1908 Wine Corking Machine [Restoration]

This restoration is on a 1908-patented "Yankee" wine corking machine made by The Gilchrist Company. The tool immediately caught my eye with its ornate floral scrollwork castings and gizmocity. It was so complex that I actually could not figure out how it actually functioned until everything was all restored and back together.
Several parts were broken or missing entirely and needed to be fixed or remade. I also took the time to completely nickel-plate almost all parts of the tool back to its original lustre.
The tool was missing its original clamp foot, but luckily @jimmydiresta had several to spare.
The wine corker came out beautifully in the end and the shine is almost too much! It actually works very well and I am sure it can be used again for another 100+ years.
Wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket drivers are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com
Help secure more tools for future videos (if you want):
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Podcast (with Jimmy DiResta and Andrew Alexander) - anchor.fm/fitzall

[@jimmydiresta]

Wow happy to help 😃

[@penprp]

You have a very handsome chicken, sir.

[@BradyBegeman]

I thought I had cornered the market on 1908 corking machine clamping feet and here you are with 12 (now 11)?!

[@larryjohnston52]

@@BradyBegeman 😂😂😂😂

[@AB0BA_69]

Wait, this is a machine for putting corks INTO bottles? Why would anyone want to do that? The whole point is to get the cork out.... I'm so confused....

[@HandToolRescue]

So generous!

[@thewasatch208]

I literally just pulled into my driveway in Idaho after driving for almost two days from Mississippi. I should be going to bed, but I just had to watch this! Thank you for sharing your talent with us here in KZbinville.

[@larrypostma2866]

I do this every time I made the central California to southeast Texas drive. 31 hours on the road but someone dropped a new video. It keeps me from having traffic accident nightmares and get rid of that feeling of still being in the truck.

[@thewasatch208]

@@larrypostma2866 that's the worst feeling. When you're sitting still but being wound up and feeling like you're still moving. These, for sure, help calm all that nonsense!

[@alexanderbarber5456]

I feel that drove from GA to WI 19 hours with traffic, but haven't slept in 45 hours. Still have to watch the video and his amazing work.

[@DarthGandalftheBlack]

I literally did the same shit when I left Mississippi and got to seattle 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@maryclarafjare]

😂😂

[@scottgm321]

I needed this video. I’ve been emotionally distant garbage for a few weeks. Your smile, the cat polisher and Jimmy with his chicken had me in stitches. Great job and thanks.

[@scottcates]

+1 Absotively

[@wesallen3926]

Agreed.

[@denvid321]

I was very impressed with the cat grit finishing you used on this project. Looks like a great alternative to a buffing wheel!

[@ElRel]

@@ralphgesler5110 ...and the kitty will be getting revenge for the indignity foisted upon it

[@nobuckle40]

Wait! What about cat attached to buffing wheel?

[@ewhac]

That is one patient kitty.

[@davidhelmuth6654]

It reminds a feller of the day #VGG broke out the one grit sander. A block! 😂

[@donaldduck9493]

Cat grit is purrfect grit

[@DeadReckon]

Man, some people would say it's excessive or wasteful to build a machine like this, but, it's still here, over 100 years later, and it still works. I think the real problem with society is we became a disposable society, not a society that held onto things because they were built to be passed down.

[@robertmyers5993]

Amen! "Built to Last" once meant a lifetime, not a year or two. We need to find our way back to that!

[@DeadReckon]

@@robertmyers5993 Yup, even things built a few decades ago are leagues better. Hell, I just bought a new to me 1985 Nissan 720 pickup that had been sitting for the better part of 3.5 years, had the radiator flushed, replaced the drivers side ball joints, and towed a mowing trailer over 60 miles at highway speeds. Try that with a modern vehicle that's sat for 3.5 years!

