Where do I find old tools?

Mr_JJ | Posted in General Discussion on August 8, 2004 04:13am

There was an antique store here in town that sold some antique tools, but they recently needed room in their small shop and put all the tools outside. Needless to say, last time I visited, I was not impressed with the rust that they claimed were tools. So, I am looking for new sources. I don’t trust ebay, because I’ve been ripped off. I’m looking for good, quality tools, at reasonable prices. I don’t mind paying what they are worth, as long as they are in good condition. Preferably, I’d like to find another store or dealer in the province of BC. Right now, I’m looking for a rabbet plane, a metal jointer plane, or a Norris or Spiers (under $100, in excellent condition. LOL) And chisels. Always chisels. Those old chisels and plane irons seem to hold an edge forever.

Replies

JK | Aug 08, 2004 04:49am | #1
Maybe the folks at Canadian Woodworking can help ....

http://www.canadianwoodworking.com/chat/webbbs_config.pl
MyTacoma | Aug 08, 2004 04:51am | #2
Are you looking for user or collector grade tools? I never buy tools from general antique shops. Most don't know much about tools beyond the information they get from price guides. Ebay's not too bad. I buy lot of users that way. Never been disappointed. Collector's tools I used to get from auctions in England.

Here's a site listing bunch of on-line dealers: http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~alf/en/en.html

You may already know this, but a G++ Norris A5 will run you about $1,500. And an A1 20-inch jointer in same condition: $5,000.
Alan | Aug 08, 2004 11:48pm | #3
Mr JJ,

You might also check out Fine Tool Journal. They have nothing but previously owned tools. Best of all, perhaps, they have a standard rating system to describe the condition of the tools.

Alan
RickL | Aug 16, 2004 12:10pm | #4
There's a number of excellent tool dealers that advertise in FWW. Fair prices and very knowledgable.