OT: Need help finding a few old hand tools...

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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I'm looking for a rounder plane and a screw box.

I know there are power tool versions available at woodcraft, etc. but I want the old hand tools.

I need a spokeshave too, but I think I know where I have a good source for one.

There are no flea markets around here and the antique shops don't sell "user" stuff, so I'm begging and pleading here for anybody who has an old one I can offer to purchase, or know where I can get one used.

Yes, I have been checking ebay for months now...;)



A rounder plane has a tapered hole in the middle with a blade that reduces stock as you rotate it. Does the same thing as a lathe - but the tail wagging the dog instead...:rolleyes: makes sense?

A screw box is similar to a tap and die, but for making wood screws 3/4" or a full inch in size. (most tap and die sets stop at 1/2" and I don't need a full set anyway) It seems I've seen a box that did both - tap and die. If I can't find that, I'll be happy with them separate - as long as they can do a full inch.


Thanks!

Dan


p.s. for those that keep up with woodworking shows, The Woodwright's Shop recently featured making a screw box and rounder plane.
 
www.leevalleytools.com has some of them fancy retro hand tools that you might be looking for. It's more difficult to find without the paper catalog though. If ya want, I might be able to obtain a couple and mail em'.

Depends if you want the used old ones or some new stuff. :confused:
 
I believe the thing you are looking for is also called a "dowel rounder," and Highland hardware has them at www.tools-for-woodworking.com. Sounds like you want to cut a round tenon and apply some threads to it. The dowel rounder looks like it will do the job, and they also have a variety of wooden dowel threaders which will handle 1" stock.
 
Originally posted by pendentive
A. A rounder plane has a tapered hole in the middle with a blade that reduces stock as you rotate it.

B. A screw box is similar to a tap and die, but for making wood screws 3/4" or a full inch in size.
Click to expand...
A. Back in Kentucky we called that a pencil sharpener. :D

B. ? "Wooden-screw die" or die for "large screws for wood"?
Looks like you got your sources already.
But Harbour Frieght sells the first individually.
 
Try yard sales? I haven't been down Maryland way for a long time, but check the local paper and see if folks are having yard sales. Lots of old tools usually get sold that way.
One weekend I went to Ellicott City and found a lot of antiques in a sidewalk sale. I think some old tools, as well. I know I found a damascus & ivory straight razor that I wish I'd bought. :)
Good luck.
 
Pen, try emailing your request to Patrick Leach at The Superior Works. He sells old hand tools (mainly planes, but lots of other stuff too) for both collectors and users at fair prices, and his inventory is constantly changing. (He also has a more-or-less monthly emailing of new additions to his stock that you can sign up for.) His email is leach@supertool.com. He is also the author of "Patrick's Blood and Gore" (http://www.supertool.com/stanleybg/stan0.htm). which is an illustrated guide to every plane Stanley ever made.

-- Russ
 
Looks like I have my hands full of great sources.

Thanks to all.

Dan
 
Pen, there are a ton of flea markets and "junk" shops around the Mesilla Valley where I live. Kinda rural and been around since the 16th century. You would be surprised what I've found (for peanuts)at some of these stores. I have seen what you're looking for. I don't collect or use these old tools but I have bought some for a friend of mine who was trying to complete his Model T tool kit. I found everything he needed. To make a long story short, if you want, I will keep my eyes open. If you have a specific list of tools, or I see something you might like (I can contact you first)I'll pick it up and send it to you.
 
Originally posted by btice
...if you want, I will keep my eyes open. If you have a specific list of tools, or I see something you might like (I can contact you first)I'll pick it up and send it to you.
Click to expand...
That would be splendid.

I'm not as interested in new tools as I am in older tools. They not only get the job done just as well, but do it with style - and you're holding a piece of history (as long as it's not a piece of junk ;) ).

I have my father-in-law scouring for hand tools in NW Arkansas. I'll try to draft up a list and send it to you - that is, if you are already checking the markets. Not asking for out-of-your-way favors here...

Dan
 
I would be my pleasure, Dan. I love looking around those places. I don't by the old tools mainly because I haven't come close to mastering the new ones. :D I have seen Spanish wrought iron tools (mostly blacksmith, horseshoeing, etc.)in one of these places a couple of years back. These were tools that were brought over in the 16-1700's. They had been sitting around in a shed/barn forever. A buddy of mine bought nine tools, including the anvil, for $50.00. Good deal, you think? I can't guarantee anything, but you'll get the scoop on anything that I come across.

And it's not a out of the way favor, Dan. It's the least I can do for such a great avatar.;)
 
Ben - that would be most excellent.

The only requirement I have is that the tool be able to be put into service with a minimum amount of repair/refinishing.

Would you like me to email you the list? Or should I post it here for reference?

Thanks again!

Dan
 
Dan, either way of getting me the list is fine. Maybe if you posted it on the forum some of the other guys could be on the lookout also.
 
Ok. I have it at home - I'll post it here tomorrow.


The problem with buying new is that, well,...it's always more expensive and while you can get a durable tool, the nice ones are cost prohibitive for small projects.

The flea markets I've frequented in the past (in the South) had nice tools and always under $10 - some real nice ones under $20. Most times all that was needed was rust removal, lubrication and sharpening. Wish I had realized the treasure laying before me. I just assumed every place had markets like these and I would always be able to find the tool I wanted...:(


Most garage sales here are worthless. It's a bad case of perusing other people's junk. No trash/treasure here, just trash.

If anybody even thinks that a tool might be old - and that's now interpreted by some as 20 yrs "old" - then it's headed straight to the antique shelves where it will be marked up 300% and never see a day of service. :(


Ben - thanks again.

Dan
 
If you post a list I will keep an eye out too. There are four pretty good antique dealers near me that I cruise periodically - mainly for chisels, saws and bailey planes. It is hit and miss but occasionally they will get in a cabinet maker's tool chest and the shelves will be well stocked for a couple weeks. They are not "junk shops," but I have picked up some pretty good stuff for way below what it goes for on Ebay.
 
Here's the list (so far ;) ):

Corner chisel
Cooper's Draw Knife (for hollowing)
2 handed Scorp or Inshave
Adjustable Rabbet Plane
Rounder Plane
Spokeshave
Jointer plane
Gooseneck scraper
Screw Box
Cooper's Adze (like a gouge) or Sculptor's Adze
Dovetail Saw


I can get a few of these tools in the $10-$20 range new, so don't grab anything unless it's under $10 - exceptions: rabbet plane, draw knife, adze

Thanks, guys!

Like I said before, I'm in no rush. Just a heads up - maybe over the next few months I can find what I need. I'll bump this thread up every week or two.

Dan
 
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