RESTORATION: reviving a "skeleton" of a skeleton Edison Home

[alang]

Lipped mandrels ALWAYS make me drool. Is that wrong?

You should put that on a T shirt! I'd love to see the reactions you'd get!

[fran604g]

Wyatt, I apologise for my first post in which I called you Duane. Many names to try and remember.

[MicaMonster]

Wyatt, I apologise for my first post in which I called you Duane. Many names to try and remember.

Its ok. I get confused with "the other Wyatt" quite a bit.

I used nickel welding rod. Works very well, and didn't stress the iron. Made lots of slag, but took quite easily.

-

[Aaron]

Wyatt,

When it comes time to add a case and lid to your wish list, will you be searching for the earlier style? As I'm certain you know, the earliest style has the banner placed slightly higher on the lid. The banner being placed in such away typically has a lot of wear on the "N" in "Edison" due to the constant dropping, and laying of the handle towards the front of the lid. I'm not certain when the change in banner location was finally made, but it would certainly be another nice touch to an already incredible machine!

Aaron

[MicaMonster]

Aaron,

I did find a case, but the decal is not in the best of shape. The case is from a donor parts machine that left the factory in 1897, so I figure it is a good mate for the skeletal. The decal is high indeed!



I have also been able to locate a few other specific items for this early Home. One part in particular that I have REALLY been obsessing over is the mandrel pulley. The earlier ones are less refined, with casting "donuts" molded into them:



In this photo, the "newer" pulley is on the left.

Another feature I absolutely searched for was a bedplate with the SHORT on/off throw. If you look closely, do notice the little "hump" on the slot which acts as a keeper for the lever.



I was VERY fortunate to find a parts machine that had NEARLY everything I needed. Where did I find it. Craigslist. Machine was sitting on there for days, looking "less than beautiful," and nobody bought it. So, I did.

The "cherry on top" for me is the motor. Brass governor weights with the early brake lever where it puts pressure on the back of the governor yoke.



With the case the way it is, and the decal the way it is........and the wear on the bedplate decoration..........I am inclined to refinish the top frame to match the age of everything. Paint, polish, shellac, then AGE IT.

The wood on the cabinet shows lots of age. I am not bowing down to select "ease" over "hard work," but I would like this machine to look like a survivor (which it is), and not a "shelf queen."

I welcome thoughts. More updates in the near future!

[Aaron]

Wyatt,

A wonderful find indeed. I have yet to be fortunate in any good findings on craiglist...

This year in Union i passed on a beautiful suitcase home, with this early style lid, which was particularly perfect for a style typically very worn. I was going to buy it solely for that feature only, as the lid was a transplant, and when i explained to the seller it was much earlier than the machine itself, i just got a blank stare as if i was speaking a foreign language. I passed on the machine even though it was a fair deal, hoping that some one who really needed that lid would buy it. Wish i knew you would have needed it!

The bed plate is extremely interesting! I have never seen one with this "Hump" in the lever slot. I love learing new things every day!

Can't wait to see more!
Aaron

[MicaMonster]

It is still brutally cold out, so after several nights of studying the lid, I decided to attempt correcting the badly damaged decal. I usually use very fine brushes, a bunch of different colors to mix, and my Apple iPad which I have stored several different styles of Edison decal lettering for reference. As you see, there is a lot of decal loss:



I will start by filling in the gold.......thin layer by thin layer. Thick paint becomes too opaque too fast. Also filling in some of the red lettering, and some of the black details:



Then, with the edge of a razor blade I will try my best to fill in the fine details of the lettering, and do additional filling of the red and gold. This is NOT a fast process, and I try my best to apply the color thinly, so it doesn't end up looking chunky in the end. I am done for the night, but here is what 2 hours of work looks like:



I have a ways to go in sharpening up the colors, and getting the darkened areas to lighten up more.

[FloridaClay]

Impressive results. Wish I had your patience and, most of all, talent.

Thanks for sharing this adventure as you go.

Clay

[MicaMonster]

More time spent this morning. Sharpened up the "S" in Edison a bit, and got more spots filled in. I have more toning to do on the letters to brighten them up. One of my litmus tests is to use a digital camera with a flash to check my colors.

[alang]

Wow! Thanks again for sharing your progress.

Andreas