Completely Restore this Vintage Rusty Cast Iron Reel Mower

Рет қаралды 20,196

3 жыл бұрын

We've been using a reel mower exclusively this year and the one we have just isn't up to the job. I've tried sharpening it, which did help a little, but it really just seems to be a bad design. Many of the parts are plastic and are breaking as well, so it is time for an upgrade.
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I found this mower at the outdoor antique shop, it caught my eye because I always look to see if I can find something that will last, and this mower just seemed like it was a good candidate even though it looked like was in rough shape. It is also made in Woodstock Ontario Canada, and for me that made it even better and I really wanted to do a full restoration on this Mower.
In this video, you'll see the entire process, including some of my mistakes and when we're all finished, we'll test it out also and see how it works.
This was a great project, and I'm very happy with the results. It looks great and it performs.... well you'll have to watch the video to find out.
Don't forget to comment and subscribe if you enjoyed it. There are lots of these mowers available in my area, and even if you don't want to do a full restoration, a cleaning and a spray of WD40 might be all it needs to get it working well again.

Пікірлер: 54

@MsKarenJean Ай бұрын

“Reely” enjoyed watching you restore this old beauty. I have one of the same vintage, from an Oakville Ontario maker (not quite legible Smoll or something like that). Don’t have the skills or tools to restore it, so we just enjoy it as-is. It does still work.

@NeedItMakeIt Ай бұрын

They're built to last, mine is still going strong as well. A little hard to push through tall grass, but it makes a nice cut, simple elegant and fun to use.

@janecapon6170 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed seeing how well your mower worked after all that hard work. You did a fantastic job of repairing it.

@Its_just_Dave. 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice! If you ever need to touch up paint, spray some paint in small cup then use small paint brush to apply to area. I like how you restored the original handle instead of making a new one.

@joeyg7446 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic tutorial! I purchased 2 reel mowers from CraigsList as a winter project. Now with your guidance; with me looking over your shoulder. I know I can do It. Thank You...

@Ragos71 11 ай бұрын

2nd i have seen today, Wonderful job restore what was unfit to work. They deserve to serve while they can. Thank you for showing us your skills and love for your craft.🙂

@NeedItMakeIt 11 ай бұрын

Thanks a bunch, I still use it when the grass is short enough, it is quite a bit of work after the grass takes off!

@yeadontwearitout 3 жыл бұрын

This was fascinating and the fact that it worked better than your more modern mower was surprising

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

I love using it, it sounds great, good exercise and they are built so well. Should last a good lifetime.

@garycohen3171 3 жыл бұрын

Zen and the art of restoration!

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

It can be very rewarding. I do enjoy using it, there is no comparison in quality to what you see now.

@aguilayserpiente 6 ай бұрын

If the grass gets too tall, cut it with a scythe, swinging scythe, sickle, or shears. The push mower was intended for final, even trimming.

@NeedItMakeIt 6 ай бұрын

For sure, but I don't really want to be known as the grim reaper of the neighborhood :)

@mackenziebrowning 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work! The colour looks great too

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

I think the merallic red gives it a nice high quality look. Thanks for the comment!

@chrishudson9525 3 жыл бұрын

Very detailed. Enjoyed it very much!

@joepacheco7979 Жыл бұрын

I'M IN LOVE!

@NeedItMakeIt Жыл бұрын

I still have it, tough work through tall grass, but it works great, I love using it.

@g.r.4853 3 ай бұрын

As a kid born in the '40s, I have pushed one of those 6 or 8 inches, maybe even10 or so.

@klave8511 3 жыл бұрын

That was really well done and nice to watch! Not so sure about red though, it’s a well known fact that lawnmowers should be green ;-)

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

Can you believe the original was gold? I just could not bring myself to paint it gold. Red, green, they look about the same to me... Thanks for the comment!

@petersgarage6125 Жыл бұрын

Perfect job

@Fender664string Жыл бұрын

Great job!!👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@NeedItMakeIt Жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@joolesmiles4744 2 жыл бұрын

Beautifully done! I love how you used electrolysis to remove rust and to do the nickel plating. Subscribed.

@billhudson7286 3 жыл бұрын

I'd like to see some evaluation of the pinion internal shape and restoration of surfaces worn by the pawl.

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

There was some wear and lots of buildup of clippings, I figured they were too far gone on first inspection to use so I designed and 3D printed 2 new ones, however I didn't need them. There was some wear, the internal bore riding on the shaft was showing some wear, also there were slight indentations left by the pin within the recess of the castings on both sides, though not enough to cause any problems. The gear teeth also looked to have a medium amount of wear on them, the small pinions I suppose would have been replaceable since they are a fairly simple part. If needed I could 3D print nylon replacements down the line, the ones I've made are from PLA, if I printed new ones right now I'd use PETG or Nylon. I do plan on keeping the machine well lubricated and that should help a little bit. Thoughts?

@slackjaw703 3 жыл бұрын

Just an awesome restoration, and it looks like it cuts amazing! Definitely get a sub from me. Look forward to watching more from your channel!

