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Goodell-Pratt Miter Saw box and Disston Miter Saw: Refurb Blog

11K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  Holbs 
#1 ·
Tearing down miter box

I picked up a Goodell-Pratt Miter Saw box and Disston Miter saw locally for $10 in bad condition. Never having a manual miter saw, I was challenged to see what I can do to help this big guy out and to add another hand tool into my ever growing arsenal.
The Disston saw is 30" long and 5 7/8" tall (I forget the correct nomenclature) with a near faded etching.
Wood Gas Hardwood Engineering Auto part


The miter saw box the day I brought it home:
Wood Gas Hardwood Engineering Flooring


I spent a couple hours Saturday cleaning up the saw plate, being careful to avoid the etching and wanting to retain patina. After 240grit (undecided if to go 400 grit):
Grey Wood Gas Tints and shades Font


And now teardown of miter box. I really want to remove all parts, but found out the webbing for the table is fastened with drive screws, which are permnament. You have to drill them out. And, I'm unsure how they even got them installed because from what I've read, you have to hammer them in. The space between webbing is 2" or so. I do not see how hammers were involved. Also, the fulcrum "T" underneath part to rotate the saw guide assembly…same thing. I do not know how to remove it. Kinda also looks like a drive bolt.

Wood Automotive tire Gas Brick Automotive wheel system


Fluid Wood Gas Glass Metal


Took pictures of every spring and screw and bolt I removed to make it easier for re-installation.
Next up…electrolysis bath.
Wood Bumper Gas Metalworking hand tool Automotive exterior
 

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#2 ·
Tearing down miter box

I picked up a Goodell-Pratt Miter Saw box and Disston Miter saw locally for $10 in bad condition. Never having a manual miter saw, I was challenged to see what I can do to help this big guy out and to add another hand tool into my ever growing arsenal.
The Disston saw is 30" long and 5 7/8" tall (I forget the correct nomenclature) with a near faded etching.
Wood Gas Hardwood Engineering Auto part


The miter saw box the day I brought it home:
Wood Gas Hardwood Engineering Flooring


I spent a couple hours Saturday cleaning up the saw plate, being careful to avoid the etching and wanting to retain patina. After 240grit (undecided if to go 400 grit):
Grey Wood Gas Tints and shades Font


And now teardown of miter box. I really want to remove all parts, but found out the webbing for the table is fastened with drive screws, which are permnament. You have to drill them out. And, I'm unsure how they even got them installed because from what I've read, you have to hammer them in. The space between webbing is 2" or so. I do not see how hammers were involved. Also, the fulcrum "T" underneath part to rotate the saw guide assembly…same thing. I do not know how to remove it. Kinda also looks like a drive bolt.

Wood Automotive tire Gas Brick Automotive wheel system


Fluid Wood Gas Glass Metal


Took pictures of every spring and screw and bolt I removed to make it easier for re-installation.
Next up…electrolysis bath.
Wood Bumper Gas Metalworking hand tool Automotive exterior
I'm looking forward to the restore. I have a couple of All Steels, they are my go-to boxes. I would be reluctant to disassemble the frame, getting it all back together and properly aligned would be difficult.

I'm guessing POA will opine act some point, he's done more than a few of these.

Nice work
 

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#3 ·
Miter box base after electrolysis. Not too shabby

The heavily rusted base went sleeping with the fishes for 4 hours and a little dremel wire wheel work. I love having metal come back to life after 100 years.
Wood Gas Track Road surface Engineering


Wood Gas Machine Rectangle Electric blue

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I am trying out 1/2" carbon graphite rods for anodes. I have tried 3/8" last year and they deteriorated way too fast for my liking. So trying out 1/2" and removing them from the solution when not in use to see if extended use out of them.
 

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#4 ·
Miter box base after electrolysis. Not too shabby

The heavily rusted base went sleeping with the fishes for 4 hours and a little dremel wire wheel work. I love having metal come back to life after 100 years.
Wood Gas Track Road surface Engineering


Wood Gas Machine Rectangle Electric blue

--
I am trying out 1/2" carbon graphite rods for anodes. I have tried 3/8" last year and they deteriorated way too fast for my liking. So trying out 1/2" and removing them from the solution when not in use to see if extended use out of them.
Looking good. I've used mine and the angles are dead nutz but the saw is dull. Suppose I'll have to bite the bullet and learn to sharpen.
 

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#7 ·
Box all cleaned up and put back together.

If anyone needs instructions on how to put this model miter saw box back together again, message me and I'll help. I had to take this thing apart about 15-20 times as it's a jigsaw to put back together. But it's done. All evil rust removed via electrolysis, small dremel wire, and large wire brush. May keep it as is or paint it. Kinda like the "gun metal" look.
Unsure if the height guide brackets are suppose to be used the way I am using them, but they work. Did a test cut (this is prior to sharpening) and the piece came out square.
Not too shabby for being born in 1904.
Wood Road surface Line Tire Gas


Wood Tool Linens Flooring Wool


Wood Table Outdoor bench Outdoor furniture Gas


Wood Bag Hardwood Metal Chair


Wood Automotive exterior Gas Tool Machine


Wood Lighting Rectangle Font Tints and shades
 

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#8 ·
Box all cleaned up and put back together.

If anyone needs instructions on how to put this model miter saw box back together again, message me and I'll help. I had to take this thing apart about 15-20 times as it's a jigsaw to put back together. But it's done. All evil rust removed via electrolysis, small dremel wire, and large wire brush. May keep it as is or paint it. Kinda like the "gun metal" look.
Unsure if the height guide brackets are suppose to be used the way I am using them, but they work. Did a test cut (this is prior to sharpening) and the piece came out square.
Not too shabby for being born in 1904.
Wood Road surface Line Tire Gas


Wood Tool Linens Flooring Wool


Wood Table Outdoor bench Outdoor furniture Gas


Wood Bag Hardwood Metal Chair


Wood Automotive exterior Gas Tool Machine


Wood Lighting Rectangle Font Tints and shades
Thanks for leading the way with your restoration project. I recently purchased a Goodell-Pratt at a local household goods auction. Paid the princely sum of $4 for the box and saw. I've given everything a preliminary cleanup. Full restoration awaits my time and attention.
 

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#13 ·
Saw plate cleaned up as far as I'll take it for "user" status

I spent a good 3 hours working this saw plate. After electrolysis and razor blades… I hit it with 320, 400, and 600 grit sandpaper by hand (going to have to research is there is a more efficient way…). I could go polishing wheel route, but this is a user saw. Now onto jointing and sharpening next.
Hood Sleeve Grey Rectangle Bag
 

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