60's or 70's) but it's the best dog gone drill I've ever had.

Been on the look out for it's 3/8" brother for 5 years.

I had a 3/8 one, but I sold in a huge lot of vintage power tools.

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #12 on: September 07, 2018, 09:35:11 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o

My wife shops at the same stink eye look store as yours. She can even give it to me over the phone.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2018, 11:18:06 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o

My wife shops at the same stink eye look store as yours. She can even give it to me over the phone.

Now that's funny!  :))

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #14 on: September 07, 2018, 11:38:36 PM »
I see you can relate.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #15 on: September 11, 2018, 11:28:19 PM »
My corded drill wouldn't really count as vintage because it's from the late 70's to early 80's, but when I picked it up from the flea market the guy had this awesome beast of a Thor that I really wish I would've picked up but it was more than I wanted to spend when the 3/8 Craftsman is just what I needed to replace my broken Skill but I'm sure it was well worth it.

That Thor really was a big ol beast of a drill and it was heavy too, I don't have the arms for such a drill anyways so I guess its best I didn't take it home.
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Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2018, 11:41:57 AM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o

My wife shops at the same stink eye look store as yours. She can even give it to me over the phone.

Now that's funny!  :))

Shoot, that's nuthin fellers, my wife taught your wives that look! The women in the wife's family are known far and wide for their " Hairy Eyeball" Just look up "Hairy Eyeball in the dictionary and you will see a group shot of all the split tails in my wife's family looking back at you! Ya, seriously!  :))
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2018, 11:40:51 AM »
My two Craftsman 3/8" drills. The older one is probably 70's, the later one is probably 80's or later.

Offline goodfellow

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2018, 12:54:22 PM »
The early one is definitely 70's and/or early 80's. That drill was at one time Sears'  "Bread and Butter" drill. They sold millions of them, and they were excellent quality.

Back in the early 2000's they could be had for just a few bucks at garage and yard sales, but these days they seem to be a bit more rare, and they are starting to have some collector's value. Last one I saw in mint condition w/ original box at a Yard sale was almost $30. I should have snagged it, but am already swamped with more vintage corded drills than I know what to do with.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #19 on: September 18, 2018, 01:49:48 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o

My wife shops at the same stink eye look store as yours. She can even give it to me over the phone.

Now that's funny!  :))

Shoot, that's nuthin fellers, my wife taught your wives that look! The women in the wife's family are known far and wide for their " Hairy Eyeball" Just look up "Hairy Eyeball in the dictionary and you will see a group shot of all the split tails in my wife's family looking back at you! Ya, seriously!  :))

OK, UB, when I come to Kansas City to visit Epstein's I won't come by your house. We'll have to meet down the road at a pancake house or something. I don't think I could survive a Hairy Eyeball!   :-\

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #20 on: September 18, 2018, 02:02:56 PM »
I'll bet she wasn't keen on the idea.

For the record I've been on the receiving end of that look.

When did my wife give you that look?   :o

My wife shops at the same stink eye look store as yours. She can even give it to me over the phone.

Now that's funny!  :))

Shoot, that's nuthin fellers, my wife taught your wives that look! The women in the wife's family are known far and wide for their " Hairy Eyeball" Just look up "Hairy Eyeball in the dictionary and you will see a group shot of all the split tails in my wife's family looking back at you! Ya, seriously!  :))

OK, UB, when I come to Kansas City to visit Epstein's I won't come by your house. We'll have to meet down the road at a pancake house or something. I don't think I could survive a Hairy Eyeball!   :-\

You can park off of the alley and I will slip you into the shop when the coast is clear! LOL

Not just "The Hairy Eyeball", but "The German/Irish Hairy Eyeball" which is indescribably bad. The MIL holds classes for the young up and coming split tails in the family weekly so that they are nothing but teeth and hair by the time they come of age with the full ability to strike terror into the hearts of most men, especially the young and unprepared. Fortunately for me I was seasoned beyond the reach of mere mortal female efforts from a lifetime of case hardening by my old man, especially grumpy and cranky by the time he was thirty and as such unfazed by all Hairy Eyeball efforts, regardless the caliber! Anyway, in training from infancy each year of age seasoned me crankier and crankier as to be totally impenetrable to any and all Hairy Eyeball attacks, even from the old MIL, "The Grand High Priestess of the Hairy Eyeball'  which is what all of those younger refer to her as in hushed and reverent tones....... :))
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #21 on: September 18, 2018, 04:16:13 PM »
Youse guys have infected me with the vintage corded tool disease.  I picked these up in a $5.00 box lot over the weekend.  The one at the top is a Craftsman the lower one is a Fairchild.

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #22 on: September 18, 2018, 04:19:34 PM »
Those are very Mr Mercury!
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline goodfellow

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #23 on: September 18, 2018, 08:20:28 PM »
Youse guys have infected me with the vintage corded tool disease.  I picked these up in a $5.00 box lot over the weekend.  The one at the top is a Craftsman the lower one is a Fairchild.

