Hi All,
The recent post by Jason on finally getting his #7 plane just got me to thinking about vintage wood working tools from the golden age of such.
In that post were discussions on older planes that folks have and use, and it was very obvious that guys like Jim, Steven, Bob, myself, and now Jason are very satisfied with some quite old planes.
For what ever reason, I find it really satisfying to restore and use saws, planes, and chisels that might be 100 or more years old. The recent post about "Oldest Tools?" made it pretty clear that I am not the only one that feels that way, and likes to know about the vintage and history of tools we use.
When I first got started, the older planes were so much cheaper than new planes of equivalent quality, (and still are even though they sell for a whole lot more than they did just a few years ago,) that for me that was the only way to go.
Somehow, as time went on it got to where using the vintage tools became less of a necessity and it became more of a satisfaction to use them. Restoring them became a bit of a labor of love, even though it seems like it usually is a lot of work. The goal of restoring them still is "being able to use them with satisfaction," however, as I am not a collector. (At least I don't think I am....but I am not 100% convinced of that....but I won't buy one I won't use.)
Also, tools that belonged to my dad and grandfather, and vintage tools that I bought as a young man also give me great satisfaction to use. I've had my Stanley 45 a little less than 50 years, and as best as I can determine it was made in 1913 or 1914. My younger son in law likes hand tool woodworking, vintage tools, and appreciates the family history connection. I want to pass those tools on to him and to my grandkids.
I wonder how many of you are the same way? What are your thoughts? Are we all nuts?
Regards,
Stew