Comments on: Cabinet hardware removal

By: Al

Al — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:42:42 +0000

This series was terrific. I was very interested in seeing how it ends. Nave you finished? Please let us know. Thanks

By: Slotter

Slotter — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 02:10:10 +0000

Thanks, Mark. My non-slot schedule is starting to ease up a bit, so hopefully I will get back to the machine soon. I’m glad the photos helped you in your efforts on the Extraordinary, which is a great looking machine. I turned down a chance to buy a nice original Extraordinary years ago, and I’ve kicked myself ever since for not buying that machine! It’s just like the old saying goes, too… you regret the things you DIDN’T do more than those you did.

Hope your restoration goes well!

By: Mark Vaughan

Mark Vaughan — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:16:34 +0000

What a great resource
Your tear down so far has shown me a few things (and behind a few things) that I hadn’t known about. Am rejuvenating a full height Mills Extraordinary and used one shot of your escalator to correctly replace a missing spring. As you say, restoration photo’s and explanations are a rarity…this one has been of practical use to me already and I intend to check back often.
Best wishes for the repairs and the rebuild.

By: Slotter

Slotter — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:58:52 +0000

Thanks for the kind words! I’ve had a busy Spring that has kept me away from the workbench, but I’m hoping to make some more progress shortly.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:51:20 +0000

Enjoyed this series very much. I produced a similar thing on DVD a few years ago. Interesting how you strip down the mechanics. Hope we get to see the completed article!!! Good Luck.

By: Slotter

Slotter — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:47:27 +0000

Hi, Broodwich, and thanks for visiting.

1. There isn’t really a lot of wear here, and I think once the machine is cleaned up you will see what I mean. I think what you are seeing is just scuff marks in grease, but feel free to clarify if I’m not understanding you.

2. I’m going to take the pump apart later and photograph it, and that will probably answer some of your questions. Different machines have pumps that are made out of different materials, and some of them are indeed brass. Once brass is cleaned up and degreased, it generally polishes up really well with Brasso or a similar metal polish.

Thanks again for writing!

By: Broodwich

Broodwich — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:47:10 +0000

Excellent work!

couple questions:

1- is there any way to stop the Handle Starting Lever from wearing down the inside of the case? or was that just improper reinstallation many years ago that caused this? (just wondering cause my machine has slight wear just like yours)

2- how do you restore or clean up the leather pump i’ve seen some people who have some very nice brass or polished ones and would love to take my machine to that point.

By: Slotter

Slotter — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:05:38 +0000

Hi, John. I'm going to do a somewhat complete list of parts resources later on, but for now you might want to start with the following resources: Squires and Corrie - They have a few parts online, but have many more than they can show on the web. The owner is a really helpful guy and a pleasure to deal with. Bernie Berten - email mrslot1@aol.com for a catalog - Lots of parts and some tools. Krahl Classic Antiques - I haven't bought from them yet, but they have a very complete parts catalog online. I hope that helps to get you started. Thanks for the kind words and for following along!

By: John

John — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:13:40 +0000

Hi,

My name is John , from the Netherlands.
I’m following your blog for a while now , best restoration source for a Hightop on the internet !!!

Because of your blog, i’ll start the restoration of my “Mills Hightop 777 5c” in a few weeks.
Your blog is realy a great help for me.

Can i ask you where you buy your parts , i seeked the internet and did’nt find a good source yet.

Keep up the good work !!

kind regards,

John Broer
Netherlands