Good deals
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I just wanted to say hello and discuss my latest experience in finding old quality tools here in Canada.
This past week at a small antique shop I was able to find a Type 15 Made in CAN Stanley Bailey No.4 for $10CAD with no rust and in good shape, the only problem was that the tote had been replaced by a 4-1/2 tote (which is in good condition but has the extra screw hole) plane still functioned properly. I also found at the same store a Stanley 220 block plane in fantastic condition and could not leave it there for $8CAD.Inspired I went that weekend to the local flea market and found a Made in CAN Stanley Bailey No.5 for $25CAD there was no cap screw so the owner advised be to grab one of the extra blade, cap & cap screws (since they were fused together by some light rust). He also sold me a Disston crosscut saw for $5CAD with only a small chip in the horn and very little rust on the blade.
I gave my contact info the antique store owner who was very friendly and advised him to call me if he found more items. Ebay is not your only source if you want to avoid duties and shipping.
Happy hunting.Good advice, and I would avoid buying saws on ebay anyway. You just can’t be sure they are straight and it’s a pain to fix them. I speak from experience on that one.
I must say that I have bought a few nice vintage saws online, but totally agree that one person’s warble, wave, kink, and dull is another person’s “pin-straight and tack-sharp”. Local tool swaps are often a better source for saws since you can inspect them closely. Luckily, with Paul’s sharpening tutelage, we can provide our own cure for a dull saw.
Los Angeles used to have an awesome “Old Tools” store until the early 90’s. Wall to wall vintage tools. Seems like a fairy tale to me; I wish I was woodworking back then. Old tools probably fetch a lot more money now. I do not know of any “Antique” store in Los Angeles selling tools these days, but we still have tool swaps and an estate sale once in a blue moon.
http://www.toolswapusa.com/OldTools90s.htm
-Scott Los Angeles
I have found a few good deals just from persistance. Put yourself in the right place at the right time. Every other week, I work the night shift, and I have been watching eBay during those off hours. That cuts down on some of the competition.
I was also looking for a copy of Jim Kingshott’s book, A Woodworker’s Guide to Joints. Wow, they think a lot of that book since it is out of publication, it ranges from about $180 for a new copy to $70 for a used one. I kept searching for about a month and finally found a new copy for $18.95.
I believe educating ourselves on what to look for is key. This forum, Paul’s advice, and all the tips from you guys out there have been a great learning experience for me. It is sad that we are having to compete with all the “collectors” our there to get good usable tools.
I do appreciate everyones input here.
Memphis, Tennessee
I really like old tools. I can’t even really explain why, but I do. And, it’s hard to find them for the low prices as Russell did. Or as Paul has posted many times. But, they’re obviously out there. 🙂
At first, I thought I could save some money by purchasing old used tools but, it seems, old tools have come to be in higher demand. So the prices are higher Plus, the time and effort to find them, then restore them … in the mean time, I spend more and more time, without the use of the tool. So, I think I might just start buying new tools in some cases, well, maybe more than I really want to.
For instance, I want a plow plane. After reading Paul’s blog on those, I started searching for the Record 044 or, 043. I’ve looked at others too, like the old Stanley’s. All I’ve seen are prices that are very close the cost of something brand new, like the Veritas plow plane (http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=57678&cat=1,48945). Not a big cost savings.
While it’s true, you only get one blade in the veritas (for the approximate same cost as the old ones which mostly come with a complete set of blades) but, it’s brand new and, supposedly has incorporated all the good features of the old ones, and improved on them.
Texas, USA
Kelly, some good points buddy. I always buy new now, and I look after them with a passion. I don’t have the time or the Interest to do up old tools as much as I like them. I hate to think of the hours I have waisted trying to put right other peoples cock ups. Some people have great luck in buying old tools, not me I always end up with a dog.
So new for me, as I have said in other threads on here, buy new and look after it. 😉
More good points. I have noticed that some items are just better bought new.
I am in the market for a bench saw (tenon saw/dovetail saw), I would really like a classic at a good price but for all of the above mentioned reasons I am leaning toward the Veritas Carcass Saw at 12tpi rip at $76 from LV (blade is 11″ long by 2-3/8″). Paul recommends the Veritas 14tpi rip dovetail saw $68 as good first saw but i think the blade dimensions of 9-3/4″ long by 1-9/16 limits is usefulness. Any thoughts?? To see Paul’s blog on “which saw for a beginner” see http://paulsellers.com/2012/12/questions-answered-which-handsaw-for-a-beginner/
Hey Russell, Veritas are well priced saws, but I love my Lie Nielsen saws, they cost a bit more but for me they are worth every penny. Yes you could by an old saw and do it up, and it would perform just as good at a fraction of the cost. Personal choice at the end of the day. Good luck with your saws. 😉
Saws are something I need as well. I’ll probably buy one of those new ones you guys have mentioned. The Lie Neilson and Lee Valley (or whatever they’re called) seem to be a happy middle ground between the “El Cheapo” and the very, very top ‘O the line, such as the Wenzloff etc.
Initially, when I began looking for the tools I need to do this woodworking, I was shocked at the prices! Yes I realize the prices are valid. I understand that you get what you pay for and, the more it costs to produce them, the more the consumer has to pay. I have no issues with that. It just comes down to whether I have the budget or not. 🙂
So, while I may buy a new tool, so I get on with working wood. I will still seek out the classic vintage tools when my budget permits it. 🙂 I just like those old tools.
Texas, USA
I’ve had mixed results buying tools on ebay. Mostly good, but a few bad surprises. The only hand saws I’ve bought have been from a well respected sawyer who refurbishes old saws. These saws are excellent but over the last couple of years the prices of some of the top manufactures (LV, LN, Bad Axe, Wenzloff, etc…) have been lower than the quality vintage refurbs. I’m hesitant to buy a hand saw without closely inspecting it. I’ve got enough saws and planes to do me and a couple of generations after me. However, if the rumor about LV coming out with a couple of panel saws comes to fruition, I’m in the market.
Correction: LV is planning a couple of tenon saws, not panel.
I haven’t heard that rumor. If that pans out, I’m “in the market” too! 🙂
Texas, USA
Kelly,
It’s actually beyond rumor. In response to the “rumor,” Rob Lee posted some things on another forum about 2 weeks ago. He says the saws are “close” to be on the market. They’re planning on a rip cut and cross cut. Plate size is 16 inches long and 4 inches deep with a thickness of .023 inches. The price point is estimated to be $129 or less with a lower intro price. LV did this with its carcass saws.Here’s a link. These are all cross-cut saws but they’re developing a rip-cut also. I misspoke by referring to it as a panel saw. It’s a molded spine tenon saw. I have the LV 12″ carcass saws and a 14″ vintage tenon rip saw. I’d really like the 16″ tenon and I really like my LV molded spine carcass saws.
http://www.leevalley.com/home/temprl/hbsaw.jpg
Anybody know whats up with Wenxloff saws? I’ve been trying for months to order a saw from them and all my emails have gone unanswered.
-Canada
Gary, I’m interested those saws. I need to follow up on them.
Dave, I read *somewhere* on the Internet that Wenzloff has more orders than they can fill.
Texas, USA
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