Thanks for your time.. Chuck
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Reconditioning Antique Coffee Mills - Quality in the Detail
It's a Labor of Love, a passion for detail & quality in restoring 100 year old Antique Coffee Mills and Grinders that were "Made in the USA". We take great pride in regaining life in each of our Antique Coffee Mills. We spend and average of over 100 hours reconditioning each Mill and the detail is that makes them unique, functional and beautiful works. We developed a process that is followed in great detail for each Mill to ensure all Lead Based Paint is removed. All mechanical components are restored to exacting specifications for functionality.Surfaces that come in contact with the Coffee Beans, Grounds or Spices are food safe with our seasoning method. The finish work is finely detailed. We polish the fasteners. The wheels and bodies casted lettering are hand painted. The wood work is finely finished like fine furniture. And the Mill's history is documented. We take the time, use only the best materials and processes to ensure quality for our Customers. At usacraftsman.com we work to restore and recondition the great Mills & Grinders and the history of a true American made product. If your looking for a unique Christmas Gift for a special person, that believes in Made in the USA with quality with American history, please go to our Website and take a look http://shop.usacraftsman.com/main.sc, if you have any questions, please contact us at vickiandchuck@usacraftsman.com... Our strategy is to produce unique gifts, we do not duplicate any of our Mills, these are truly 'one off', hand worked collectibles that are fully functional. Our Mills are "Burr Grinders", the coffee grounds make exceptional coffee, I recommend you check out the coffee experts on the difference between "Burr" grinders and the new style electric "Blade" grinders...
Thanks for your time.. Chuck
Thanks for your time.. Chuck
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Meeting Great American's Along the Way
We've meet many interesting and great people with our new endeavor with usacraftsman.com while searching out pieces of American history, like the antique coffee mills and restoration service. In these difficult economic times, small business and individuals have been hit hard. As we travel the country, we see the signs of the times with vacate building that were once a thriving business supporting families, streets with rows of houses for sale that were once homes and our country's infrastructure falling apart..And, empty parking lots for manufacturing facilities that produced products that were 'Made in the USA' Time are tough, the Country's shortfalls in the 1990's were caused by greed and short sighted people like; Wall street Financial egotistical self centered people, corrupt politicians, poor business leaders and people excepting hand outs for doing nothing through taxpayer entitlement programs. But, the spirit of our great Country can be and will be regenerated through true Americans. We've meet and talked them great American people along the way.....
What is the make up of great people in my opinion:
1.) Truth and Honesty with integrity
2.) Willing to work hard with pride and quality
3.) Passion for "doing what is right, not what is easy"
4.) People that 'shake our hand' and it has meaning of honor.
5.) Creativity and calculated risk taking
6.) Striving to learn and grow through eduction and life experience
7.) Living within the Laws, Standards and Rules set forth by our Faith and Country
8.) Supporting the Women and Men that serve our Country and Freedoms
9.) Value Diversity with Compassion and Empathy for others
10.) Positive Attitude and the Willingness to try without excuses and willingness to learn from shortfalls
Thankfully there are people that live by, believe in and walk the talk. There is hope for the future. We've had the opportunity to see this first hand. In the past months we've seen the passion within people that is inspiring. We've seen signs posted in people's yard and in the front lawn of businesses stating "Buy American and Made in the USA" .... We've seen small business owners struggling to 'make it through the tough times' by extraordinary efforts to stay in business making scarifies. We've talked to people that are going their part to survive and regain control over their lives without hand outs.. In searching for quality materials & components to restore the antiques and make our products that we produce, listed below are some of the great American small businesses we've came across:
- Armstrong Millworks Inc. in Highland Michigan - hard working people, a quality company that supplies excellent wood materials (specializing in beautiful hardwoods and custom trim work). They'll cut, size and plane wood to meet your requirements, true Customer satisfaction and service.
- The Collector's Corner Antiques and Collectibles in Birch Run Michigan - Patt the owner is a great person and true American. Patt's shop specializes in Black Americana & the Cookie Jars (I have never seen some many cookie jars in by life in one spot...). Patt offered us positive advise with our business. In addition, Patt support our restoration service by allowing us to restore her Rockola Penny Scale, a treasure she found and trusted us with a hand shake to complete the project for her. Patt is a true patriot, good person and has a neat antique store... She also knows a lot about her antiques and has passion.
