Old Tools???

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What is your favorite old tool that you still use in the shop?
Mine would have to be a 1966 Dodds dovetailer that I rebuilt.For machine cut dovetails its amazing!

steve66

12 Replies

I found my favorite old tool at an estate sale of an older gentlemans tools. This old vise does not have a screw, you simply raise the handle and push or pull it to the desired position then lock it with the handle. It has super strong hold with instant grip and release. Forgive my ignorance but I have no idea what this type is called, but I will bet someone does.

Jack

I would have to say it would be my grandfathers old vice that i just sand blasted and started repainting. It was time to take it apart and clean it up and give it a fresh look

Jeff Vandenberg aka "Woodsconsin"

Here is a couple of shots of my leg Vise on my production “bench to build a bench”. It was given to me as a pile of wrotting wood and block of rust. The wood was beyond fixing, but the rust revealed some interesting parts that made a great Vise.

CHRIS, Charlottetown PEI Canada. Anytime you can repurpose, reuse, or recycle, everyone wins!

I made this little bevel about 55 years ago when I started working at North Arm Boat Works in New Westminster B.C. It lived in my right back pocket and was used many times a day for years. I still have it and I still use it. Every now and then it gets a little loose and I give it a quarter turn on the nut. Then it’s good for a few more years.

The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.

I have recently gained a new favourite – it’s an old Carter scrub plane – it’s heavier than the Stanley versions and any of the newer copies or variations. I’m using it on a piece of 60+ year old railway sleeper and have about 1/2 an inch to whittle away yet, and it is making it pretty easy, considering :)

All of these old favorites are fantastic!

steve66

Yeah they are. You know we have three antique shops in our town. I think im going to hit them this week and take a look around.

Jeff Vandenberg aka "Woodsconsin"

My original start 6" adjustable square. It’s not old I the aspect of yrs but it was the first tool I got when I went to school for woodworking. It’s still the best tool I have ever owned.

Here are a few more of mine. I don’t use these much any more but they do bring back memories.

Caulking mallet, pin maul, spike set, well used old mallet, adze, slick, and the modified file is a seam ripper for removing old cotton caulking from planking seams.

The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.

After reading this post.
I commented to my dear wife about my favorite tool. A very old Sorby chisel that belongd to my mothers Uncle . Strange realy because he was a milk man that used a horse and cart to deliver the milk. :)

After she commented that if it were my favorite , then why was it in with all my other chisels??
Good question ! I have tonight made a nice leather sheath , 2 needle saddlestitchd with a added layer of Blue suede to prevent the stitches from being dammaged by the sharp blade .
I only spent about 3/4 of a hour on this .

Wow Shipwright, fascinating old tool collection from your past!
WoodchipRob, nice job on the chisel sheath!

steve66

Very nice sheath.

CHRIS, Charlottetown PEI Canada. Anytime you can repurpose, reuse, or recycle, everyone wins!