[@MrKirby365]

I truly and honestly believe that part of the reason that we are like that is because so many of our parents had the room you couldn't go into or the china you couldn't use... And because it was stuff that we couldn't use couldn't be nearer couldn't mess with because we might break it or in some way make it look like it's not brand new, We never connected with any of it we never had memories made with those pieces. I know personally the things that I saved after losing my adopted mom were attached to stories and memories. Maybe if we can build memories with those items and objects again and stop focusing on immediate satisfaction. I think there is a beautiful satisfaction in the time and effort you put into restoring something.

[@ludvig3242]

@@robertmyers5993 You can still buy things like this, but you'll have to pay a pretty penny for it, just like they did back then.

[@donaldwycoff4154]

My wife gave me one of your 3/8" driver for my birthday. That's one of the best gifts I've ever been given. Thank you very much for such fine craftsmanship. Will last a lifetime, to be sure.

[@TheGodsrighthandman]

Yeah, you're definitely the best resto' channel. No unnecessary garish colours, no powder coating, no faking, nothing but good, honest, sympathetic restorations.

[@metalslingr]

Make sure your cork gets soaked before stuffing it. Finding a proper cork soaker, who’s willing to soak the cork, is important.

[@georgelequin5070]

Excellent Gabriel!!!😂

[@80spodcastchannel]

you farging iceholes, you cork soakers

[@ellieprice363]

“Cork Soaker” sounds suspiciously like-ah never mind, forget it.

[@agentmango]

It's a great athing, in Italy!

[@bhringer]

Sock tuckers need not apply.

[@nathansmith1085]

There are certain creators that brighten your day when they upload. You are one of them. I love whenever I see a new video from you! Keep doing what you do!

[@rjman123au1]

Excellent job. The bit at the end "oh my God it's acetone" was the icing on the cake.

[@MacroManatee]

@Solomon Jaime it’s a solvent most often used for cleaning up other plastics or paints. Eric here probably uses it as a degreaser for metal.

[@mclade01]

Thanks for always giving out information on your projects. I'm disappointed in some of the other so-called "restoration" channels who "doctor" their items, making them look old and in need of repair then restore them. Keep up the good work

[@markwriter2698]

These restored items need to be in a museum.

[@willie6466]

I have to say this is one of your best restorations yet. It had all the elements a great drama. One thing I really missed however was the sandblasting cabinet head slam. I really look forward to it.

[@OakesProject]

I hope everyone appreciates how much wine he had to drink to test this piece of equipment. Also while watching this awesome video, I like to look around at the things in the background that may be future projects. I did catch a glimpse of an ancient, clapped out object that would be fascinating to see if you can bring back to life. Your lathe . . . . .

[@rickansell661]

Kieth Ruckers next job? Once he has finished Mr D'Resta's Bandsaw.

[@therealswarvey]

One of the very select few channels where I turn my sponsorblock and adblock off. Absolute legend

[@Pillowcase]

This one is a real gem. I love the different metals - the bronze, the castings, the japanning. The filagree side plates are a really nice touch. One of those objects you can be sure they "won't make it like that anymore."

[@GilmoreLion]

Little known fact: "Cat Grit" works very well for polishing silver, brass, and buffing out old Simoniz car-wax too. Short-haired Cat-Grit works better on matte finishes.

[@dama9150]

For the purrfect finish... I'll see myself out.

[@d00dEEE]

I find a long hair is best for floors.

[@GilmoreLion]

*rimshot*

[@xtender5]

😂 This is pure gold! The cat seems totally resigned to his fate. The chicken not so much.

[@LabGecko]

Maybe the chicken knows there's a cat at the other end of the line

[@carlmcgee1623]

I must say that for a small mechanism there was sure what seemed like an infinite amount of work involved. Good job sir !

[@MikeMakesMA]

Tapping a thread in situ to free it is a technique I've never seen before. Bravo.

