Interesting post! Interesting philosophy! I too have a love for old
tooling...not by choice! I have at least one machine that is in use 40
hours per week that was built in the late 1800's. (Every moving part has
been replaced numerous times and I cut my teeth pouring babitt.) It sits
right next to a computer-controled machine.

Now to my question. How do we take care of these antique or semi-antique
tools in he best possible way?

Use them!

It sometimes happen that we find tools and machinery that we suspect are
very old – say 100 years or older. It might sound a little bit over the
top but when we take good care of such a tool we do our bit to preserve
a piece of industrial history. I believe we hobby machinists have a
responsibility here when we get our hands on really old stuff.

I'm preserving industrial history, I think my overhead shafts are
strengthining my roof supports.


Are you aware of any museum or similar institution giving advice on how
to preserve old tools and machines without damaging their historical
value? Would not this be a good idea for an article in “The Home Shop
Machinist” or “Machinist's Workshop”? Perhaps some representative from a
museum could share their experience and tips.

I had a group from a local historical society come through an google ove rmy
old stuff citing the historic significance, but balked when I offered to
sell them stuff or even donate it if they would get it out.

When you get your hands on an old rusty piece of cast machinery it is
very tempting to sand blast the entire shebang, paint it and get it back
to a finish it never had when it was new. Is this really the right way
of tackling the problem? Perhaps a piece of the old paint should be left
in a less visible place? Is it right to remove all traces of former
activity – make a new wooden handle removing the old one with traces of
generations of ware and patina?

In contrast, my philosophy is different 'cuz I've been raised in an "antique
shop", I want new stuff and when the paint gets chipped, throw it away and
get new new stuff. Unless something is usefull or superior...scrap it!