My local tool collectors group, PAST, got together on April 18th. As always, it was great fun talking to the folks and checking out the tools. I wasn't planning to purchase anything this time (though I did bring extra cash just in case ...). But I saw these two auger bits that were in pristine - I mean, absolutely shiny and sharp - condition for $3 each. And when I talked to the seller about them, he said "I'll give you both for $3". Mind you, I don't really need more auger bits. But I have a partial set that goes from 1/4" to 5/8" and these two were 11/16" and 3/4" - perfect! I flipped him a 10-spot and said keep the change.
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| In the original cardboard tubes |
The labels on the tubes read:
I have another bit that is from the same company, but I always thought it said Taylor-Guede (stamped on a worn shank). It's good to get it right, but I wonder how I'm supposed to pronounce Gjede.
These bits are the type with a single cutting spur. I generally prefer bits with two spurs, but these spurs are plenty long to score the entire perimeter of the hole before the cutting lips engage. I didn't have to touch them up at all - they're nice and sharp and the hole they cut has an incredibly smooth wall.
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| Here's the two bits next to the holes they just bored |
The tool show had a guest speaker this time - James Wright of the "Wood By Wright" YouTube channel. James flew out here on his own dime to speak about scrapers. He brought along a bunch of different types of scrapers - card scrapers, cabinet scrapers, scraper planes, paint scrapers, etc. And he gave a nice presentation, answering lots of questions from our members.
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| James with a table full of different scrapers |
James is involved with the Midwest Tool Collectors Association (MWTCA) - I think he has something to do with their membership, but he certainly is doing a lot for outreach. We can't thank him enough for coming out to our meeting.
In alignment with James' presentation and as part of our tool show, one of our members displayed his extensive collection of scrapers. This was unbelievable! I'm really trying not to be a collector, but I can see I'd never match up to some of our members. I usually only ever see the stuff they bring to the tool meets to try to sell. I'm realizing now that some of these guys (and gals) have much more extensive collections than I ever realized.
Here is the display of his scrapers. It's four pictures! One picture would not have been sufficient.
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| Scraper planes and shaves of many types - some with patent info |
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| Spokeshave-type scrapers |
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| More spokeshave-type scrapers |
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| Paint and/or floor scrapers |
I can see you’re heading in the direction of tool collecting, and if you can afford it, I don’t see a reason not to. I like to think there are tool collectors who are also woodworkers in the same way you are.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I can honestly say I have more tools than I really need, and I’ve been thinking I should lighten the load. My tool chest is longer than a standard English tool chest, and it’s completely full which means I can’t lift it, and even my son, who goes to the gym, can’t lift it either. That’s not what I want.
I have several planes and a full set of moulding planes, when in reality I only need about 18, and truthfully, probably only 10. I also only need a No. 7, a 5½, and a smoother, though I could probably live with just the 5½.
But then the question becomes: how do you part with the tools you love but don’t really need? My thinking is to build several smaller tool chests, similar to Paul Sellers’ Joiner’s Tool Chest, and organise things into proper, workable sets rather than one overloaded chest.
There are two main reasons I can't be a collector. Primarily, I don't have the space, living in a small townhouse. Second, I'm really cheap (haha) and love to come upon tools in the wild rather than buy more "collectible" tools at the shows.
DeleteLike you, I definitely have more tools than I need. I used to think that if we ever had a second home, I could set up a second shop and stock it with the tools I don't use here every day. But that seems more like a pipe-dream now. Eventually I'll have to get rid of some of my tools. Hopefully to a younger woodworker who will respect and use them for years to come.
Yes, I'm still undecided on what I want to get rid of and what I want to keep. Yesterday I threw out a bunch of card scrapers, just mainly triples of the same thing and thinner ones too. In the bin they went. Now come to think of it they will come in handy to make scratch stocks. There you go, I thought to be brave, but I'm just a sucker for tools.
DeleteHaha! Yeah, there always seems to be another use for something you want to get rid of - especially after you've thrown it away!
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