[@semifavorableuncircle6952]

There also is a special file intended for repairing threads, its really helpful too. Especially when you cant access the end of the thread or dont have the correct die (the file needs to match the thread pitch obviously)

[@alexanderralph2504]

the cat grit is a whole other level of finishing!! always learn something new from your channel!! my cat was perched on the sofa, its suddenly shot off out very quickly 🤷‍♂️ great video, cool tool!!

[@rayshutsa6690]

I love the antique corking machine. What an awesome restoration. It works great even after all these years. I love antiques because they have a lot of ornate designs and are built to last. Thank you for another great video. I enjoy your channel and content. ❤🇨🇦

[@Leonarco333]

I love the elegant solutions to problems in old tools. You can definitely see where and why future improvements were made, but the elegance of the way things were put together is beautiful. I appreciate the care and dedication put into these restorations.

[@georgejones3526]

I sometimes regret knowing about this channel because if I was just finding it now I would get to watch all the videos for the first time again.

[@Evergreen64]

That cat was pretty chill.

[@pemtax557]

What a gorgeous piece ... even if it was a bad year for acetone. You once again amaze me with your seemingly endless knowledge and skill resources ... Cheers!!

[@bwheatgw]

Who doesn't love a Jimmy Diresta call!

[@zachbrown1630]

i can’t even describe the feeling of total relaxation i get while watching your videos, HTR. i’ve been feeling quite uneasy all day for some reason, but as soon as i started this video playing and watched as you began to disassemble, a wave of peace and calmness slowly washed over me. no other videos have this effect on me, and it is truly therapeutic. thank you for what you do. 💜

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

They don't make tools like that anymore. Beauty and function.

[@humanistwriting5477]

Starrett. Still makes a carpenters level and some other woodworking tools using thier old decorative molds.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

@@humanistwriting5477 Starrett?

[@humanistwriting5477]

@@AndyFromBeaverton opps. Autocorrect somehow hate that name Yes Starrett, thier level comes to mind but I recall them having a few others

[@gyomdelacreuse922]

When you stick two pieces of wood with the intention of separating them later, during collage, intercale a sheet of paper from a daily newspaper between the pieces of wood. Leave the assembly of the pieces dry and you can then work them as if they were only one piece. Once the work is done, a simple wood chisel at the junction of the two wooden pieces will be enough to separate them. The newspaper serving as a break point. It is an old tip that wood modelers use for the manufacturing on the wood tower of the parts which must be separated in two in order to be put in a foundry mold. This separation used as a molding separation seal.

[@justtime6736]

Interesting

[@gyomdelacreuse922]

@@justtime6736 Do you realy anderstand all i say in my poor frenchy english? Glad to see someone is interested in this very usefull technic. You have try it?

[@ironardito2633]

@@gyomdelacreuse922 Your English is plenty clear

[@gyomdelacreuse922]

@@ironardito2633 merci!!!!

[@fredericapanon207]

@@gyomdelacreuse922 ton anglais est très bon. Je note que ce que tu as traduis par wood "tower" serai mieux traduit par wood "lathe".

[@schwadevivre4158]

Thanks to one of the best resto channels there is Perhaps next you could restore the Canadian champagne industry

[@Uuq114]

The cat grit really gets the polish and shine to be perfect.

[@dama9150]

HTR has one of the best set-ups, esp for the de-rusting and nickel-platting.

[@clydedecker765]

I am totally in awe of your ability to "Git 'er done" with what seems somewhat hopeless. I know this one was by far not in the worst condition you've seen but it certainly has to stand up to some severe punishment to use. Pretty complex series of actions done on glass and cork. Nothing made today comes close to the refinement of that machine. Thanks.

[@clydebalcom3679]

Your ability to restore these treasures of yesteryear is a gift that you so freely share. Thank you. 👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@jasonkuehl639]

Great video as always! I love these older tools, functional and decorative at the same time. 😀

[@beneverett2392]

I appreciate all of your efforts, but above all, that really is a beautiful knob.

