Handplane Notes #1: Be careful when buying Handplanes at Ebay

There’s a few things that can be said…

On Ebay it’s always buyer beware, and Ebay even says so.

Many people on Ebay, are just in betweens and most things get overlooked, close up pics, actual knowledge of the product they are selling, etc. They make a living (somehow) buying/selling things they don’t have a clue about. As an example, I don’t ever buy from someone who is using a stock photo to sell a product that they supposedly have in their possession, or someone who has information posted word for word from teh manufacturers website.

Some are scamming people intentionally, but I dare say a good number are not. Just because something looks bad when you get it, doesn’t mean it was an intentional scam. If the seller is willing to take a product back and give full refund, then I’m guessing it’s not a scammer you are dealing with.

-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric

I bought two cracked Stanley’s on eBay. One went back, the other seller split.

-- - Please help keep Lumberjocks an enjoyable escape by refusing to participate in political discussions. Simply spit out the bait and ignore the thread...

true, it’s really hard to get an idea of the exact details of what you buy on eBay, especially when it comes to precision tools and hand planes as you experienced, there are just too many things that a proficient woodworker would know to look for, but most sellers would not – as 99% of them are not woodworkers (speaking specifically about handplane sellers on eBay). most are antique ‘dealers’ or estate sellers, or selling grandpa’s tools for some pocket change. they do not know what is considered a major flaw, and what is just an insignificant nick… it’s easier for them to see “no rust” “no broken parts” ... thats where their expertise ends.

you’re fortunate to have a seller that will refund your money back for such experience, and you’re fortunate to be able to know good from bad when it comes to hand planes, I agree with you that there are probably a lot of people that don’t know any better, some are actual user of the planes, others – just collectors that want a pretty $400 handplane on the wall (Stanley #1).

I personally look on eBay for handplanes from time to time, but usually stop myself from any clicks since I cannot see and inspect the tool myself, but it’s a good option if you have a reputable seller that will refund you if the tool is indeed defective.

Always inspect what you receive! and good luck bidding.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I have a hard time buying any tool without first putting my hands on it. The only tool I bought without see it was my planer and that was becasue another vintage tool collector inspected it for me, so I was taking his word for it, but I knew his reputation.

I am glad you have had success with these purchases and wish you well in future purchases. I just know that I couldn’t bring myself to it.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

I don’t care how many positives are on an ebay seller, I look at the percentage. Anything below 99.5% is usually a watch out dealer in my experience.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

Specialty planes on e-bay are a waste of time. Most of the shoulder planes get bid up over $100 and you could wind up with one like yours. For me the choice was clear, on specialty planes I am going to pony up a few more dollars and get Lie-Nielsen or Veritas planes.

Sounds like you are in good condition, being able to send it back. I don’t even mess around with the sold as-is planes, that is just asking for trouble.

-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama

Thanks for the comprehensive look at why this wasn’t a good deal! As a relative beginner, had I picked up such a plane I’d have undoubtedly just put it to use and wondered why I wasn’t getting good results; I’d be exactly the sort of ignorant buyer who’d keep the bad products out there!

Education is good!

-- Dan Lyke, Petaluma California, http://www.flutterby.net/User:DanLyke

I second dsb1829 – I’ve been looking at shoulder planes on ebay, and they go way too high in my opinion for a plane that is old, and not in the best shape – not to mention ‘other things’ that you can’t see over the internet – I opted to hold off on that purchase and go with a brand new LV plane – not that big of a price difference, but you get a brand new, better fitted, new comfortable design, and better materials – which will more than pay off for the price difference.

although I must say the Clifton 3-in-1 is a nice combo to have around.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

That’s true…
I’m with you guys, next time I’ll go with a Lie Nielsen or Veritas Shoulder…......plus Lie Nielsen for instance, retain the value incredibly…..I had for some time a Rabbet Block Plane, I paid $150+tax and sold it at ebay for $142 with 2 years of use (I kept it like new).

-- Francisco Luna, San Francisco Bay Area.

I can’t figure out why they go that high? are there that many collectors of old planes with too much money to spend?

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

oh yes ! there are all king of people there, collectors, dealers, woodworkers willing to get a tool no matter what it takes…..I have seen crazy prices there….take alook on this #1

-- Francisco Luna, San Francisco Bay Area.

I’ll sometimes follow items on eBay as entertainment, see how the price will go up to (pretty much) full retail price – but without the benefits of a store to back up your purchase (warranty, returns) – I find people’s rush to “win” an item entertaining and silly all at the same time.

but from time to time, you can find really good deals out there. just gotta stay under control, and keep it real.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

WOW! Doubthead, that is one valuable piece of equipment! I watch items once in a while to see if anyone will even bid the starting price. I noticed at equipment auctions, small drills and tools go for new price or close to it. Why? I guess it’s the “I gotta win” syndrome. I’ve noticed when bidding jobs, lots of estimators seem to take it personally when they don’t win the bid. That is why I never hired one when I made the decision to grow and go or stay sane ;-)

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.