- Scott Iron Works in Hazel Park Michigan - This is a small business specializing in Doors, Railings, Gates and Fencing hand made with wrought and forged iron. What makes them special, a quick story: Larry and I needed to purchase wrought iron for a stand project with one of our larger Antique Coffee Mills, the supplier we have been doing business with in Texas is not stocking the ornate panels anymore (sign of the times with building construction down), so we needed a new source, so our search began locally in Michigan. Larry found Scoot Iron Works in the yellow pages and we traveled to the shop to see if there was an opportunity. Then we entered the store front, there was a sign stating " we only sell completed work, we do not sell pieces", my first thought was 'let's leave and travel on.." But, we were greeted by a Senior Lady with a warm welcome and told her what we needed, she went out of her way to help us and allowed us to purchase the materials we needed at a fair price. She was sharp as a pin, offered creative ideas and worked hard to assist us. At 85 years young, she had passion for servicing a Customer and a true patriot.
- Bill from Arizona Silhouette, in Arizona - A small business owner for wood turning materials. Bill is helped us with advise on starting up our web-site. Bill took the time to personally call us and share experiences. Bill is a true patriot, a Vet with great pride in our Country. Bill supplies high quality products at fair prices. Bill's website is well worth a visit, take a look at not only his products, but his values in America.. Bill is inspiring and we thank with for who he is.... Check out the website at www.arizonasilhouette.com/
- Mikes Antique & Old Goodies Quality Antique Mall in Millington Michigan (a small town in the center of the Michigan 'thumb' farming community. The own Mike Bott
- In our endeavors to bring back American Manufacturing History with the Antique Coffee Mills, we have came across many true Americans and great people. We joined ACME (Association of Coffee Mill Enthusiasts) www.coffeehouseinc.com/acme.htm. We found many helpful, knowledgeable and passionate people that collect the great prices of American history with the coffee mills and grinders. We've found new friends along with way. One of the most interesting and knowledge people is Fred Schmidt of New York. Fred has true passion not only on the mills, but the history of the companies and how the mills were used. Fred also is a true craftsman taking great pride in each mill he collects and sells. Some many mills are sold on Ebay and Craig's List, many times the mills are missing parts or in bad shape... If you ever see one of Fred's Coffee Mills or parts on Ebay, you can count on it is what he states in the description. Fred is a man of his word and a hand shake with Fred has value. Fred is one of many of the great people we've had contact with through the coffee mill endeavors.
Thanks for your time. There is hope for the future., get involved and "Do what is right" .. And support America by purchasing items 'Made in the USA'
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com
What is the make up of great people in my opinion:
1.) Truth and Honesty with integrity
2.) Willing to work hard with pride and quality
3.) Passion for "doing what is right, not what is easy"
4.) People that 'shake our hand' and it has meaning of honor.
5.) Creativity and calculated risk taking
6.) Striving to learn and grow through eduction and life experience
7.) Living within the Laws, Standards and Rules set forth by our Faith and Country
8.) Supporting the Women and Men that serve our Country and Freedoms
9.) Value Diversity with Compassion and Empathy for others
10.) Positive Attitude and the Willingness to try without excuses and willingness to learn from shortfalls
Thankfully there are people that live by, believe in and walk the talk. There is hope for the future. We've had the opportunity to see this first hand. In the past months we've seen the passion within people that is inspiring. We've seen signs posted in people's yard and in the front lawn of businesses stating "Buy American and Made in the USA" .... We've seen small business owners struggling to 'make it through the tough times' by extraordinary efforts to stay in business making scarifies. We've talked to people that are going their part to survive and regain control over their lives without hand outs.. In searching for quality materials & components to restore the antiques and make our products that we produce, listed below are some of the great American small businesses we've came across:
- Armstrong Millworks Inc. in Highland Michigan - hard working people, a quality company that supplies excellent wood materials (specializing in beautiful hardwoods and custom trim work). They'll cut, size and plane wood to meet your requirements, true Customer satisfaction and service.
- The Collector's Corner Antiques and Collectibles in Birch Run Michigan - Patt the owner is a great person and true American. Patt's shop specializes in Black Americana & the Cookie Jars (I have never seen some many cookie jars in by life in one spot...). Patt offered us positive advise with our business. In addition, Patt support our restoration service by allowing us to restore her Rockola Penny Scale, a treasure she found and trusted us with a hand shake to complete the project for her. Patt is a true patriot, good person and has a neat antique store... She also knows a lot about her antiques and has passion.
