So I picked up this large White , 17″ overall length, spoke shave at an auction along with other treasures like four Stanley 45 butt gauges. The base is pretty rusted but not pitted and should clean up nicely. The handles are kind of beat up. The blade is original and has some pits in nonfunctional areas, should not affect work.
Should I just try to just clean up the unit and keep original handles and use it, or should I make new handles? Is the original worth more than a refit?
And what are Stanley 45 butt gauges used for??
Replies
This might help with your decision:
https://picclick.com/ANTIQUE-COOPERS-SPOKE-SHAVE-L-I-J-263765964386.html
Great site. Reminded me I need a replacement tote for a Sargent 409 I have. (Bought it for $10.00 from a couple of buddies so they'd have some beer money. Yes, it was quite awhile ago. It's also impossible to have too many tools, too much space to store them in or on, too much money, &c, &c, &c ... .)
When I purchase a tool, it is with the intent of using it rather than just collecting it. I have no issues with those who collect tools and am glad there are folks out there doing so. As such, my approach is to try and clean it up to use it with the original materials. If part of the original bits are degraded to the point where they aren't useable, I'd make new ones (and put the originals in a plastic baggie with a piece of paper spelling out what they are for and what tool they go with).
I use drawknives & spokeshaves a lot, especially for removing bark from live edge pieces. That said, I'd give the blade a good cleaning and sharpening, turn new handles and salvage all I could.
The White isn't especially common, but it's not too valuable either. I see them go for 30 to 40 bucks pretty often. Clean it up and use it. If you want to turn fancy handles, go ahead. It's a nice tool, but big for my tastes.
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