Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - No. 654 Jointer - old style

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Jointer
Machine Size:	6"
Submitted By:	Rob Anderson

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	No. 654 Jointer - old style
Date of Manufacturer:	1954
Serial Number:
Last Updated	4/6/2007 10:06:04 AM

Comments:

I found this machine along with 3 others in an older gentlemans barn, and bought the lot.

The jointer is almost complete, only missing the blade guard, although the original return spring was still there. The arbor bearings are in surprisingly good shape, turning smooth and freely. However they are cheap to replace and so I will, just to be on the safe side.

I have already disassembled this machine to begin restoration and found the rust on the tables and fence extremely heavy, with significant pitting. The machine was obviously left in a wet place for a long time. Beyond that, the rest of the parts are in surprisingly good shape.

**UPDATE** Restoration nearing completion. The jointer has been stripped, blasted and painted. I found the base, motor, blade guard, and belt guard for it through ebay.

After paying too much for an aluminum pork chop on epay, I acquired an older 654 jointer that had a cast iron pork chop. That jointer restoration wont be for a while, and I couldnt resist putting the better part on the newer, pet project jointer. The finish is wire wheel buffed with a coat of paste wax to inhibit rust.

As you can see the latest pictures were taken just after I received the belt guard and mocked up the complete jointer for the first time. I still have to refinish the base assembly, including bearings and paint for the motor.

The tables and fence were so pitted that there was no sense in preserving the patina so I had them machined. I mounted the tables on the base and locked them in place, both at outfeed table height, using the jib screws and had them machined as one unit to ensure they would be perfectly co-planer. The machinist took about 35 thousands off before the worst of the pitting was removed, which took about 10 passes since I asked that the final 2 or 3 be very light to prevent deflection and heat warpage. The results are nothing short of spectacular in both finish and flatness.

The jointer is now assembled and I have used it as is for a couple for projects. It is a joy to use with only a small, long period vibration that is most likely caused by the automotive drive belt and maybe motor bearings. A power twist belt should sort that out.

Photo 1:

Comments: Top view - Man! Look at that rust.
Source: Myself

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Photo 2:

Comments: Front view - look at the tables and fence shine now!
Source: Myself

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Photo 3:

Comments: Rear view - nice deco aluminum table lock knobs and belt cover
Source: Myself

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