I realize not many people read this blog and of those that do, few live near the San Francisco Bay Area, but I just wanted to put this out there. Even though I'm not a collector, I belong to an organization called PAST Tool Collectors. This organization was formerly known as Preserving the Arts and Skills of the Trades (PAST). I've picked up some nice tools at the tool shows. I don't seem to have any pictures from a show, but below are a few things I picked up for almost nothing last October during an auction at the show.
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| Spofford braces and portable saw vises |
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| Some interesting saws |
PAST is a group of people who just plain love old tools. We love looking at them, talking about them, comparing what we've got, and many of us enjoy using them. Think of it as a smaller, more local version of M-WTCA. Much earlier in its life, PAST was a west-coast affiliate of the Early American Industries Association (EAIA-West). The members still hail from all over the west coast, though mostly in CA.
PAST is having its Spring tool show on June 3 at the Veterans' Memorial building in Spreckels, CA. This being the type of organization that appeals to - ahem - "more experienced" folks, time has had its predictable effect on membership. I'm hoping that this important organization will continue for many years as a strong club and getting some new people to attend would help.
Here's the deal. Membership in PAST is $25 per year. Anyone who joins before the Spring tool show will have that show included in the membership fee. A show typically costs $15-$20 and lunch at the show is included.
I am neither an officer in PAST nor a sales / marketing person - just a concerned member. To get more information, please see their website at pasttools.org. If you contact anyone at PAST, please make it the e-mail address on the "Upcoming Events" page.
I'm looking forward to seeing the people and the tools, and I hope some of you might make it.
I read your blog. Unfortunately, I can't make it. Wife has a family reunion on that day and folks are flying in from all over the country. Folks I've never met who she knows and considers family. Must follow the "happy wife, happy life" principle. Will be at the next show in March. Out of curiosity, do you happen to know how much a card table costs to sell tools? I don't collect and would rather get them out to folks who might use them.
ReplyDeleteI understand completely, Joe - gotta keep the peace at home (haha). Trade tables for this show are $10 each, so not much (tables approx. 3' x 6'). The cost per table might differ for the other shows, but probably not by much. Before COVID, there were 4 shows per year: Spreckels, Sonoma, Modesto and San Anselmo. I'm hoping we get back to that soon.
DeleteThanks. Probably worth digging through my surplus stock. I know in Livermore where I live, if you want a booth to sell your wares at a street fair, they start at around $300. $10 per table (all I need is one) is very reasonable.
DeleteNice finds. Although I have gotten better at picking good tools from websites, I prefer to look the item of interest over before buying. The flea markets around here -SE Wisconsin- are starting their regular schedules again. I always see good deals on woodworking and machinist tools. It amazes me how much tool variety there was a few decades ago. Thank you for the report and the pics.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment, Alfred. You're right - it's always better to be able to look over the tools, rather than to look at pictures. And talking with the seller can be really helpful, too.
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