Old Style Tools

[SeaCat]

It's amazing. I have been looking for some older tools down here in Florida and just can't find them. The people down here just don't have them. Hell most people don't even know what I'm talking about. I sent an E-Mail to my father about them and he'll get them for me.

The tools I'm talking about? A draw Knife. A Bit and Brace. An Offset drill saw. P-38 Can Openers. An offset T-Square. A Plumb Bob.

I'll be getting these when my father comes south.

Most of these aren't made anymore, although the DrawKnife is. (At $100.00 plus each.)

I'll be happy when I get them.

Cat

 

[Stella_Omega]

It's amazing. I have been looking for some older tools down here in Florida and just can't find them. The people down here just don't have them. Hell most people don't even know what I'm talking about. I sent an E-Mail to my father about them and he'll get them for me.

The tools I'm talking about? A draw Knife. A Bit and Brace. An Offset drill saw. P-38 Can Openers. An offset T-Square. A Plumb Bob.

I'll be getting these when my father comes south.

Most of these aren't made anymore, although the DrawKnife is. (At $100.00 plus each.)

I'll be happy when I get them.

Cat

I have a good set of hand tools from my father. I made my own plumb bob, though.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I've collected tools for years and have become quite handy with them. Unfortunately, people these days don't know the difference between a cross cut and a rip saw.

And planes are another thing they don't know anything about. Plow planes, block planes etc. They all have a use, but nobody uses them anymore. The same goes for draw knives, spoke shaves and the like.

My favorite tool is a nifty set of cabinet maker's screw drivers I came by at a junk store. I love them.

It's sad but power tools rule these days. For whom does the bell toll? It's tolls for the lose of craftmanship.

 

[Xelebes]

I have a bunch of old farming equipment in my garage.

 

[amicus]

It's amazing. I have been looking for some older tools down here in Florida and just can't find them. The people down here just don't have them. Hell most people don't even know what I'm talking about. I sent an E-Mail to my father about them and he'll get them for me.

The tools I'm talking about? A draw Knife. A Bit and Brace. An Offset drill saw. P-38 Can Openers. An offset T-Square. A Plumb Bob.

I'll be getting these when my father comes south.

Most of these aren't made anymore, although the DrawKnife is. (At $100.00 plus each.)

I'll be happy when I get them.

