However, before I could get started, I needed supplies,
first and foremost: a place to work. My
current desk is jam packed with computers, keyboards, printers and other work
related items.
 |
| Not a drop of space to be had! |
There is just not enough room to work on anything else. So, it was time to take out some furniture
and bring in some new. I sold off my black display cabinet and beautiful 1955
console stereo – it was tough to part with, but I needed the space.
 |
| My beautiful stereo has found a new home! |
Now the hunt was on for a suitable desk, and
my wife, Allie – the internet search queen – found me an awesome one! For $60.00, she found an all wood detectives
desk from the 1950’s. Usually, I would
never want to start using something like that as a hobby bench, but it was just
beat up enough that I don’t feel so guilty.
It really is a fantastic piece of furniture – it’s solid wood with big
drawers and complete with brass feet. It
matches my office perfectly.
 |
| The "new" workbench |
 |
| Brass foot detail - I love this! |
-
A Dremel-type multi-function tool with bits and
attachments.
-
A soldering gun made by Chicago Welding.
-
A free standing, vacuum suction vise.
-
Various storage containers.
-
Various hand held tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers,
and a butane torch.
-
Task lamp with magnifying glass.
 |
| In this photo starting on the left: vise, multi-tool, solder gun, storage crate, task lamp. |
 |
| Chicago Welding 250 watt solder gun. |
 |
| Dremel style multi-tool by Craftsman. |
 |
| Storage container for small parts. |
I was able to get everything from these places:
-
Sears.
-
Office Max.
After getting my new work space set up, it was time to find
parts; particularly gears, knobs, and other mechanical pieces found in
Steampunk design.
Then, I found it – a mechanical adding machine from the
1950’s sitting in a corner of consignment shop.
My version was made by Victor, and, according to the lease sticker on
the back, was at one point used by Hughes Aircraft Company. How’s that for a bit of history!
 |
| A Victor adding machine - not quite like mine, but close enough. |
 |
| I love this! (This label is on mine!) |
This thing was a work of art – I actually felt a little bad
taking it apart. If you ever have the
opportunity to really look inside one of these things, I would highly recommend
it. I think just about anyone can
appreciate the complexity and beauty of the inner workings of this machine.
I wish I had taken photos when I started, but I didn’t – so
I found an image that was as close as possible to the one I started with. I did, however, take photos of the inside.
 |
| I really do wish I had taken better photos. Sorry! |
It took about 4 days to wrest this thing into its basic components. However, it yielded a ton of fantastic pieces
to work with.
 |
| This is just some of the treasures that came out of the adding machine. |
Next up – actually making something!
