Thanks, Will !!

Founding Guilder, Will Schweinle, chipped in most of the proceeds of his knife sharpening services at the Vermillion Farmers Market. Will's gift is helping us save up for the parts we'll need to restore Delta 2, one of the commercial-grade table saws we aim to use in our community workshop. THANKS, Will!!!

Remarkable tool in need of a new home (ours?)

This tool may not look like much, but restored, it could have tremendous utility in The Vermillion Guild's shop.  It's available on Craig's list in Rapid City, SD for $125.  Anyone interested in acquiring it on behalf of The Guild as a donation to our cause?

John Erikson's Research Project

Guilder John Erikson shares this amusing sentiment:

      A friend sent me a clipping from one of those catalogs that get distributed in a hopeful way to the unnecessarily wealthy.  It depicts a diminutive chicken coup on an immaculate lawn, complete with a green gable roof, white cedar trim, the classic ramp with wooden cross-steps, and a sun-deck displaying ornamental potted plants.  The write-up emphasizes the double-digit square-footage provided for the fortunate guests, who are free to range into whichever corner is closest.  Though solitary confinement seems the intention, three chickens (smelling of hair-spray) are featured in the photo.  They have evidently just been introduced for the occasion of the shoot, having not yet attempted to peck each other to death in their cell.  

The concept here is clearly flawed - unless the goal is to sell backyard knickknacks to the over-privileged - in which case, we witness genius at work.  ($1299.00.  $65 delivery.  Chickens not included.  Some assembly required.  Results may vary.  May cause dizziness.  Void where prohibited.*)  The obvious omission here is a means of egress, so that after a long day of accentuating the picturesque barnyard-like ambiance, the little darlings can retreat indoors to watch TV, safe from the big bad wolf.  The key piece of missing technology is some kind of clever door hardware that chickens can learn to operate.  I've secured a research grant to look into this.

P.S.  I can always tell if Philip and his friends are still at after-school debate practice by whether or not the front door is standing open.  Its nice to know at a glance what sort of scene awaits me inside, but I find no encouragement there for my new research project.

*Note: when a doctor uses the term "void," chances are it's not checks being discussed - it's your bowels.  This seems like bad advice, then.  

 

New, used Unisaw motos have arrived!

Here are the two 115/230 VAC single phase motors we've bought on eBay.  They're identical.  On initial bench tests they are performing very well.  They both need a thorough cleaning.  One of them will be deployed in our second Unisaw that we call D2 (see below).  That saw was made in 1972.  The other motor is destined for our third Unisaw, D3, from 1974.

Two identical used Delta/Rockwell Unisaw motors.

Here's a snapshot of D2 from the front.  Her table has obviously been removed.  She's going to be treated to a full restoration, including a paint job.

1972 Delta Unisaw, aka D2, before restoration.

In this shot (below) you can see D2's open cabinet, sans motor.  She was originally rigged up with a 220 VAC three-phase motor for an industrial installation.  As of this writing we have not done a full triage, but we know that in addition to a new, single-phase motor she'll need a set of new belts, arbor bearings, some knobs, a motor cover, some electrical work, a paint job, a new blade insert, a new blade, plus some TLC on the fence. 

D2, side view, sans motor and table.

A second Unisaw Motor for the third Unisaw

Another Delta/Rockwell Unisaw motor of the type we need popped up on eBay recently.  These 115/230 VAC single-phase motors aren't what I would call extremely rare, but they don't show up very often.  From a previous post you know that we bought one for our second Unisaw on eBay a few weeks ago.  It came from a fellow in Washington who's parting out Unisaws.  The motor arrived promptly, was remarkably well packed, and seems to work fine.  Turns out this other, recently posted motor on eBay is also his; but will soon be ours when FedEx arrives.

Despite some waffling back and forth about whether or not to tie up our scarce funds in a motor for the third saw in our restoration queue before we have even started on the second one, we bit.  This second motor for the third saw should be here this coming week.

Meanwhile, we have yet to tear down the second saw that we know as D2.  Waiting for a convergence of available time, people and reasonably warm weather so we can tolerate being in the shop.  Will post details as they emerge.

John E., our busy fundraiser

We're very luck to have John Erikson on The Vermillion Guild leadership team.  His tireless and intrepid work helps keep the gears of our labors greased.  Here's a message from John:

"I just want to thank all those who've been dropping off cans and bottles at my doorstep.  I ran an afternoon's worth of errands in Sioux City yesterday, and netted $15 at the redemption center.  (And who's not in need of some redemption?)

Also - any unwanted household goods can go to the "Vemillion Guild" account at the New 2 You consignment store on the east side of town.  Just designate that the proceeds go to The Guild.

We've just bought a replacement motor for the third vintage Delta Unisaw in our collection, and so our bank account is at a low ebb.  Thanks to all for supporting our efforts!

Cheers to you, John!