They had considerable number of work tables, desks, sinks, and fixtures. But in the end I could rationalize the cost and space required to put them in my already too large inventory of future projects.
The construction supervisor did give me permission to salvage as many galvanized corrugated panel as I could before actual demolition had started for a very cheap price. I was able to get about 12 2 ft by 8 ft panels that were old but never used on the building. I also pulled about six panels off the outside of the building, They were somewhat difficult to remove and still fastened together after I freed them up from the building. They were cool- aged and some had graffiti, but not worth life and limb to get them down. I was able to sell all of the used corrugated and most of the “new” to local decorators. I kept a couple of the new pieces and plan to use them as bar fronts. In hindsight I should have contracted an actual demolition company and obtained much more of the siding.
During this process I had a conversation with the Project Supervisor about an antique industrial band saw that was on site. We agreed it was as HIR (historical industrial relic) and it deserved to be rescued.
Sure enough, almost a year later the supervisor called and asked if I would be interesting in restoring the band saw for display in the commercial part of the development. How could I beg off- he had given me a shot at the siding and I like to think of myself as one who “walks the talk”.
It was a mess, huge, and heavy. I said I could clean it up but would not get involved with the moving.
It is cast iron and probaly dates to the early 1900s. It has 36 inch diameter drive wheels and almost a 16 inch throat. Being in a foundry, one would expect it to be a metal cutting saw. But much of the grime was sawdust so it was probably kused to cut wooden patterns for the castings.
Wow! John, what a fantastic story- thank you so much for sharing!
How intriguing! Wow!
From a woodworker who loves the smell of sawdust and anything which makes it, 'Thank You' for that story.
Love that it was saved and will be in a public place for people to enjoy. It definitely was worth preserving.
Thanks for saving a piece of history for all to enjoy. Great story!
What a great story! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks! The file cabinets are still on the to-do list. I'm moving in a few weeks; it's definitely a project for after the move!
My grandfather was a pattern maker (carpenter) back in the early 1900s up until 1960. He used this saw all the time. It sat idol in our barn until recently when some Amish neighbors asked if they could convert it back so that it didn't use electricity. It still works and they are very happy using it. You brought back wonderful memories.