Tool Gloat! New (Old) Jointer

For me… this surely counts as a Tool Gloat!

I’ve been getting by alright with my li’l ol’ 1965 (S/N: DH-4344) Rockwell Delta 37-290 4” Precision Jointer, on the 50-656 R/D open steel stand. It does just fine for most tasks, but lacks the width I sometimes needed. So, I’d kept my eyes open for a similar 6” model.

Last weekend, a 1955 (S/N: BF-6763) model 37-220 Rockwell Delta 6” long bed jointer turned up on CL in Omaha. Seller said it worked fine and, upon inspection, it certainly did! It’s on a home-built stand, but has the original Rockwell motor and dust chute. It also had, wired to the frame, the original 1955 yellow “how-to-adjust-it” instruction tag! The front guard was in place, but the PO didn’t know how to ‘wind it up’. Motor was a little hesitant to start, but, after a short run and another start, it took off smoothly. Bearings a re a tad noisy, but replacements are available on eBay for about $22. Beds and fence are clean and rust-free. No cracks or damage noted anywhere.

Going to need to (at least) re-adjust the knives. I may just go ahead and do a full disassembly and cleaning on it. Paint all appears to be good and intact, so I probably won’t do anything with that. One thing I would LOVE to find would be the #667 “Art Deco” cast iron stand!! I’m a big fan of Art Deco styling and vintage tools, so why not combine the two?

• Forgot to add the price – $400
  I felt alright with that, so it’s a fair price to me!

Dan’s a Happy Boy! :)

LOVE those handles!

Best shot I can get of the motor label, for now

Double-shaft motor, with the toggle switch (I have the on/off bar on my other jointer (but a different motor))

Looks good from any angle, I think!

Yup… needs a bit-o-cleaning

ID Label

The “How to Adjust It” label

-- Sawdusty Dan - Bellevue, NE - "Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just relax and get used to it." Robert A. Heinlein