An on-line estate auction was announced in our retirement community last week. I almost hit delete, but clicked on the link and took a look, 6 pages. The first 2 pages were assorted household junk, but page 3 was a surprise.
The first item was a Rikon 6 x 48" belt / 10" disc sander, new in the box. The bid was at $70. Looked up the price at Woodcraft; $649. I have no need for it, but bid $80 - and GOT IT ! This thing is a beast, weighs 110 pounds.
Another lot showed several boxes with saw blades and junk. A closer look showed a partially hidden brand peeking from under, "Forrest." The bid was $4; I bid $10, and got the lot for $6. Alas, the Forrest package was empty. But I got a new Craftsman plywood blade, an old Craftsman rip blade, a new Oldham combo blade, a new dado set, and and a wobble dado. Not bad for $6, even though I have no use fr any.
There was a nice Delta 11-990 12" drill press, bidding at $45; assumed it would go for much higher, and again have no need, so I passed.
Then, a lot with a new in package Incra miter gauge, and a USCE precision protractor. I got the pair for $6. The protractor is a really nice instrument, currently going for $100+ on eBay.
Then, when I went to pick the loot up, more surprises. We never found the miter gauge, which was the only thing I really wanted.
While searching through the garage piled high with stuff, I commented that the drill press was much larger and nicer than the photo suggested, and appeared to be new. The lady asked if I wanted it, as the buyer never showed up. We loaded it up for $50. eBay has a used one for $250.
She then asked if I wanted a Craftsman12" miter saw for $50; we loaded that up.
So, for $186, I walked out with a huge belt sander, a drill press, a miter saw, a precision protractor and a bunch of saw blades. And the only thing I really wanted, we did not find. This kind of luck NEVER drops into my lap !
They told me to come back today, as anything left would go for nearly nothing........... Now, to get busy on Craigslist.
Next time there is an estate auction, I will be looking. There have been several that I never looked at.
Yeah, Potzz, the drill press is essentially new.
There was a stack of wood, including walnut, cherry, mahogany, purpleheart, zebrawood, a couple of pieces of leopardwood, and some others. I held my breath.....until they told me it was being donated to a shelter for boys in foster care. I would be willing to buy them some regular lumber to play with ...........
And I had forgotten a box they handed me on Sat. - said I had not gone back for it while loading the drill press; it was still in the SUV
It contained some junk on top, but then .......... drill bits ! several sets of cheap brad point bits. A set of new Craftsman auger bits. 4 large auger bits unopened; one a 1" Rockler, looked it up ....$42. S new set of carbide bits. Some 12" long bits, one 16" long 3/8" bit.
You can bet that next time there is an estate auction, I will be looking !
Last year, the realtor, who lives here in the retirement community, put out a note with a hand truck that was left after a move - $25. I got there in a few minutes. It is a convertible hand truck with pneumatic tires, and the top of the handle is removable and the truck lies back, handle reinserted and it become a 4 wheel cart. Everybody on the street uses this thing. So I do watch the blog.
About 4 years ago, a lady posted about some old tools from har father - boxes on the porch - FREE. . I first thought, a bunch of junk, but opened the photo and saw a nice saw handle sticking out of one box.
I was there in about 5 minutes. Yup ! Jackpot !
It was a 28" Disston backsaw in mint condition, razor sharp, with saw set (28" is quite rare). There was a second Disston rip saw, 1896 Patent, also mint, with set. Then there was a Goodell Mfg. miter box in excellent condition, 1912 vintage.
Then there was a near mint Stanley #5 and a mint #606 Bedrock and a mint #7. All I need now is a #2.
I called her and told her these items had some value and I needed to pay her for them. She got excited and said her dad appreciated fine tools and he would have been thrilled for someone to get them who could appreciate them and use them. She asked that I send her photos of something I built using them. I sent hr 2 dozen roses. Sent photos untill she died last year.
Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time on more than one occasion. That's a great drill press for a small shop. I was given one still in the box 17 years ago and it is one of the most used tools in my shop. Great scores on all you picked up.
Some of my most creative moments have been when I've had to cover up an error in my woodworking.
