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I like old machines
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Page 1 of 1
I like old machines
I especially like the old tools that people who grew up through the depression era bought. Most of the ones worth having have at least a few surviving examples.
Here is a "family heirloom" from DWs side of the family. It was her grandfathers tiller. About 10 years ago DW and I paid a neighbor to paint the old thing, and locate a good carburetor for it. We surprised DWs mother with it on mothers day one year. She loved it!! and actually used it a couple years. Time passed and Karen's health slipped some what and the old tiller was pushed back in a corner of the garage and forgotten about. Until yesterday anyway. I was asked to haul it off with an old Snapper mower. I asked if I could have both, (as payment for cleaning their gutters) and was told that was fine with them. So when I got the old thing home and unloaded I dumped out the old gas, put in fresh along with a few additives I like to use, and tried to start the old thing...it took two shots of ether to get it to sputter and finally run, but run it does!
It is an old "Western Auto" "Wizard" For those who aren't familiar with Western Auto, it was a store that sold all things "manly" guns, garden tools, auto parts, knives, Bicycles, kids wagons (The "Radio Flyer") etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Auto
Any way here's our little piece of history, in running condition.
Here is a "family heirloom" from DWs side of the family. It was her grandfathers tiller. About 10 years ago DW and I paid a neighbor to paint the old thing, and locate a good carburetor for it. We surprised DWs mother with it on mothers day one year. She loved it!! and actually used it a couple years. Time passed and Karen's health slipped some what and the old tiller was pushed back in a corner of the garage and forgotten about. Until yesterday anyway. I was asked to haul it off with an old Snapper mower. I asked if I could have both, (as payment for cleaning their gutters) and was told that was fine with them. So when I got the old thing home and unloaded I dumped out the old gas, put in fresh along with a few additives I like to use, and tried to start the old thing...it took two shots of ether to get it to sputter and finally run, but run it does!
It is an old "Western Auto" "Wizard" For those who aren't familiar with Western Auto, it was a store that sold all things "manly" guns, garden tools, auto parts, knives, Bicycles, kids wagons (The "Radio Flyer") etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Auto
Any way here's our little piece of history, in running condition.
Re: I like old machines
Glad you got it going.
I'm a fan of older machines as well. I think most of them were made better. I know a few people that have newer JD tractors. And, the engine cover is nothing but plastic, so it breaks easily. Don't know if all newer tractors are made like this or not, but it turned me off even more to JDs.
I'm a fan of older machines as well. I think most of them were made better. I know a few people that have newer JD tractors. And, the engine cover is nothing but plastic, so it breaks easily. Don't know if all newer tractors are made like this or not, but it turned me off even more to JDs.
dizzy- Posts : 4019
Join date : 2012-09-21
Age : 62
Re: I like old machines
Nice tiller and even nicer price.
I'm a fan of older machinery/tools as well.
I'm a fan of older machinery/tools as well.
PATRICE IN IL- Admin
- Posts : 5377
Join date : 2011-01-25
Age : 57
Location : Northern Illinois
Re: I like old machines
I don't think JD actually makes the smaller tractors themselves anymore, so it's anyone's guess what you would actually be buying.
There is something about the old "L Head" small engines that just work better than these new over head valve designs. The L heads run at a lower rpm, have a lower compression ratio, and are basically mini flat head tractor engines. These newer designs make their power through higher rpm, and are prone to carbon damage due to running hotter.
There is something about the old "L Head" small engines that just work better than these new over head valve designs. The L heads run at a lower rpm, have a lower compression ratio, and are basically mini flat head tractor engines. These newer designs make their power through higher rpm, and are prone to carbon damage due to running hotter.
Re: I like old machines
Cool thread!
Just as a side note, my hubby works within eye shot of that old Western Auto building. The inside has radically changed, I think it is condos, but the outside is just the same.
http://www.kc-lofts.com/bldgs/westauto.htm
Just as a side note, my hubby works within eye shot of that old Western Auto building. The inside has radically changed, I think it is condos, but the outside is just the same.
http://www.kc-lofts.com/bldgs/westauto.htm
Re: I like old machines
neat old building...if I were forced to live in a city I'd want a historical building like that to call home.
Re: I like old machines
Check on the link and look at the prices!!
I might be able to afford the dumpster out back, but not a loft inside.
I might be able to afford the dumpster out back, but not a loft inside.
Re: I like old machines
Keith, that is a nice old tiller. It is really neat to have old machines that are still working.
Rohn- Posts : 1353
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 66
Location : Eastern OH
Re: I like old machines
Thanks Rohn, I think that's part of what I like about the old stuff. The other part is (of course) the ease of working on them, and they were built to last. Remember the target consumer came through the depression, or was raised by someone who did.
Re: I like old machines
I'm not much of a mechanic but I am going to have to rebuild the carburetor on my old Mantis tiller. I bought the Mantis at a garage sale about 8 years ago and have used it every summer since in my garden. I have no idea how old it is. Now I cannot seem to get it running no matter how I adjust it so I think a rebuild job is what it is going to take.
I have an old disc/belt sander that my brother gave me a few years ago. I cleaned it up and super-glued some of the housing back together. It now has a special place in my shop and is used regularly.
You just can't beat some of those old machines.
I have an old disc/belt sander that my brother gave me a few years ago. I cleaned it up and super-glued some of the housing back together. It now has a special place in my shop and is used regularly.
You just can't beat some of those old machines.
Rohn- Posts : 1353
Join date : 2011-12-31
Age : 66
Location : Eastern OH
Re: I like old machines
if that Mantis is a 2 stroke (requires gas and oil mixed) start with the fuel lines and the screen inside the tank (if it has one, some do not)
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