Reply To: Tools in the UK
Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Tools and Tool Maintenance/Restoration / Tools in the UK / Reply To: Tools in the UK
[quote quote=137005]I know one of the American tool dealers makes trips to England to buy lots of tools at good prices. Then he sells them in America for prices that are normal or even high for America. Makes me wonder if it wouldn’t be cheaper for Americans to buy several tools from eBay and take a hit on shipping costs. Not that I’d want to do that – I can’t stand eBay already.
[/quote]
If you’re talking about who I think you’re talking about, I get that dealer’s list every month. It’s educational (cool old tools) and funny to read. Some prices aren’t really that bad, and can be cheaper than eBay. For example, this month, he has a complete with box No 71 router plane for less than similar condition (complete) routers recently sold on eBay. And it’s WW II era which is extra nice. His descriptions are accurate and pictures are good too. It’s like anything else though, you have to shop around a bit for the best price. Also he’s the guy behind the Stanley blood and gore historical web site which is an amazing reference.
One thing I like to do is to consider my own experience with a particular tool.
If I have zero experience with a particular tool, I may pay a higher price for one in very fine condition from a dealer so I know I’m getting a usable and correct tool straight away. I think like this for saws especially, since I have no means or experience in fixing bent saws. And unlike a plane, no amount of sanding I do will make a saw straight. So paying a bit more or a lot more than flea market prices for a really nice Disston from a dealer is worthwhile to me. Especially when I know I’ll have that tool longer than seller will have my money in his pocket.
You can snipe UK eBay auctions and even with shipping get a fine tool for less than U.S. ebay, but again, you have to shop. And of course consider the exchange rate.