Is this a fair price?
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I have the opportunity to purchase a Record 044 with a complete set of blades for $125, Disston 14″ brass backsaw crosscut 12 ppi for $155, and an early Stanley 51/2 for $100? All of these tools are in good working condition. Are these fair prices for quality user tools that do not require significant restoration?
Thank you for your input.
21 February 2015 at 12:28 am #124874So that’s about £80, £100 and £65 respectively. From a UK perspective that seems a little on the high side for the first two, probably going rate for the 5 1/2. Personally I wouldn’t rush to buy them, I’d expect to see those prices any day.
Perhaps someone from the USA could give you a different perspective.
21 February 2015 at 5:22 am #124878Can’t speak for America, but those prices are pretty high for Australia, and our dollar is weaker. It does depend on condition though. I probably wouldn’t pay more than about $100 AU for a Record 044 or Stanley 50, although I have seen them go for slightly more on occasion. If the Disston backsaw is in very good condition it might be worth that much, but if you have to do much work, certainly not. I paid about $125AUD for a practically mint Stanley No7, so I wouldn’t spend $100 on a 5 1/2, you’re getting hosed.
If you can haggle them down, and dependant on condition, it might be worth it, but I’d be looking for closer to $100 all in for the 044, probably not more than $50 for the 5 1/2, and I’d want to see the price come down on the backsaw too.
Ofcourse, things are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them, so if you really really want them, or you think they’re in particularly fine condition, then that’s a judgement call for you.
Actually, in the USA that’s about right for the Record 044. The Disston seems high though I’ve seen quite a few on eBay that have already been restored and sharpened for around that price. Personally, I’d keep shopping on both the saw and the 5 1/2. Stanley planes that are not as common (4 1/2, 5 1/2, etc.) sometimes go for premium prices, but if you’ll watch all that are listed, sometimes you can get lucky and get in right at the end of an auction….especially if it ends at an odd hour (i.e. weekday late night) and pick up one for a semi-reasonable price.
21 February 2015 at 9:12 am #124883I have to be honest, as this forum’s resident cheapskate I wouldn’t touch them. You could buy half a dozen servicable saws for that money with different tpis. Also, except for the joy of ownership, how much use will the 5 1/2 be to you? The Re ord with full set is at the top end but worth it maybe.
21 February 2015 at 10:57 am #124885as all the others have said these prices are high but if you’re anything like me and tool searching is taking over from woodworking, and you want to get back to woodworking and not internet shopping, i’d go for it you will come across them cheaper but you probably wont get much woodworking done while you sit and wait for cheaper, if its within your budget and you’re happy with it pay it, i bought a 5 1/2 over a year ago and have never used it but thats probably because i spend so much time on ebay looking for the next bargain .
21 February 2015 at 2:52 pm #124919Like Flynn says, it comes down to your shop budget. Relative to the price of new tools, those are still a bargain. If you have a limited shop budget like me though, you could probably do better.
I guess it depends on where you’re located. I live on The Netherlands and paid 75 euros for my Record 044 (mint condition). Over here that is a fair price. Actually I got lucky: somebody else offered 100 euros after I struck the deal. It is still way cheaper than buying a new Veritas with all the blades (300+ euros).
In my experience it’s not a bad thing to pay a bit more for tools in good condition, especially if you don’t know how to tune it up. It’s going to last you years…
Good luck.
W.
I paid $40 for a 5-1/2 at the height of my plane fever. I think it is the most expensive one I have. I do use it though as an overgrown smoother on panels and the like. It is in very good condition too.
I have seen other 5-1/2 planes go for $40-$50 on the auction site. They come and go. None today, but other days you can get lucky.
I can’t comment on the Record plane.
Also, it is tough to give advice on the Disston saw. I have rarely seen ones with a brass back, rather they mostly have steel backs. If it is for looking at then I’d say whatever price you’re comfortable with is OK. If you want to cut wood, you can get just a good a saw for less, but expect to pay $100+ for one that someone has shined up and sharpened already.
Thanks for the input. My suspicions were confirmed…
I was able to get the Disston for $130 and hand sharpened so I went ahead and purchased the items. I figured having quality tools in hand was worth more to me than tool shopping to save a couple of bucks.
I just bought a Record 044 off of ebay. It appeared to be in EXCELLANT shape and came with five cutters. No idea how old, but suspect it to be mid century. I don’t care, it will be a working tool for me.
Net result is that after the bidding process ended, I was paying USD110.
I have found that the bidding process usually brings the true values of a tool to the surface if there are enough bidders.
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