- Scott Iron Works in Hazel Park Michigan - This is a small business specializing in Doors, Railings, Gates and Fencing hand made with wrought and forged iron. What makes them special, a quick story: Larry and I needed to purchase wrought iron for a stand project with one of our larger Antique Coffee Mills, the supplier we have been doing business with in Texas is not stocking the ornate panels anymore (sign of the times with building construction down), so we needed a new source, so our search began locally in Michigan. Larry found Scoot Iron Works in the yellow pages and we traveled to the shop to see if there was an opportunity. Then we entered the store front, there was a sign stating " we only sell completed work, we do not sell pieces", my first thought was 'let's leave and travel on.." But, we were greeted by a Senior Lady with a warm welcome and told her what we needed, she went out of her way to help us and allowed us to purchase the materials we needed at a fair price. She was sharp as a pin, offered creative ideas and worked hard to assist us. At 85 years young, she had passion for servicing a Customer and a true patriot.
- Bill from Arizona Silhouette, in Arizona - A small business owner for wood turning materials. Bill is helped us with advise on starting up our web-site. Bill took the time to personally call us and share experiences. Bill is a true patriot, a Vet with great pride in our Country. Bill supplies high quality products at fair prices. Bill's website is well worth a visit, take a look at not only his products, but his values in America.. Bill is inspiring and we thank with for who he is.... Check out the website at www.arizonasilhouette.com/
- Mikes Antique & Old Goodies Quality Antique Mall in Millington Michigan (a small town in the center of the Michigan 'thumb' farming community. The own Mike Bott
- In our endeavors to bring back American Manufacturing History with the Antique Coffee Mills, we have came across many true Americans and great people. We joined ACME (Association of Coffee Mill Enthusiasts) www.coffeehouseinc.com/acme.htm. We found many helpful, knowledgeable and passionate people that collect the great prices of American history with the coffee mills and grinders. We've found new friends along with way. One of the most interesting and knowledge people is Fred Schmidt of New York. Fred has true passion not only on the mills, but the history of the companies and how the mills were used. Fred also is a true craftsman taking great pride in each mill he collects and sells. Some many mills are sold on Ebay and Craig's List, many times the mills are missing parts or in bad shape... If you ever see one of Fred's Coffee Mills or parts on Ebay, you can count on it is what he states in the description. Fred is a man of his word and a hand shake with Fred has value. Fred is one of many of the great people we've had contact with through the coffee mill endeavors.
Thanks for your time. There is hope for the future., get involved and "Do what is right" .. And support America by purchasing items 'Made in the USA'
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
Restoring American Made Coffee Mills - Elgin No 42
At usacraftsman, we take great pride in restoring and reconditioning pieces that were Made in the USA. Our latest project is a great piece from back in the late 1890's, an Elgin No 42 Antique Coffee Mill. The owner of this Mill is Larry Itoney, our partner with usacradftsman.com. This Mill is special not only because it was Made in the USA, but as any great collection piece, it has a story behind it.. Years ago, Larry reconditioned two coffee mills and kept them for years, situations changed and the Mills were lost... One Mill was a deep hunter green and the other rich, deep red burgundy, both were cherished pieces, reconditioned by Larry himself (a true craftsman_... Through our hunts for treasure, Larry found a rusted, old Mill with great design and appeal, the Elgin No 42, but the Mill was in rough shape. The wheels were frozen solid to the body, nothing would move, rust head to toe and it looked like it was left out in the elements for years. But Larry had a vision for this Mill, he wanted to restore it and made it 100% functional. Most important bring back the rich deep red burgundy and gold trim memories of the antique coffee grinder he lost years ago..
We set the Mill up on his bench table in the work shop and talked about his vision. The project came to life... We placed the rusted treasure into Electrolysis, a week later pulled it out and still nothing would move (typically electrolysis can break down severely rusted materials within a week in the tank).. So, Vicki and I broke out the torches and attempted to break it free with some "heat", two hours later, nothing moved... And we heated it up 'cherry red'.. Back into the tank for another week..
A week placed and we pull it back out to see if we could get it apart, again no luck. Vicki, Larry and I all know, nothing good comes easy.. We developed a special application fixture and used an impact wrench adding heat and torque to free it up. Once we dis-assembled the wheels and body, we found the internal hardware totally rusted away.. We can make just about anything between Larry and I, but we can not duplicated the grinding plates of the antique mills (that we could afford anyway).. Now the fun begins, we need to track down a set of 1890's Elgin No 42 grinding plates (or burr plate). More to come on the story and new found friend along the way on the grinding plates to follow in an up-coming blog on the great people we meet..
We work through cleaning up the mill, sand blasting, machine parts and working to duplicate fasteners used 100 years ago.. After 200 hours of detail work, the Mill regained it's life and is now fully functional like new.. The deep red burgundy paint, gold trim and polished solid brass came out great. Vicki found a solid brass Eagle finale (from a other antique coffee mill on Ebay) to rest on the top... As all projects we complete, the detail is outstanding, each and every fastener is high polished, the mating thread re-tapped and lubricated (anti-seize to prevent future corrosion) . The hand painting on the trim and accents by Vicki are exceptional. The wood working by Larry for the base and handles is beautiful. The mechanics are perfect, the Mill is smooth are silk and fully functional, the coffee beans are burr ground perfectly (burr grounds make the best coffee vs the grind blends from the modern electric coffee grinders)..
