Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - 654

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:	Bill Hodgson

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	654
Date of Manufacturer:	1951
Serial Number:	95-8848
Last Updated	5/21/2007 1:41:39 AM

Comments:

I saw an ad for a Delta 6" jointer last night. Mentioned original paint and cast iron base. Of course, my heart quickened. I dropped the guy and email and waited. He wrote back and said I could come by any time today. I called and made an appointment. At that point I asked a few probing questions. Does that cast iron base have solid panels? Nah, it has iron angle legs. Oh, and it's been shoved in the back of the garage for at least 10 years. Oh well, it's a nice day after three days of violent storms. I arrange for a 2:00 visit.

The freeway is under construction, so the usual exit signage is missing. Twenty miles later, it is obvious I missed a turn. I call and speak to the Mrs. Yep, you done gone too far. Turn around.

I finally find the guy's house. It turns out he's an old (as in mid-60's)motor head. Vintage Mopar everywhere, including two late 60's Dodge Dart Swingers. Old arn is old arn. I feel at home.

As I approach the shop, I see the jointer displayed just outside the door.

Now it ain't baby puke, but where do these guys get the green paint. And, better yet, why? Bobby proudly tells me it looks like the original paint to him. And that Delta Milwaukee name is ooolldd - probably late 30's, early 40's. I let him down gently by showing him the original gray under the flaking green. Then I pull out my serial number cheat sheet. I'm looking at a 1951 machine.

Bobby was kind enough to hose the thing down with some brand of penetrating oil. As a result, I was able to adjust both beds and manipulate the fence. Other than a broken crank handle on the outfeed table and a knob on the fence handle, everything is present and accounted for. It's powered by a newer Dayton 1 HP motor.

I probably paid too much, but he threatened to shove it back in the corner if I didn't buy it. God, it's ugly.

Well,
Ive finished the overhaul. Everything was completely stripped and painted and all the tags were cleaned. New bearings and blades were installed. Since I plan to sell this machine, I haven't re-assembled the stand yet. I may need to break it down for shipping.

Photo 1:

Comments: As taken from the wild - full frontal
Source: Me and my Sony

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Photo 2:

Comments: Rear 3/4 view
Source: Me and my Sony

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Photo 3:

Comments: Just about finished. Knives are on order, Guard is being painted.
Source: Me and my Sony

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