Tool review in progress as it unfolds: Robland X-31

cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:27 pm

Step 1: Jump on a risky but potentially great opportunity posted to CraigsList.

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cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:30 pm

Step 2: Try to not be steam-rolled to death by the solid iron while wheeling into garage. Place Robland close enough to ShopSmith to induce mutual jealousy.

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cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:35 pm

Step 3: Begin what I assume will be a multi-week process of cleanup. Hope for the best, and that the results are indeed the fully working machine I hope for!

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cobalt60 · Post by **cobalt60** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:37 pm

Coming soon: The cliffhanger (and why this is relevant to this board)! Will the Robland un-seat the modified SS 520 as my shop's multi-tool? Tune in ... whenever I get through all this freakin' rust!

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:19 pm

Let me know when you can fit that Robland into the space of a bicycle.

Don't see a replacement, but a compliment to the Mark V.

Anyway, looks like a nice find and I hope the restore goes smoothly. How are the motors on the Robland?

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:00 pm

There is a Yahoo group for the Robland X-31 that has some detailed files on set-up and maintenance, etc. Head over there and take a look around.

You will love that machine once you get the sliding table set up properly. There are members there that have had a jig made that helps getting the sliding table aligned and there are also plans for a crank to raise and lower the saw blade instead of the lever mechanism. Especially nice is that over-under 12" jointer-planer combination, as well as the slot mortising attachment.