Torn between moding vs keep it original.

[heathicus]

YES! Just do not cut the tubes. There are plenty of thin wall wannabe's out there.

My thoughts exactly! I think I offered before to make an even trade - a set of Mark V tubes for your ER tubes.

Regarding cars as in your example, there are some mods that are fine with me and others that sadden me because of the destruction of the original pieces. I don't know exactly where that line is. It's a case-by-case basis. That's why I asked what kind of mods he had in mind. Adding a more powerful, variable speed, DC motor? Go for it! Cutting the way tubes in half? NO! A set of Mark V tubes can be too easily obtained.

[JPG40504]

I've considered some table/fence mods. I've considered some changes to the locking handles. Changes that would definitely change the look. My restore won't be to museum quality, but I want it to be rust free and nice paint.
I can appreciate the desire to improve the functionality and ease of use, but remember it IS an antique and there are a fixed quantity of them. I would encourage any modification that does not destroy the ability to function as it originally did(it can be reversed). Less so if parts are altered significantly(pieces sawed off etc.) Holes are barely tolerable.

JMHO! The older I get the more I appreciate older things(and people).

Especially those more ancient than I.

[ryanbp01]

Personally, I like the idea of all orginal equipment but it's all personal preference. If you want to shop it up and you're happy with it, go for it.
BPR

[dlbristol]

But Heath,
When you see an old '49 Mercury that has been chopped and dropped, do you say to your self "he ruined that car"? If I take a 60+ year old rust bucket of a Shopsmith that is one step away from becoming a Hyundai and breathe new life into it and maintain it to a good working condition aren't I doing a good thing?
Mark
What a great way to say it!! One reason I spend time reading this forum:)

[retiredsoldier919]

I can appreciate the desire to improve the functionality and ease of use, but remember it IS an antique and there are a fixed quantity of them. I would encourage any modification that does not destroy the ability to function as it originally did(it can be reversed). Less so if parts are altered significantly(pieces sawed off etc.) Holes are barely tolerable.

JMHO! The older I get the more I appreciate older things(and people).

Especially those more ancient than I.

I'm in total agreement. I'll stick to reversible mods. I just can't see myself ruining the vintage beauty.

[8iowa]

I don't have an ER. However I've noticed that the older machines, which includes some 500's, lack upper and lower saw guards.

Comments regarding keeping an antique tool all original are well taken, but keep your personal safety as the top priority.

[JPG40504]

I don't have an ER. However I've noticed that the older machines, which includes some 500's, lack upper and lower saw guards.

Comments regarding keeping an antique tool all original are well taken, but keep your personal safety as the top priority.
Guards can prevent injury when an operator gets careless(or is ignorant of the hazard).

Nothing replaces the intelligence(and therefore common sense caution) of the operator.

Guards are not a solution nor a guarantee, but do provide some protection to the careless and unwary!

[robinson46176]

Guards can prevent injury when an operator gets careless(or is ignorant of the hazard).

Nothing replaces the intelligence(and therefore common sense caution) of the operator.

Guards are not a solution nor a guarantee, but do provide some protection to the careless and unwary!



And many of the old flimsy guards on many of the old saws were the most dangerous thing on the saw... :eek:
They are doing a lot better now on many of them.