I am a recent new member, so bear wth me. Their are probably a few of you that are close to my age ( 65 ) that remember a Company called “Gil-Bilt” tools that supplied componants to build your own wood working equipment. They had a kit for a table saw, lathe, band saw and belt sander. This Co. still exists and is now known as “Gilliom Manufacturing” . I have sent for one of their catalogs and am very interested to see what they still have and what their prices will be. I used the componants to build special jigs and fixtures for items that I had to reproduce in quantity. Will let you know. For you younger guys out there, this was well befor low priced home shop equipment was available.
4 comments so far
brunob
home | projects | blog
1389 posts in 657 days
posted 85 days ago
Don’t remember Gil Built but do remember American Machine and Tool in Royersford, Pa. They sold a lot of inexpensive stuff.
-- Bruce from Central New York
bobdurnell
home | projects | blog
161 posts in 384 days
posted 85 days ago
Bob Allen- I remeber Gil built well. Made the band saw in 1973 was just married the first time and I could afford the parts and the wood. Used it alot, even helped a friend build a redwood canoe using the saw to cut about 100 14 foot 3/4in by 1/4in strips. Made the belt sander a year later and it worked great until I sold it to a fellow teacher she bought the band saw also. I’m glad that someone else has heard of Gil Built. They advertised in Popular Mechanics if I remember right. Thanks for the memory. bob
-- bobdurnell, Santa Ana California.
Sawdust2
home | projects | blog
848 posts in 575 days
posted 85 days ago
I bought a lathe from AMT when I got out of the service in 1967. I still have it and still use it.
I also bought screw and thread cutters that I still use.
I once got the Gil-Bilt catalog but did not make anything from it
Lee
-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.
olddutchman
home | projects | blog
50 posts in 423 days
posted 85 days ago
I too remember the Gil Built tools, I am 62, and I wanted that saw so bad. It didn’t happen. Now i have a basement full of good tools, but i don’t have the health to enjoy them. But i can enjoy reading about is, and it brings back memories.
-- Saved, and so grateful, consider who Created it ALL!!!