Tool Collectors Corner

Great thread idea Don. I’ll say that as you know, as of late I’m into 4 1/2 sizes strictly. I can’t exactly say why, but they’re just so cool. I get the same feeling a person does with a #1 every time i find a new one. It’s cool hunting around try to see how many i can find, which also opens up a lot of different manufacturers who made planes that i never knew about.

Once i can get some shop time I’m going to try and make a nice display case for them, while none of them are collectors pieces, or something a lot might consider worthy of such, how many people can say they have a collection of nothing but these sizes from every known manufacturer? I think the same would be cool for any size plane too though.

I’ve started to take a better stance on restorations. I don’t like the labor involved in having to strip and repaint, so now i usually almost always leave the japanning alone depending how bad it is. I’ll just file the frog and bed, sand the knob and tote, and wire brush all bare surfaces. A lot more rewarding and it’s a lot faster too!

Being a general contractor for the last 25 years, and mostly doing millwork ,trim, and cabinets the last 15, I have developed a fondness for collecting old carpenters tools. Though I did not have a vast knowledge in this field, I have learned a lot from reading, hanging out at auctions and flea markets and following the forums of those in the know here on LJs. I do wonder, when I get a new[old] tool, who held it in their hands and on what jobs it worked on. The history of the piece intrigues me more than the value. And just for the record, none of the tools I have are above being pulled down off the shelf and used in the way they were intended[although I am very careful with some]. Lastly, I know if you have enough money, you can own anything you want instantly. For me its the thrill of the hunt. Finding the tools, along with the story of where they came from, and sometimes who owned them. Thanks Don for starting this thread, I’ll be checking back often.

-- JustplaneJeff

Just a hint for those that can make it.
3 May 2014, Humbolt Iowa, MWTCA tool swap/sell.
10 May 2014, Sedgwick Ks (just North of Wichita), SWTCA tool swap/sell, 10AM-4PM.

-- Sawdust and shavings are therapeutic

Do you wonder the history of the tool manufacturer?
Seeing a mans name stamped in the tool tells you he made a living from it. Who was he?
How was the tool taken care of? By what methods was it made?
Dont you think it wants to be put back in service?
I do.
These tools need to be saved and there usage recorded for future generations.
That is why I collect.

-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com

I agree Dave. I’ve seen some planes, that were broken in half, to be fixed with steel plates bolted on both sides. Clearly shows ingenuity and a need to get the job done!

Yes I have the sickness!!!

-- JustplaneJeff

Excellent topic of discussion, Don!

For me, I collect the vintage tools out of respect for their history and useful value. Our old home was built in the 1860’s, right after the war. Every piece is hardwood…mostly walnut. Every piece of wood on the house was attached 100 years before electricity was available on this road! And the home is sturdy as a rock still.

Hand plane marks left everywhere, the doors, trim, 20” tall baseboards, transom windows over the doorways, little wooden decorative touches built on site by a craftsman with His own cared for hand tools. No air compressed driven nails, no ply, no drywall, no construction grade lumber. Just walnut, blood, sweat, and steel.

The more I examine this old house, the more respect I have for hand tools, and working wood with them! I love actually feeling the wood underneath the hand tool…can’t do that with a router.

For me, it’s the old Sargent planes…cannot pass one by for some reason. I only NEED one more Auto-Set to complete that family, and 3 more transitionals. No displays yet…all are in my bedroom…safe from humidity until restored and a till can be designed. :) My LN’s are my users, the Sargents will be sharpened and used on special projects.

Also, vintage saws seem to have this magical allure to me. Since I’ve learned that spring steel very sharp is a joy to use, my table saw is for flat storage. LOL. I pull out the Disston No.12 several times a week now…just love the feel of the tool cutting wood. And brass backers from the 1800’s are beginning to grow in numbers in my shop. Have to save them from restaurant walls!

Just color me Sargent…I’m always on the hunt for a screwdriver, dividers, gauges, etc. How could you not love this lil gem?

:)

-- tr ...see one, do one, teach one...

Man, Auto-set 707? Is it corrugated? Awesome!

Speaking of old houses. My inlaws have a GORGEOUS house built in the mid 1800s. Every piece of wood is quartersawn oak. The stairways are all raised panels, with gorgeous hand rails, moldings. The two dens have gorgeous dens, mantles, carved ribbons, fluted columns, the cieling in one has an amazing molding motif on it out of cherry, as is the rest of the woodwork in that room. Im working on restoring a 20 foot radiator bench out of cherry for them with raised panel sides. The house is just a work of art. They said it used to be someones mansion.

I am planning on doing a blog about it when i get a chance. The best part is my father in law is a woodwork nut, he has a bunch of cool pieces. He flys for fedex, and usually picks up some cool stuff in other countries.

I’m a big Sargent fan as well. I’m always looking for more Sargent information. I love to add top my Sargent type blog.

I also agree with Dave. I will search for the names stamped on the vintage plane in hopes of finding another story worthy of another post.

Jeff, you certainly know how to find ‘em.

-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.

I have been building my full set of Stanley Sweetheart Baileys. I currently lack the 1 and 2. I display them above my bench where I can enjoy them. I will use them on occasion just for fun. I have the users right next to them so i can compare when I get nostalgic.

Some of you guys aren’t “collectors”... but more like HOARDERS!

(Not that that’s a BAD thing :-)

-- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward

I’m not a hoarder, i just sold a bunch of mine off, probably 10 or so planes. Which is a lot considering i only had about 30 or so. It’s tough to want to sell any!

Techteacher- Good luck on the #1/#2 search. Deals ARE possibly, just have to be diligent, i just score a #1 on ebay. Neat little plane.

Another interesting thread to follow, and it’s off to a great start.

I’ll add more later.

-- People say I hammer like lightning. It's not that I'm fast -- it's that I never hit the same place twice!

Lat, no to the corrugations on the 707, but I’ve got ‘em on the 718 and 722! Waiting to hoard the whole family before restoration. :)

Jeff, thanks for sharing that photo of 150 planes (no, I didn’t count), maybe my wife will see how small MY collection really is! LOL

-- tr ...see one, do one, teach one...

Terry- They just don’t understand, they need to realize, we need a lot of planes like they need a lot of makeup. lol.