There are few things that every woodworker has in common. A love of wood. A need to build…
And – given enough time – we all shuffle off this mortal coil.
Of course, while the woodworker may pass on, their tools continue to live on. This week, have you ever purchased a tool from a deceased woodworker through classified ads, garage sales or more formal estate sales, or is the thought of using someone else’s tools just a little too creepy for you?
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I haven’t purchased at an estate sale, but I have tools that belonged to my Grandfather, who was a cabinet maker, and several hand tools from auctions and flea markets, whose owners I’m sure are deceased. I look for quality tools and I know some of the old stuff is way better than anything you’ll get from the borg, and I can’t justify going with LN or any of the other high end tools, but I’ve got some old Stanley stuff (1940-1950) that I’ll pass down to my granddaughter….yup….she’s gonna learn the hobby. Also taught her Mom!
Many of my tools came from my Dad when he died and he had collected several from his stepfather and my mother’s stepfather. So the idea of making sure that a fellow woodworker’s memory is kept alive by using his tools is something I grew up with. I prefer it to go to the estate sales of people that I knew, so that the purchase is not just of the tool, but also as a memorial for me of the woodworker.
As to price, I know enough of what the tools should fetch and I try not to short-change the estate. Often if I knew the dead woodworker the family will ask me to come and take my pick and I feel in that situation that I shouldn’t abuse my position by shortchanging them.
I love old tools and try to buy them and restore them to working condition every chance I get.
It’s honor to be able to inherit, buy or come across an old timers tools.
I HAVE BEEN HONNORED TO RECIVE TOOLS FROM MY DAD, AND OTHER WOOD WORKERS. WHEN I USE THEM MY THOUGHTS TURN TO THE PRIOR WOOD WORKER.
I HOPE I NEVER DIS HONNOR THE MAN.
Just like Roger Newby I haven’t purchased at an estate sale, but I have tools that belonged to my Grandfather, who was a cabinet maker, and several hand tools from auctions whose owners I’m sure are deceased. I too look for quality tools and can’t justify going with LN or any of the other high end tools, but I’ve got some old Stanley stuff (1940-1950) My favourites are still those that were my grandfathers, and I often thinkof him when working. I usually think “if only I’d asked questions/listened more”