[@HandToolRescue]

;)

[@joaobarulho9124]

Parabéns, eu não conhecia essa peça, mas já vi e usei uma semelhante.

[@hunterallen4231]

I love watching the very real process of taking these things apart and learning what makes them tick as you do so

[@lethrington]

Im so glad the emotionally distant garbage has returned, it really ties an episode together.

[@robertbamford8266]

Long bolt for spring compression - clever idea. With “yankee” label, I finally looked up North Brothers. All I could find in addition to their screwdriver was “ and kitchen appliances”. Assume this was one of theirs. Thanks for the video!

[@rjal1973]

I love the Cat's work!

[@suhayl5157]

there are many good restorers on you tube but you are certainly the best. I admire your 'all around' knowledge.

[@braddempsey6930]

Love watching a real craftsman at work doing what he loves, top video mate 😉👍

[@ronwalsh]

Great restoration as always. I find when I use the cat grit, for some reason the cat develops quite an attitude as well as a static charge.

[@franciscoantoniopesceneto3626]

Muito bom.!!! Isto sim é restauração, máquinas antigas que voltam a funcionar. Parabéns. #relife

[@keithnodine1334]

So very excited to see you again. I hope you can get more videos out soon, really miss watching you do such amazing work.

[@DanSuneKronvold]

Nice to see tools that are not only tools, but also work of art. And taken care of.

[@leeroyholloway4277]

The original cotter pin on the outside was a thing of beauty. 1:05 Would have been nice to plate it and re-use.

[@markcassemeyer2649]

my thoughts exactly

[@HainjeDAF]

No face to the sandblaster? :) Nice work. Beautifal piece of machinery

[@vanerek]

never seen a cat grit applied so masterfully 11/10 would recommend

[@maryclarafjare]

Totally enjoyable, entertaining, educational.... I never dreamed I'd be enjoying tool rescue videos ...on purpose!!!!! Bravo!

[@hius9561]

Прекрасные видео!!! Я ваш фанат! Желаю процветания каналу!!! Удачи!!!

[@evanscreekbrahman7511]

I suppose I'm gonna have to soak some corks...

[@kendo1159]

Nobody likes a cork soaker. 😉

[@evanscreekbrahman7511]

@@kendo1159 there are many misconceptions about cork soaker’s in general.

[@FailedSquare]

easily one of the top 10 best channels on youchube

[@weekendstuff]

What a beauty. Before and after restauration. Thanks for sharing.

[@KittyCatInAMicrowave]

Sounds like the lathe is in need of little bit of rescue too

[@jc3745]

I great video would be the lathe getting the love it desperately needs.

[@MrMoon1ight]

красивый прес 👍😊

[@bjrn2925]

Man, I loved that little "MY EYE!" in the background.

[@briansteele5489]

What an attractive piece of (overbuilt?) machinery, designed and built before the age of metal stampings. What a treat to watch it being restored!

[@GablesDude]

I love you videos. Years ago, when my son was 5 or so, he would ask for the guy who breaks stuff and then outs it's back together. Now he knows it as restoration. Maybe this is a silly question, but what do you do with all of the rags you use that get covered in oil and grease and old paint?

[@HandToolRescue]

Thanks! I dry them out and they go into the hazardous waste bin.

[@fna-wrightengineering]

Gorgeous restoration, Eric. Always stop what I'm doing to watch your videos when I see new ones posted! Awesome tip on the cat grit. Do different breeds leave different finishes? Would using a sphinx be akin to stropping? Serious question... Were cotter pins always bent like that on old equipment? I always wondered why you (and most other restoration channels I watch) just barely split cotter pins, instead of bending them all the way around into boat anchors, so the stabby ends don't poke unwary hands/fingers/clothes/cats.

[@GordiansKnotHere]

This a great channel. Love the restorations and no silly music or other stuff. Just straight up restoration. Thanks!

[@piehole63]

This is one of my favorites of your work. Beautiful end result.

