Reconditioning a Dewalt DW1151

[Jumbling Badger]

Hi,

Quick intro, I'm new to woodwork on anything beyond shelving, raised veg beds, that kind of stuff (i.e. not very precise work).

I have the possibility to inherit a Dewalt 1151 Jointer / Thicknesser but it has been unused in a garage for 15-20 years (they were last made in '94).
The question is whether it is worth doing the reconditioning or if the cost / quality of such a task would exceed the cost of an equivalent quality replacement.
Hobbyist, beginner skill level.

I have some photos if that helps. I can only imagine needing to replace a lot, if not all, of the serviceable parts.
It was a dark garage and I only had my phone camera so the quality isn't great.
I'll say thanks now to anyone who responds, especially as this is my first post here.

Tx, Mike

 

[mailee]

I am not sure if it would be economical to refurbish the machine but you can judge for yourself by having a look at this site:
http://www.mtmc.co.uk/Spare-Parts/Elu-S ... 70374.aspx :wink:

 

[marcros]

assuming it has been dry stored, I would make sure that the bolts securing the blades are tight, make sure that the block rotates without hitting anything (turn by hand), plug in, turn on and have a look.

see how it sounds when and if it runs (probably will). Bearings are likely to be sealed and so the lack of use over the last few years wont have caused them any issues, so there may not be too much wrong with it. belts may need replacing, but a bearing supplier will sell those at reasonable cost if needed. You are likely to only need a set of blades sharpening and away you go.

I fired up my new (to me) inca last night of similar vintage, fitted a new set of blades, and I challenge anybody to find a better machine without spending the best part of a grand. The newer models of several current machines are not that different to your dewalt. what have you got to lose?

If it doesnt work when you turn it on, then you would need to work out why and reassess the cost vs benefit.