Attached is a picture of the Elgin No 42 before the restoration process. We'll follow up with the completed pictures in the blog on 'meeting great people' in a couple days... We need complete the fabrication of the receiver cup (the catch cup from the coffee grounds. We are fabricating a cup with highly polished copper to finish off the vision of Larry's treasure.
Thanks for your time, if you need help with restoring an Antique Coffee Mill (that's was Made in the USA) feel free to contact us on our website at usacraftsman.com
Sorry, this one stays with Larry, it's not on our website store.. (It's a prize piece once you see the completed pictures.. )
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com
We set the Mill up on his bench table in the work shop and talked about his vision. The project came to life... We placed the rusted treasure into Electrolysis, a week later pulled it out and still nothing would move (typically electrolysis can break down severely rusted materials within a week in the tank).. So, Vicki and I broke out the torches and attempted to break it free with some "heat", two hours later, nothing moved... And we heated it up 'cherry red'.. Back into the tank for another week..
A week placed and we pull it back out to see if we could get it apart, again no luck. Vicki, Larry and I all know, nothing good comes easy.. We developed a special application fixture and used an impact wrench adding heat and torque to free it up. Once we dis-assembled the wheels and body, we found the internal hardware totally rusted away.. We can make just about anything between Larry and I, but we can not duplicated the grinding plates of the antique mills (that we could afford anyway).. Now the fun begins, we need to track down a set of 1890's Elgin No 42 grinding plates (or burr plate). More to come on the story and new found friend along the way on the grinding plates to follow in an up-coming blog on the great people we meet..
We work through cleaning up the mill, sand blasting, machine parts and working to duplicate fasteners used 100 years ago.. After 200 hours of detail work, the Mill regained it's life and is now fully functional like new.. The deep red burgundy paint, gold trim and polished solid brass came out great. Vicki found a solid brass Eagle finale (from a other antique coffee mill on Ebay) to rest on the top... As all projects we complete, the detail is outstanding, each and every fastener is high polished, the mating thread re-tapped and lubricated (anti-seize to prevent future corrosion) . The hand painting on the trim and accents by Vicki are exceptional. The wood working by Larry for the base and handles is beautiful. The mechanics are perfect, the Mill is smooth are silk and fully functional, the coffee beans are burr ground perfectly (burr grounds make the best coffee vs the grind blends from the modern electric coffee grinders)..
Attached is a picture of the Elgin No 42 before the restoration process. We'll follow up with the completed pictures in the blog on 'meeting great people' in a couple days... We need complete the fabrication of the receiver cup (the catch cup from the coffee grounds. We are fabricating a cup with highly polished copper to finish off the vision of Larry's treasure.
Thanks for your time, if you need help with restoring an Antique Coffee Mill (that's was Made in the USA) feel free to contact us on our website at usacraftsman.com
Sorry, this one stays with Larry, it's not on our website store.. (It's a prize piece once you see the completed pictures.. )
Chuck Kowalski
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Restoring a unique piece of Made in the USA, Rockola Penny Scale
We had the opportunity to complete a reconditioning project of another unique piece that was made in the USA back in the early 1930's. More important this reconditioning was completed for a new friend, Patt, an Antique Shop owner up in Birch Run, Michigan, Patt's store is 'The Collectors Corner', Patt specializes in Black Americana Historic items and a huge collection of Cookie Jars... Patt picked up a very nice Rockola Penny Scale and we happened to stop in to show Patt a couple coffee mills. Patt wanted to ensure the Penny Scale was cleaned up and in good working order for her Customers, so out the door it went with us to start the project work. Patt also takes pride in American pieces and "Made in the USA"...
The original scale was very clean and looked to be used or stored inside. protecting it from the elements. But, the scale had the two back panels missing and 'coin drop' deactivated. Patt wanted the back panels replaced and the coin drop in working order. She also wanted to ensure the scale was put back in excellent condition.
The fabrication of the back panels included creating panels that duplicated the originals, but needed to be secured to the body without compromising the scale, just in case a collector may want to restore the scale back to the exact original condition. The Panels were fabricated from 10 gauge sheet metal and a 1/4" rope bead steel rod, mig welded. The challenge with the fabrication was to match the sweep of the main panel with a two plane slight sweep to match the design lines of the cast iron body. With the panels completed and fitting like a glove, we moved on to the paint prep. To match the original white porcelain, we went with White Epoxy paint. The epoxy paint provides and strong durable finish. And it come close to matching the porcelain finish.
