Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Feb 26, 2006 04:51am | #1

   You may be able to find some in antique shops, although I don't know what the market conditions are in your area. If you travel, it'll expand your search area and you just may find what you're looking for in an unexpected place. Otherwise, there's always ebay and there are definitely some decent deals.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
2. 
   EdHarrison | Feb 26, 2006 08:00pm | #2

   I'm convinced that all of the really good stuff is to be found at estate sales.  Flea markets and anteek stores have been picked over everywhere.  Online sellers charge too much.  Not that I blame 'em - they gotta make a living too.  With the estate sales you have to do a lot of legwork and you will hit about ten "dry holes" for every useful one that you attend, but occasionally you will hit hand tool nirvana.  Sorry that people have to pass away for this phenomenon to be put in motion but it's just the nature of the universe.

    

    

    

1. 
   highfigh | Feb 27, 2006 01:14am | #4

   I have found some nice ones at antique stores but generally buy them when they have a sale. Last week, I found a Bailey #6C that had been repainted (it was still soft), has the wrong frog, the iron is toast but is really clean and since that booth was 50% off, it cost $25. I also got a low knob Bailey #7 that is kind of rusty on top and has the wrong frog but the original grinding marks are still very clear on the iron (patent date 1892) and the sides/bottom. There is a bit of pitting on the sole but almost no wear at all and the sole is the flattest I have seen. Crisp, straight and very few scratches. Same deal, got it for $20. The knob on the #7 and totes are rosewood, while the #6 knob is stained beech. All in nice shape, although I have stripped them all and will be refinishing them. I paid $25 for my English made #4 Bailey and while my other #7 was $75, it's in excellent condition. I haven't had much luck at estate sales but I may be looking in the wrong side of town. I missed out on a mint #5C that went for $34 about 1 1/2 months ago on ebay. OTOH, I have seen 2 rusty Stanley #9s go for more than $2200, as well as 2 Stanley #212s, for similar prices.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   jimmar | Feb 27, 2006 03:34am | #5

   The difference between 35-40 yrs. ago and now is profound. True enough, in our climate (Pacific SW in Canada), Rust gets occasional coffee breaks:NO SLEEP. So, stuff that used to go to pawn shops, 2nd hand places, etc., now winds up in estate sales. One thing our beautiful & optimistically named Sunshine  Coast ain't got lots of is coffee breaks for ol' man Rust. Another is estate sales. That means a ferry to Lower Mnlnd., most likely on speculation. My suspicion is that if I knew where to look,I'd be better rewarded in Washington. We've just never had the population of tradesmen up here and we haven't the access to resources of good ol' stuff on our side of the border. Thus my yelp for help yesterday: maybe I'm missing something. If someone knows where to look (and doesn't mind passing it along)please do so!

1. 
   BG | Feb 27, 2006 05:51am | #6

   Jeema,
   Last fall I ran into a young couple from your neck of the woods at an antique tool sale up in New Hampshire, they shared your observation. http://www.mjdtools.com/books/booklist.htmI've gotten some great deals on used tools over the past few years. Funny, the hand tools I use all the time I bought new...

1. 
   Vikingvood | Feb 27, 2006 08:59pm | #7

   If you ever make it down to Seattle be sure to ckeck out Hardwicks in the U district just off I-5 , Very-Very large selection of quality used hand tools http://www.ehardwicks.com/aboutus/About.htm Iam now getting a small selection of used stanley hand planes together that I have picked up at swap meets & flea markets to take there to trade for some more LN's.

3. 
   QCInspector | Feb 26, 2006 09:16pm | #3

   I live in the same area and understand your dilemma. Part of the reason we don't have a lot of used hand tools to pick from is that this area only has a little over a hundred years of history. Therefore there have not been that many tools circulating in the area to begin with, and too many people have a throw away attitude when it comes to stuff they don't have a need for.

   Our wet climate also doesn't help because any metal tools "stored" in an unheated shop or barn will become so rusted in a few years that when they are "rediscovered" again they get chucked.

   With the interest in hobby woodworking all of us are looking for tools and anyone that has any will usually find an eager recipient among friends and relatives.

   Makes it really hard on the anti-social from small white collar families. ;-)