johnl
Cast Iron
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Location
- Memphis Tn
Long story.
Back in the early 50s pop bought out a bankrupt cabinet shop. Among the items in it was a Davis and Wells 12" table saw, and a 6 " Davis and Wells jointer. I estimate from the serial numbers the manufacture date to be 1935-36. He used them off and on while I was growing up, and then when he died, I got them. I have not used them much, but they have seen periods of regular use.
A couple of years ago, I decided to replace the drive belts on both the saw and jointer, as they were very worn and ragged (probably been on there since 1940s. After taking the belts off, I noticed that the jointer head was a little stiff. I had always assumed sealed bearing, but then started looking and found pipe plugs on both the saw and jointer. Took them out and the passageways were clean with no sign of oil or grease. Put some grease fittings in and shot grease to it. After a few pumps, saw the grease and everything loosened up. So far we are talking about 50 or 60 years with no oil or grease, and no damage.
Anyway, for some reason, I have started to wonder if grease is really what the Davis and Wells used, or are those really for oil lubrication like some mills etc.
Does anyone have any ideas on this?
John L
Back in the early 50s pop bought out a bankrupt cabinet shop. Among the items in it was a Davis and Wells 12" table saw, and a 6 " Davis and Wells jointer. I estimate from the serial numbers the manufacture date to be 1935-36. He used them off and on while I was growing up, and then when he died, I got them. I have not used them much, but they have seen periods of regular use.
A couple of years ago, I decided to replace the drive belts on both the saw and jointer, as they were very worn and ragged (probably been on there since 1940s. After taking the belts off, I noticed that the jointer head was a little stiff. I had always assumed sealed bearing, but then started looking and found pipe plugs on both the saw and jointer. Took them out and the passageways were clean with no sign of oil or grease. Put some grease fittings in and shot grease to it. After a few pumps, saw the grease and everything loosened up. So far we are talking about 50 or 60 years with no oil or grease, and no damage.
Anyway, for some reason, I have started to wonder if grease is really what the Davis and Wells used, or are those really for oil lubrication like some mills etc.
Does anyone have any ideas on this?
John L