Decided to answer this Craigslist ad. My hunch was correct. Poor cosmetics but runs smooth. Did I overpay at $100 considering it probably needs the full restoration treatment.?
I think you scored! Now send it off to Pete C, for beadblast, and a ‘‘Full Monte’’ tuneup. That’s exactly what I’d do, if it were mine.
Ah man, so jealous! What a great find! Enjoy!
tune up the blades and keep the patina ,maybe a clear coat
#score
How much is the Pete C treatment these days?
Good Skil’s: My definition of a “good” Skil is one <u>never</u> used for shaping, has a no-load current draw of < 3.5A (5.5) or 4.3A (7.5), has good bearing fits, and is not missing any major parts. But you can’t directly use it as-is for very long if at all. Most have no grease left in the bearings or are prone to a variety of electrical issues just due to the age. So my definition is based on candidates for restoration and subsequent resale with a warranty. This is the same as those I would keep for personal use. On Skil’s that were of sedimental value or used by the famous, extensive repairs may have been done but they still ended up with the same level of quality.
Buying: From estate sales and other face-to-face transactions prices can range from 100 - $300. eBay, Craigs List, etc. price can be $400-$1K. When I was doing restorations for retailers, their resale price was around $1100. There will always be prices below $100 and more than $1100, but this all depends on the seller’s expectations and your need/income.
Models: There is no difference in a 5.5 or 7.5 amp version as far as shaping goes. Under load of foam and a 1/4" stringer the current only increases about 25% so if the motors are within acceptable no-load current range there’s no need for a larger motor. In fact, the 7.5 motor is physically smaller than the 5.5 and will jerk when triggered due to the higher start up torque delivered to the belt. Much less with 5.5. 190 and 676 models (the oldest) are the best. The castings had less rework on the molds and the copper motor windings are 1950’s pure; they tend to have the best longevity based on the all of the Skil’s I’ve encountered. Worse longevity is with the later Type 4 models from the 70’s (orange/black nameplate). These have very different motors from early ones and the casting molds were so bad by then the finish had bondo and was dipped in primer.
Working on Skil’s: You can train a monkey to take one apart and reassemble, I have detailed data based on my son. At best, you will get a factory version Skil that was designed for shaving a door bottom. Some guys actually like to shape with them that way (too hardcore for me). Like CNC shapes and other raw things, Skil’s need to be tuned. The transition from the intended factory use to a shaping tool brings out the subtle differences in each one. I’ve spent 15 min. getting a shoe to slide right on some and 2 hours on others as an example. Further complicating reassembly are the various pullers/presses/jigs that the Skil factory used; everything depends on correct alignments. If there is any damage to be repaired or something that doesn’t work right, it’s then a matter of ability/time/tools/parts.
Sorry for this long dissertation, but needed to clarify what Skil’s are as of 2021. So the only Skil’s in “working condition” are really ones that were recently overhauled or restored. Working condition to me literally means ready to work; one that I would comfortably give to a shaper that’s done 30K+ with a Skil.
I found a thread with this wisdom from Pete. I think a tear down and bearing replacement should be first order at minimum.
I suppose it depends on how ‘‘deep’’ you go into the planer. I’d take some acetone to the dust chute, and see if the white paint will come off. Looks like a new cord is in order too. I’ve got somewhere between 8 and 10,000 boards under my belt, and my Skil 100’s still have the full detent on the front shoe. Never had a problem adjusting on the fly. I prefer the detent. quite easy to feel what you’re doing. Give Pete a ping, and get some idea from him. The guy is an F’ing wizard with Skil’s.
McDing
September 3, 2022, 3:40am
8
No you didn’t pay too munch. But cosmetically I wonder what the seller’s description would be if were any better.