Cat

~~~

Interesting...I worked with all those tools as a boy, but times have changed, I guess. Jenny Jackson surprised me with a knowledge of tools, I haven't seen a hand plane in years and yes, changing times makes obsolete much of what we found comfortable...I think it is inevitable...I still love browsing through estate sales in old farm buildings and seeing all the tools and harnesses on the walls.

Sighs...


Amicus...

 

[DeeZire]

It's sad but power tools rule these days. For whom does the bell toll? It's tolls for the lose of craftmanship.

I would agree, in a general sense. Craftmanship in the free market is hard to come by, since most of the work is done by the lowest bidder - hence, the work is done quickly, with no concern for quality. I was shocked to learn that, these days, craftmanship for the finish carpenter comes in a tube of caulk, not in the skill of his hands and his tools.

But power tools do afford the skilled carpenter a higher level of craftmanship if the worker is allowed time to do the job, rather than meet a deadline imposed by the lowest bid. I've been called 'old school' by other tradespeople when they see me work, because I take the time to do it right. But, when you're getting paid by the linear foot, instead of by the hour, and the deadline isn't 30 minutes away, you're afforded the luxury of doing it right.

 

[amicus]

I don't know that SeaCat had a political bent in mind when he started the thread, perhaps, perhaps not, but I note a couple posters are making it one.

The 'free market' is the place where 'craftsmanship' can exist, a simple matter of definition.

When a single individual creates a product of superior quality and workmanship he is rewarded for that by knowledgeable buyers who recognize excellence when they see it.

Modernization, industrialism, assembly line production simply means that the artisan's skill can be duplicated at many times the speed and at a lower cost per unit than the individual can accomplish.

I am certain it was enjoyable to ride in a handcrafted carriage, with handcrafted leather for the carriage and the horses but much more efficient and faster with a tin lizzy made by Ford.

such a deal...


Amicus...

 

[Weird Harold]

When a single individual creates a product of superior quality and workmanship he is rewarded for that by knowledgeable buyers who recognize excellence when they see it.

The problem is the dearth of "Knowledgeable Buyers" who are willing and/or able to pay for that excellence.

I can recognise superior quality and workmanship, but I couldn't afford it even if I was willing to pay for it.

 

[amicus]

Neither can I...there are dozens of Impressionist works of art I would love to hang in my den...I settle for replica's and prints.(Those damned industrial inventions)

Amicus...

 

[DeeZire]

It's amazing. I have been looking for some older tools down here in Florida and just can't find them. The people down here just don't have them. Hell most people don't even know what I'm talking about. I sent an E-Mail to my father about them and he'll get them for me.

The sad part about it is, there are probably dozens, or hundreds, of elderly folks around there with those very tools in their basements. And they most certainly would have the stories that go with them, just like your dad.

It's mind boggling to think of all the lonely old folks among us, dying for someone to talk to, (maybe 'dying' is the wrong word) wishing for someone to share their tools with, (with a stern lesson in craftmanship thrown in at no charge) but how do we find them? Perhaps look on the AARP website, if they even have one.

I still have most of my dad's tools, including his brace and bit, and although I've only used it a couple of times in the 30 years I've had it, I'll never throw it away.

The one thing we couldn't find when my brother and I cleaned out his house was his black tin lunchbox. It's funny how such an insignificant thing can mean so much, especially when it's gone.

 

[neonlyte]

It's amazing. I have been looking for some older tools down here in Florida and just can't find them. The people down here just don't have them. Hell most people don't even know what I'm talking about. I sent an E-Mail to my father about them and he'll get them for me.

The tools I'm talking about? A draw Knife. A Bit and Brace. An Offset drill saw. P-38 Can Openers. An offset T-Square. A Plumb Bob.

I'll be getting these when my father comes south.

Most of these aren't made anymore, although the DrawKnife is. (At $100.00 plus each.)

I'll be happy when I get them.

Cat

Cat, I'd love to be able to take you to one of the weekly markets in Portugal. The tool sections are a dream - brand new 'old tools'. You can even buy a shiny copper still to make your favourite tipple.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

The problem is the dearth of "Knowledgeable Buyers" who are willing and/or able to pay for that excellence.

I can recognise superior quality and workmanship, but I couldn't afford it even if I was willing to pay for it.

I have an uncle who is a genuine craftsman. He was an interior finish carpenter for years until he retired. Now he has his own business building lecturns for churches all over the country. Every piece is hand built in his shop and perfect before he takes it to the site to be installed.

I love watching him work. He's slow, methodical and fusses over every cut, joint and fastener. Everything fits perfectly.

Who could afford that kind of craftmanship but a church or rich corporation?

 

[SensualCealy]

SeaCat, I think the best bet is to hit garage sales down there, not sure if the Flea Markets would have authentic tools or not. From the ones Ive been to in Fla, they are filled with crap.

Estate sales are great too, maybe since 90% of the population in Fla are folks retired from different areas, their belongings were sold in their home states before they moved down to Fla.

If you don't mind shopping on-line, LeeValley tools is awesome, bit pricy but they are true cabinet maker type tools and garden stuff too, which I know you will like.

What about the old crank drills? My Dad has two with actual marble bobbles (not sure what the true name of the top is) on the top. I WILL OWN ONE of them soon! Dad has two old dressers in his garage full of old tools, little do my brothers know I have a list of what I WANT when he passes on! lol

C

 

[THROBBS]

Hey there HOMO-habilis

Give me my Makita!

I have many of my grandfather's, father's "old style tools"... they look cool, and even work "well" (if you keep them sharp and know what they are for) BUT as for me, POWERtools (for the most part).

 

[Stella_Omega]

Give me my Makita!

I have many of my grandfather's, father's "old style tools"... they look cool, and even work "well" (if you keep them sharp and know what they are for) BUT as for me, POWERtools (for the most part).