Next we moved on to the internal mechanisms and coin drop activation. This is the part of the project that inspired me most... As I sat on a stool and looked into the back panel opening, I was amazed with the inner workings of the Scale. The Scale internals were a master piece and mechanical marvel. A design that stood the test of time. The Scale was built back in the 1930's and still was in great condition, the assembly and parts were pure quality. The rods, linkages and levers were precise, clean and mechanically sound. The design worked, day in a day out and for 80+ years.. With a few minor adjustments, the scale worked like a champ. I thought to myself, this piece is so well done, I bet myself the scale could be tuned in and work with not only pennies, but with nickels, dimes and quarters.. About two hours later, it worked perfectly..
To finish up the project, we "sweetened" the scale by buffing, waxing, cleaning, touch ups, checking all mechanism top to bottom. Vicki hit the detail on the graphics in the top viewing paneling by hand painting the silver highlights on the etched glass ( the original paint was loosened up and needed to be restored)...
We worked to research the details on the Scale's history and Rockola Mfg. to put together the documentation and provide the new owner with the details on the reconditioning project, required maintenance and history. Putting together the details for the document is always a challenge, but the part I really enjoy pulling together, it gives me a chance to rediscover American history. Also, we find great people along the way, in this case we found a couple that collector and the experts on the scales, I thank them for the help... if you have interest in scales, I highly recommend their web-site: http://www.pennyscale.com/.
If you are taking on a similar project for the Rockola Penny Scale Email me at usacraftsman.com.. I can share some experiences with you... Also set up many jpeg pics on the scale detail..
As always; Larry Itoney, Vicki and I ensure excellence in our project work in restoring American history and Made in the USA. Friday we will take this piece back to Patt and do our traditional unveiling, the best part of our work is seeing the owner eyes then they see their piece back like new..
Making something old new again, thanks for your time....
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com
The original scale was very clean and looked to be used or stored inside. protecting it from the elements. But, the scale had the two back panels missing and 'coin drop' deactivated. Patt wanted the back panels replaced and the coin drop in working order. She also wanted to ensure the scale was put back in excellent condition.
The fabrication of the back panels included creating panels that duplicated the originals, but needed to be secured to the body without compromising the scale, just in case a collector may want to restore the scale back to the exact original condition. The Panels were fabricated from 10 gauge sheet metal and a 1/4" rope bead steel rod, mig welded. The challenge with the fabrication was to match the sweep of the main panel with a two plane slight sweep to match the design lines of the cast iron body. With the panels completed and fitting like a glove, we moved on to the paint prep. To match the original white porcelain, we went with White Epoxy paint. The epoxy paint provides and strong durable finish. And it come close to matching the porcelain finish.
Next we moved on to the internal mechanisms and coin drop activation. This is the part of the project that inspired me most... As I sat on a stool and looked into the back panel opening, I was amazed with the inner workings of the Scale. The Scale internals were a master piece and mechanical marvel. A design that stood the test of time. The Scale was built back in the 1930's and still was in great condition, the assembly and parts were pure quality. The rods, linkages and levers were precise, clean and mechanically sound. The design worked, day in a day out and for 80+ years.. With a few minor adjustments, the scale worked like a champ. I thought to myself, this piece is so well done, I bet myself the scale could be tuned in and work with not only pennies, but with nickels, dimes and quarters.. About two hours later, it worked perfectly..
To finish up the project, we "sweetened" the scale by buffing, waxing, cleaning, touch ups, checking all mechanism top to bottom. Vicki hit the detail on the graphics in the top viewing paneling by hand painting the silver highlights on the etched glass ( the original paint was loosened up and needed to be restored)...
We worked to research the details on the Scale's history and Rockola Mfg. to put together the documentation and provide the new owner with the details on the reconditioning project, required maintenance and history. Putting together the details for the document is always a challenge, but the part I really enjoy pulling together, it gives me a chance to rediscover American history. Also, we find great people along the way, in this case we found a couple that collector and the experts on the scales, I thank them for the help... if you have interest in scales, I highly recommend their web-site: http://www.pennyscale.com/.
If you are taking on a similar project for the Rockola Penny Scale Email me at usacraftsman.com.. I can share some experiences with you... Also set up many jpeg pics on the scale detail..
As always; Larry Itoney, Vicki and I ensure excellence in our project work in restoring American history and Made in the USA. Friday we will take this piece back to Patt and do our traditional unveiling, the best part of our work is seeing the owner eyes then they see their piece back like new..
Chuck Kowalski
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