Damn -- you did great on that deal. They're both keepers. Fairchild brand is new to me -- can you please show a close-up on the ID Plate --

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #24 on: September 19, 2018, 04:04:07 PM »
Cannot show the ID plate as it wraps around the drill and pictures don't come out.  So, here it is: Fairchild Made in U.S.A., Model F149, Serial No. 123283,110-120V, AC-DC, For service return to Fairchild Industries, Burlington Vermont USA.   What is the deal on the ability to use AC or DC? ???

Offline goodfellow

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #25 on: September 19, 2018, 05:26:39 PM »
Cannot show the ID plate as it wraps around the drill and pictures don't come out.  So, here it is: Fairchild Made in U.S.A., Model F149, Serial No. 123283,110-120V, AC-DC, For service return to Fairchild Industries, Burlington Vermont USA.   What is the deal on the ability to use AC or DC? ???

Thanks -- I had a hunch it was Fairchild Industries.

It's called and AC/DC universal motor -- uses special winding in the stator.

Offline kwoswalt99

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #26 on: September 19, 2018, 05:48:02 PM »
Cannot show the ID plate as it wraps around the drill and pictures don't come out.  So, here it is: Fairchild Made in U.S.A., Model F149, Serial No. 123283,110-120V, AC-DC, For service return to Fairchild Industries, Burlington Vermont USA.   What is the deal on the ability to use AC or DC? ???

Thanks -- I had a hunch it was Fairchild Industries.

It's called and AC/DC universal motor -- uses special winding in the stator.

All corded power tools can run on dc as well as ac.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #27 on: September 19, 2018, 09:41:05 PM »

All corded power tools can run on dc as well as ac.

Really? I never knew that. Can you explain that, or provide a link that does?


Offline kwoswalt99

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #28 on: September 19, 2018, 11:23:22 PM »

Offline Rural53

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #29 on: September 24, 2018, 04:37:44 AM »
My father's Wolf 1/2" General Duty Drill, made by Wolf Electric Tools Ltd, London England. I still use it when I absolutely, positively have to make a hole in something. I can't find much about this drill, or the Wolf company in general, I suspect it is early 60's.  It has incredible torque. It has twisted itself out of my hands a couple of times and bitten me once. I had a 2.5" hole saw in it drilling a hole in a bull bar. It caught and smashed my hand against the bull bar mount. I thought I had broken bones in my hand but luckily only bruised it badly!   

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #30 on: September 24, 2018, 09:20:51 AM »
That Wolf drill looks like a beast for sure.

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #31 on: September 24, 2018, 10:08:22 AM »

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #32 on: September 30, 2018, 06:12:21 PM »
Here is another old one given to me by a friend. It works but don't plan on using it.  No data plate, but it has a big CP on it which may be Chicago Pneumatic??

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #33 on: October 01, 2018, 10:19:25 AM »
Here is another old one given to me by a friend. It works but don't plan on using it.  No data plate, but it has a big CP on it which may be Chicago Pneumatic??

I had a Chicago Pneumatic air ratchet in the early 80's with a logo like that. Very nice user.

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #34 on: October 01, 2018, 12:30:46 PM »
Here is another old one given to me by a friend. It works but don't plan on using it.  No data plate, but it has a big CP on it which may be Chicago Pneumatic??

I had a Chicago Pneumatic air ratchet in the early 80's with a logo like that. Very nice user.

CP for sure, but I cannot see that thing as being any newer than the 60's at most. No way the 1980's for sure.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #35 on: October 01, 2018, 02:22:10 PM »
Here is another old one given to me by a friend. It works but don't plan on using it.  No data plate, but it has a big CP on it which may be Chicago Pneumatic??

I had a Chicago Pneumatic air ratchet in the early 80's with a logo like that. Very nice user.

CP for sure, but I cannot see that thing as being any newer than the 60's at most. No way the 1980's for sure.

Yeah, after posting that I realized the way I phrased it made it sound like the drill was 1980's. Definitley not 80's date - just meant the logo reminded me of the early 80's ratchet I had. Which was a very solid tool.
This drill being older is probably even more solid. Sorry for my bad writing.

Offline goodfellow

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #36 on: October 01, 2018, 02:29:18 PM »
That drill looks more like 1930's era to me --

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #37 on: October 01, 2018, 02:49:26 PM »
That drill looks more like 1930's era to me --

Might be, never seen an electric CP tool myself, only air.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #38 on: October 01, 2018, 04:17:51 PM »
I would not want to use it all day, weighs just short of 5 pounds.

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #39 on: October 04, 2018, 03:14:04 PM »
Here is another one, I can date this one as I bought it new in 1952.  This proves I'm old as dirt.  It is a Millers Falls heavy duty sander which I used on many cars.  It is no lightweight.

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #40 on: October 04, 2018, 04:46:11 PM »
Takes a man to run that ol MF! Like the old B&D Wildcat angle grinders.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline goodfellow

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #41 on: October 04, 2018, 04:49:54 PM »
THAT is a true keepsake! That grinder is heavy duty industrial goodness.

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #42 on: October 04, 2018, 05:25:04 PM »
Millers Falls was a great company that made lots of good tools.

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Vintage corded tools
« Reply #43 on: October 04, 2018, 06:50:58 PM »
Looks like you made a good investment on that one.

Seriously though it is a testament to a great tool to last a almost 70 years and it's really cool looking.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.