forty power tools you can make

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
E

efitz

Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
41
Location
Galway, Ireland
Hi all,

A friend of mine just gave me a copy of "Forty Power Tools You Can Make" which was taken from a publication entitled "Popular mechanics" in around 1941.

Health and Safety does not seem to be a big issue back then.

I have scanned the first four pages detailing how to make a homemade wood lathe and attached below. I have scanned the whole book and copyright depending I'll upload it power tool by power tool in this thread.

Enjoy.

p.s. index also included below.
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I'd really like to see the rest!! I actually have that same article printed out on making the wood lathe. I was going to do it and then I got a really good deal on a Turncrafter Pro. I've got some connecting rods and a washing machine motor and I might still get around to it, but it's not as pressing right now. I would like to see other tools that I might be able to use the motor for though. A drum sander I think is my best option...
 
OK, I think this is interesting on a number of levels:

1. It shows how friggin' lazy we are. Need a tool? MAKE IT. Everything doesn't need to be made for you. You can use your head and make something yourself- and still get amazing results.

2. It shows how clumsy we are. Yeah, safety isn't the biggest concern. Yet people survived! You mean before UL certification came around and government control, people weren't dying off in droves due to these unsafe machines? You mean people used common sense and best preactices to keep themselves safe, rather than legislation or some over-priced tech?

3. It shows how poorly dressed we are. THE GUY'S WEARING A TIE IN THE SHOP!
 
How to use a piston head as a grinder head

Here is one page detailing how to use an old piston head as a grinder head. Also there are some notes on how to protect tools and instruments from rust.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Drill-Press Tapping Attachment

Instructions on how to make a drill-press tapping attachment. Also how to make a ball-bearing mandrel from generator parts and how to make a guide to help you file a bandsaw in an ordinary vise.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Power Drag Saw

Instructions on how to use a small electric motor to drive a rather large blade at 100 strokes per minute to cut logs up to 24" in diameter.

Enjoy (and mind your fingers).
 

Attachments

How to make a swing saw

Instructions below on how to make a swing saw. Also some notes on lubricating a high-speed drill and a handy belt clip made from a shower-curtain ring.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Make you own hydraulic press.

Instructions on how to make your own table-top hydraulic press. Also a few notes on a dressing tool for an emery wheel and how to hold a marking die in order to save your fingers.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Hand powered drill press.

Instructions below for making a hand-powered drill press - this is one I'm going to have a go at making myself soon.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Convert a sewing machine into jigsaw.

SHMBO will not like this one - I've been nosing around in the attic and there is and old sewing machine she got from her mother up there...

Enjoy (the jigsaw, not the sewing).
 

Attachments

Misc. notes

Instructions for alternative uses for a bicycle pedal hanger and something about maximum cross-feed limits.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Electronic Hacksaw

Instructions on how to drive your hacksaw electronically. Includes a neat tip on making a simple screw holder for a screwdriver.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Fantastic thread Eamonn, Thank you for taking the time to put all this up.

By the way I tried the tie in the shop thing and somehow my wife didn't see it the same way I did.

8 dollar band saw, but remember those where 1940's dollars. I think they made them bigger in those days. at least you could buy a lot more with one.
 
Three wheel band-saw

Instructions below for a three-wheel band saw with a 22" throat. Sorry about the delay in posting more, but I have to share the computer with the kids during the summer holidays.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Improvised tool-post grinder

Instructions on how to build a tool-post grinder. Also includes instructions on how to make a mitre box with pivoted saw guide.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

12" disk sander

Instructions on how to build a 12" disk sander with tilting table. Also some information heat-tempering home-made tools. Also includes a little note on how to free metal articles of rust in the days before WD40!

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

rjwolfe3 said:
Are you going to post the rest or was that it?
Click to expand...

I have to share the computer with the kids but I'll have all the pages posted by this weekend.

Did some research as to why the book was published and its interesting to find out that it was published during the war when machinery was given over to the war effort in America. People wanted to keep doing their hobbies so turned to available materials to make their power tools. We are spoiled by just taking a machine out of a box, plugging it in and working away.

E.
 
Drill Press Circle Cutters

Instructions on how to make a drill-press circle cutter and some other ideas - a tin can serves as a dish in the workshop!

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Belt Sander which fits your lathe.

Instructions on how to make a belt-sander which is run by your lathe. Also some misc. instructions. I'll post more tomorrow.

Enjoy.
 

Attachments

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom