Krebs pattern CS Osborn #85 leather splitter rehab

[Zawlard]

Hi there, 

Looking for advice as I prepare to rehab this recently acquired CS Osborn #85 splitter. Currently works fine, just want to clean it up and give it some TLC before mounting it in the shop. I will add a few more pics but most wondering if there is any watch outs or items to be aware of before I start tearing into this project? I will need to get a new main feed roller tension spring(not sure its official name)made since the current one is cracked. Also, anyone know the purpose and function of the small lever mounted just below the main feed roller control arm? Played around with it but don't seem to do anything that I can see. 

[Zawlard]

[DieselTech]

I'm thinking the small lever changes the thickness of cut you want to make on your leather. Might not want to get real crazy when giving it new life. Might be worth more in it's natural state. 

[bruce johnson]

The small lever Is to hold the roller forward. Push forward on the large handle and you can flip the small lever end in behind it to hold it open and feed your leather in. The broken spring - common place for them to break, that is why ShopTalk magazine used to sell replacement top and front springs and large handles because they were the most broken parts on a Krebs and the previous owner restored some.  It will probably function just fine like it is as a user. Finding a replacement spring? Hard. Before somebody says "have one made" - The tension has to be just right - too soft and the roller will move forward and get uneven splits, Too hard and you will have hell opening it and you may say bad words if the handle breaks just above the pivot bolt. It happens. 

As far as cleaning it up, you will not destroy any value on most leather tools and bench machines. The only time I have ever had customers want anything "as-found rustic" was to hang on a wall for decor or photo and video props. One guy told me when he ordered a Krebs - "I don't want it to look like I stole it off the wall at Cracker Barrel". I've probably done 25-30 of them.  I take them totally down to parts and blast them, inspect closely for stress cracks, then prime and paint. I just blast that loose chrome off the drum and paint it.  Hardest thing on a Krebs is usually the lever on the adjustment drum. There is a little set screw in there that can take work getting out and then setting it back seated into the depression when you reassemble. When you loosen the lever the clicker and spring can sometimes go flying out - be ready with a towel wrapped around most of it to catch it when you work that lever down and out. They clean up really nice and worth the effort. I've attached pictures of a couple I have done. 

[Zawlard]

Thanks for all the info Bruce, super helpful! Love the pics of the ones you have refurbished, absolutely beautiful!! I’ll put up some once I get mine finished.