Mark Stutz
05-04-2005, 10:23 PM
No, I have not moved to New Hampshire, but for a while last weekend I really wished I had. I needed to be in Boston for a conference, and was able to visit with my son. But the best part was that it coincided with the Live Free or Die tool auction (http://www.mjdtools.com/auction/auct_main.htm) . This was my first experience at such an event but it won't be my last! I was only able to go on Sat., which was the day for the "high end" collector type stuff. WOW :D Most of the stuff I would be afraid to use, some even to touch! It's amazing to know that something you held in your hands later sold for $4000 :eek: ...that's correct, 3 zeros. A pair of moulding planes. I met up with fellow Creeker Dave anderson and he showed me the ropes! I was able to get a nice set of T&G planes...Stanley #48 and #49...only because no one else wanted them. It took all of about 15 seconds. They go thru about 150 lots an hour.
Now I know that all of you experienced Neanders, and those from the Northeast are probably rolling their eyes about now, for all the rest of you, this is something you have to experience someday. Next time I will definitely be there both days, as more everyday stuff is done on Friday.
After we left the auction--everything else too rich for my blood--we visited Chester Toolworks. I had placed a special order for a Bubinga handled plane hammer, and while I was there picked up an awl to match my marking knife. We spent most of the day "talking wood", but the best was yet to come. Dave took me to visit his local tool store. No, I'm not talking HD, etc. :D I have never before seen an entire antique store devoted to tools! I'm sure I made a big mess drooling all over the place. I couldn't decide what to look at first! Talk about a kid in a candy store :eek: :D It just isn't fair that it's half way across the country, but just in his back yard!
Now I know that all of you experienced Neanders, and those from the Northeast are probably rolling their eyes about now, for all the rest of you, this is something you have to experience someday. Next time I will definitely be there both days, as more everyday stuff is done on Friday.
After we left the auction--everything else too rich for my blood--we visited Chester Toolworks. I had placed a special order for a Bubinga handled plane hammer, and while I was there picked up an awl to match my marking knife. We spent most of the day "talking wood", but the best was yet to come. Dave took me to visit his local tool store. No, I'm not talking HD, etc. :D I have never before seen an entire antique store devoted to tools! I'm sure I made a big mess drooling all over the place. I couldn't decide what to look at first! Talk about a kid in a candy store :eek: :D It just isn't fair that it's half way across the country, but just in his back yard!