And it still takes skill to do joinery, even if you are using power tools. You still have to know the theory, know the practicalities, know how to read the drawings, know how to measure-- twice.

I don't have the time to hand saw birch ply into shape. No one would pay me for that time.

 

[THROBBS]

And it still takes skill to do joinery, even if you are using power tools. You still have to know the theory, know the practicalities, know how to read the drawings, know how to measure-- twice.

I don't have the time to hand saw birch ply into shape. No one would pay me for that time.

BIZACTLY!

Now step down from your Bucket...carefully.

I have a nice Hydraulic 5 gallon pale for you to stand on.

 

[Stella_Omega]

BIZACTLY!

Now step down from your Bucket...carefully.

I have a nice Hydraulic 5 gallon pale for you to stand on.

It was a five-gallon pail
Soapbox? Three-step ladder?

 

[THROBBS]

It was a five-gallon pail
Soapbox? Three-step ladder?

a light colored pail, right? a pale-pail.


you got the concept anyway.


So, Stella, is there more craftsmanship in a hand-painted faux marble column or an actual carved marble column?

Though, I would imagine that any marble column is machined, these days.


BTW I have two hand painted faux marble columns in my hallway. I painted them. I bought the columns used. I stripped them with an electric heat gun. Painted with brushes and feathers, sawed to size with power saws, built new bases using a power router to edge, and I WOULD have airnailed them in place but did not own the nailgun at the time.

 

[Stella_Omega]

a light colored pail, right? a pale-pail.


you got the concept anyway.


So, Stella, is there more craftsmanship in a hand-painted faux marble column or an actual carved marble column?

Though, I would imagine that any marble column is machined, these days.


BTW I have two hand painted faux marble columns in my hallway. I painted them. I bought the columns used. I stripped them with an electric heat gun. Painted with brushes and feathers, sawed to size with power saws, built new bases using a power router to edge, and I WOULD have airnailed them in place but did not own the nailgun at the time.

Well, I'd say-- the craftsmanship in a real carved marble pillar is beyond my skills and I am envious and in awe. On the other hand, a guy who can carve marble might not have the skills required to imitate in paint the marble he has carved. I think it might take us both the same amount of time to complete our respective projects.

The painter often has to invent new techniques on the spur of the moment to achieve the desired result-- marbles are all different, and then there are granites as well...And very often, the look is completely fantastical, in a way no actual natural substance could achieve.

So, all things considered, the same.

Most of those pales are white, anyways. Mine was.

 

[THROBBS]

yup.
A reasonable answer.

 

[The_Fool]

I like my 12" power miter for a lot of cutting, but there are times when my Japanese pull saw works so much nicer.

I have had all kinds of trades get a thoughtful look when they have seen a fine bladed pull saw at work.

 

[THROBBS]

I like my 12" power miter for a lot of cutting, but there are times when my Japanese pull saw works so much nicer.

I have had all kinds of trades get a thoughtful look when they have seen a fine bladed pull saw at work.

Right tool for the job.

Does not make sense to me to make extra work for myself. Even in the name of nostalgia or romance. I think Stella was on the money, with regards to many crafts/trades/skills/arts; to be a master, one needs to know the basics, the theories.

Of course, Seacat may be looking towards the times that the hurricanes down the power... and he can keep on keeping on.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Right tool for the job.

Does not make sense to me to make extra work for myself. Even in the name of nostalgia or romance. I think Stella was on the money, with regards to many crafts/trades/skills/arts; to be a master, one needs to know the basics, the theories.

Of course, Seacat may be looking towards the times that the hurricanes down the power... and he can keep on keeping on.

In the name of nostalgia and romance, I used to turning demonstrations at the Bristol Ren fair in Illinois, on a wooden treadle lathe. I had to learn a whole new set of hand/eye/foot skills, and what a pain in the neck.

 

[SeaCat]

LOLOL

I have several old style hand tools, including some actual antiques. All of them are in working order and the blades are all quite sharp.

Yes power tools are nice, and they do speed things up a bit. You don't get the feel of the wood with them though.

The tools I am looking for will help complete my collection and allow me to continue working even when the poer does go out.

I am still but a neophyte when it comes to wood working, but I do enjoy it. (The best piece I have done so far is a waist high jewelry Amoire I made for my mother. Made completely with joinery the only hardware in it were the hinges and latches. The top was inlaid with a scene of her hometown and the entire thing was laquered. It took me six months but for me it was well worth it.)

Cat

 

[yukonnights]

Well, I'd say-- the craftsmanship in a real carved marble pillar is beyond my skills and I am envious and in awe. On the other hand, a guy who can carve marble might not have the skills required to imitate in paint the marble he has carved. I think it might take us both the same amount of time to complete our respective projects.

The painter often has to invent new techniques on the spur of the moment to achieve the desired result-- marbles are all different, and then there are granites as well...And very often, the look is completely fantastical, in a way no actual natural substance could achieve.

So, all things considered, the same.

Most of those pales are white, anyways. Mine was.

I've been involved with design and construction all my life, we all know that our economy demands mass production. Modern building construction has mostly been reduced to "assembling" manufactured parts. And while this is a reality, it's just not the same as craftsmanship.

Take the marble pillar, at a distance they may both look identical. They may have taken the same amount of time to produce. But in the end, which would you rather rub you hand against?

I think what I miss the most about true old world craftsmanship is the joy of seeing and touching something created by the human hand. Perhaps the old window is not as efficient as a new triple paned argon filled vinyl sheathed beauty (retail $159.99); but to see the love in the joints and grooves where it was planed somehow makes me feel more human myself.