Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-3, страница 4

Shoptalk

Old Tools

For me, there has always been a special satisfaction in working wood with hand tools, and that satisfaction is enhanced when 1 can use an old tool that has been restored to good working condition. Although 1 don't consider myself a serious collector of antique tools, I do enjoy poking around at tag sales and flea markets, and over the years have managed to acquire a modest collection consisting mostly of wooden molding and jack planes, chisels, gouges and various marking gauges. Most of these tools were very low in price (under $10), and required little restoration; perhaps a linseed oil soak, rust removal and regrinding and sharpening of cutting edges.

1 don't really believe that my old wooden jack planes do a better job than the modern steel versions; actually, most of them require a lot more fussing to adjust the depth of cut, but they feel good and look good (some are displayed in my living room when not in use), and in a small way help to make my hours in the shop more enjoyable.

Collecting antique tools can be a very rewarding spin-off from your woodworking hobby. In the April issue of Yankee magazine, there was an interesting article on antique tool collecting. I wasn't surprised to find that avid collectors travel from all over the country to attend tool auctions in New England, and sometimes pay thousands of dollars for one tool.

Interest in collecting antique tools has been a fairly recent development over the last 10 or 15 years and prob

ably coincides with the increased interest in woodworking. As more people become aware of the intrinsic value and beauty of old tools, it would seem that the days of buying a bushel basketful for a few bucks are coming to an end, but there are still a great many of them "out there" in attics and barns, just waiting to be cleaned up and used again.

Collections arranged in display cases are fine but I think it's even better if the objects of your affection can be actually put to good use. Of course, if you're lucky enough to stumble upon that one-of-a-kind rosewood, brass and ivory plow plane that's worth 56000. at auction, I wouldn't blame you for mounting it over the mantlepiece alongside that 26 inch brown trout that you caught off guard in 1962.

New Tools

If you're not turned on by old tools, perhaps you've gotten excited over some of the new screwdrivers that have been coming on the market in recent years. One version by Stanley® features five snap-on interchangeable bits that are stored in a hollow handle,It's one of those neat, practical ideas that makes us wonder why it wasn't thought of earlier. There are other versions on the market, and the type with a large rachet handle helps ease the job when you've got to drive a lot of screws.

There's one problem I've had with interchangeable bits, especially if they are magnetic and don't fit snugly in the handle tube. Sometimes, instead of pulling loose from the tightened screw head, they pull from the screwdriver tube. Because of this, I lost two bits overboard when tightening stanchions on a boat. This is no problem if you have a screwdriver for which replacement bits can be bought.

Jim Mc Quillart

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