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@fragmentalstew Жыл бұрын

Wow, the difference between the cut of the new style mower and the old style is impressive. Has the newer on been recently sharpened? I have a similar model.

@glen8449 9 ай бұрын

I luved watching this restoration. It reminded me of being a kid and cutting the lawn at home. Now I have to get one. Thanks a million.

@NeedItMakeIt 9 ай бұрын

Awesome, funny how sometimes you can go right back to those days. I still have it, and it still works, but I think I need to do a lapping to get a really clean cut. Someday soon! Take care and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@davidhakes5141 5 ай бұрын

I'll bet you were a brawny kid, going back to school, after pushing that mower all summer. They are a workout.

@pattylevasseur4041 3 жыл бұрын

hi i live in northern maine.. went to a closeout/moving sale.. and got mine for 10.00 its 100% cast iron no rubber..AND I THINK A OAK handle /frame i didnt take mine down as far as you did with the reel ,mine was stuffed tight with old cement grass.. i had to soak my wheels in gas and use a metal pick to clean out the teeth then used all purpose grease where ever it moved...i havent used mine yet..i need to get sharpening paste for the blades. i did paint the reel red and the wheels green .i still need to work on the handle still but this must weigh in at 30 pds at least..its no lightweight mower lololol great video and mine moves very easy now;];];] great video;];];]

@blahbadyblah Жыл бұрын

Do you jave any idea where to find the rubber? I have the same model but the rubber "tire" is split.

@JolicoeurAbear 2 жыл бұрын

what did you use for the blades in the white bucket? vinegar or something else?

@hapenny13 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, What did you use for rust removal in the spray can? Please let me know.

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rust-check-rust-converter-aerosol-283-g-0477965p.0477965.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwo-aCBhC-ARIsAAkNQitUsTldYUFSrr50k4-rswDmfz20FyIlgoNjvKEF5-5avltvh0EQmAQaAn1MEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=664 This is what I used, if you can afford a jug, get some Evaporust, works amazingly well, even better to heat it up, and even better than that, use it in an ultrasonic tank.

@bobbymclester9151 8 ай бұрын

My parents have two of these mowers. I decided I wanted to try restoring one. I am a female that knows what a hammer, flat head, Phillips, and pliers are... but I do like to get my hands dirty. That being said, I watched two videos and a single word was not said. How to videos are usually for people that do not know how to do something, which sometimes means they have no idea what tools are being used. I appreciate the knowledge and skill presented but I still have no idea what I need.

@chrisbrown7362 6 ай бұрын

A not too heavy hammer Mallet(s) A socket set, 1/4 and 3/8 (if Craftsman, try to find a set made in Taiwan, or someplace other than China). PB Blaster (rather than WD-40) A Sonic Cleaner Paint Sandpaper Screwdrivers That should be about it. Then, just remembering how and where things came off so you can put them back on. Practice with a few things you don't care about. Maybe an old tricycle from a garage sale or something. If you don't have a lot of upper body strength (the big thing that ALLEGEDLY separates men from women in this sort of thing???), get a long 3/8 handle for your sockets from Harbor Freight. They're cheap and you won't use it that often.

@pr3ttydum6 Жыл бұрын

hiya when you say self sharpening does the rotary blade need to be spun in reverse like other models?

@sarmadwalikhan3875 10 ай бұрын

Do we need gears on both sides or just on one?

@NeedItMakeIt 10 ай бұрын

I'd imagine that gears on both sides would make the mower last longer, the drive from only one side would apply a heavy load to the gears on only one side and that may lead to premature wear and damage. I think that's why they normally have gears on both sides. Does yours have a broken gear?

@pmf1408 3 ай бұрын

Do you restore for customers?

@gustavoenriquejimenez8098 6 ай бұрын

Hi. What is that particular overrunning clutch called? Thank you.

@NeedItMakeIt 6 ай бұрын

That's a good question, it's such a basic one-way ratcheting system, nearly identical to those you'd find in a modern bicycle. I don't know the exact name. But if you need parts, I can probably 3d print replacements for you.

@gustavoenriquejimenez8098 6 ай бұрын

@@NeedItMakeIt Exactly! I will 3D print that ratcheting system but for a totally different application. Thank you !

@NeedItMakeIt 6 ай бұрын

That sounds cool, I'd like to see that when you're finished!

@lonzo61 23 күн бұрын

Do you ever restore these for paying customers? Or might you recommend anyone?

@lonzo61 23 күн бұрын

Beautiful workmanship, by the way.

@brucebonkowski3037 3 жыл бұрын

try next time Scotch Brite pads

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

They are so terribly expensive, but I do want some so I will give them a go.

@rmforreal 3 жыл бұрын

Instead of buying all that equipment (a lathe?). A buy a new reel mower.

@NeedItMakeIt 3 жыл бұрын

They go into the trash after only a few years and do not work nearly as well (I have owned 3 new ones). An old mower like this will last me the rest of my life. Well work the time invested. If one doesn't own a lathe sharpening the blades can be done manually, it will take more time. The two surfaces will mesh well after some use and tightening.