1870s Ornate Inclinometer [Restoration]

This restoration is on an 1870s Davis Level & Tool Co. level/inclinometer. I found this tool years ago, but was intimidated by the amount of work required to restore it, its value, and its age.

The level was clearly dropped at some point as almost all edges had some form of damage. The far edges were missing large chunks of cast iron, there was a large crack on one side of the level, and the ornate floral casting portions had multiple cranks within it. Surprisingly, the glass vial was completely intact. The entire level was also coating with silver paint, for some reason.

Due to its age and value, I felt like repairing the broken casting with bronze would be a complete eye sore and not appropriate for beautiful of a tool. So I decide to torch weld the cracks used 100% cast iron filler rod. This is an incredibly difficult task, but the only way to ensure the repairs are not visually noticeable.

I also decided to use japanning to keep the restoration as authentic as possible. I experimented with spraying japanning out of a pressurized can, which actually worked decently, but definitely needs to be perfected.

Furthermore, I decided to use my 1870s metal planer to flatten the welded repairs to replicate the original marks made by a metal planer during its original production.

This restoration took me longer to complete than some of my more complicated tool restorations, but I am really happy with how it turned out.

Wrenches are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com

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Podcast (with Jimmy DiResta and Andrew Alexander) - https://anchor.fm/fitzall

Видео 1870s Ornate Inclinometer [Restoration] канала Hand Tool Rescue