[@kylecarmichael5890]

That seems like the most work you've had to do to take something apart. Well done sir. I also like how the design had the decorative flourish for such a mundane tool.

[@B3ttyj0yc3]

I love that antique items you find and restore.. I have been watching for a long time. I love your antics, it's what make you unique. I love the head smash while sandblasting. I missed seeing it in this episode...keep up the great work!

[@robertmanley7556]

This is truly a amazing little tool !! What a fantastic restoration as well you do outstanding work !! It was so cool to see it work so awesome !! 👍👍

[@nobuckle40]

Always enjoyable to watch. Even when you struggle to get things apart. And who better to come to the rescue than Jimmy Diresta!

[@rockerseven]

Anyone else sometimes get so mesmerized, that you completely forget what it is he's actually restoring? Lol

[@user-lu4qm3cs8i]

Go 1 million subscribers!! I'm a huge fan and just love his talent and work. The speed-up videos and once in a while gaff is gold, gets a laugh everytime. Wonderful teaching experience for kids in school trying to learn a very important craft. Takes organizing and learning from start to finish.

[@Einherjar_17]

Thank you very much for such excellent content, from the editing of the video, your great sense of humor, and your magnificent restoration, greetings from the south of Argentina.

[@Chewligan1]

Wow what a lovely ornate machine. Never see this anymore. Great renovation

[@georgebrown8312]

Awesome job restoring the corking machine. I have never seen one like that. Great work.

[@CallardAndBowser]

Gotta use that Cat Grit for that ultra smooth finish !

[@pvccannon1966]

That " Oh my eye ! " sound bite had me rolling this morning. I had to stop the video. Then go back and play it again. :) lol

[@tailsdblack463]

This whole restoration was a real corker!

[@davouchi1]

Amazing results as always. Well done!

[@gutsngorrrr]

Great restoration, a lovely bit of mechanical history rescued.

[@kaiserklein]

A Jimmy Diresta cameo...with a hen? That's gold right there.

[@WorkshopDC]

Love those vintages machines. Great work!

[@bodiejay2859]

That came out absolutely amazing. I love to watch you do what you do. ~Kevin

[@jonk6092]

Turned out beautiful... as always.

[@jeff1176]

Came out exquisite. Nicely done Eric

[@Wafflecat09]

That was by far the very best intro to any video I have ever seen! BRAVO!

[@matthewpeterson3329]

Great sense of humor! Don't stop, this channel is gold!

[@t0mn8r35]

Excellent job as always. At first I thought it was a piece of junk but after seeing it work it is quite clever.

[@JoeTheGons]

This looks amazing. Great work!

[@tommygarcia6671]

Good morning the cat made it look very nice, God bless and take care.

[@Pancreaticdefect]

Cant wait until the line of Hand Tool Reserve wines hit the merch store.

[@leslieb.1907]

Fantastic! I just love the unique items!

[@MoraFermi]

"Angry wall wine", that was amazing! Awesome restoration!

[@jorgedebairosmoura]

genial como siempre, muy creativo y ese toque de humor, muy bueno. Gran abrazo Argentino!!!!

[@PuffPastry-ke3cm]

I like how you keep your work somewhat reversable. (ie, not gluing the screws in) It'll make future repairs easier.

[@bartslijkhuis]

Every time your intro brings a smile to my face 😊

[@alexeyshibanov1714]

What a pleasure to watch your videos! Thank you!

[@derekquiram]

One of the best payoff endings with suprise cameo video's I have ever seen. Amazing 😮 28:30

[@SandraWeierman]

A great restoration of a beautiful piece of art! I love to watch your videos, as you always find a way to make me laugh.

[@mauriciovaldebenitto8966]

Tu trabajo es muy prolijo, felicitaciones

[@darkblackforest]

What a nice piece! Good job!

[@Moosemoose1]

Talk about quality - that spring still works incredibly well!