Shop Tools #8: Today's Finds - August 12 2007

Yesterday was the monthly antique sale here in Sacramento and my daughter and I went shopping. It is a good family outting. I’ve gotten in the habit of sharing what I find on these outings, so here are photos of this months finds. I try to purchase things that I can use and avoid collecting for collecting’s sake. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not.

I have been looking for a jeweler’s frame saw for a while. They are useful for handcutting dove tails. I’ve ordered some blades for it and will give it a try later in the week. This is a nice old saw. Cost was $5.

I have seen quite a few wooden panel gauges. This is the first brass one I have seen. It was unmarked, but is a very high quality casting. The scribe is in good condition and set in brass as well. I do not have one and could not pass on this one for $30.

This is a great mallet. Very heavy with perhaps a walnut head. I’m going to soak it in a little BLO. Will be interesting to see how it comes out. A bargin at $5.

This is a pair of small wooden screw clamps. This will probably violate the only buy things to use policy. They are about 4” and 6” in length. $6 for the pair.

The Machinest’s square was $3. It is hand made and when compaired with my modern one, it is dead on. It is inscribed that it was made in 1935. The spokeshave is adjustable and was $8. I’m still looking for rounded ones. It does not appear to be marked and I have not tried to determine the manufacture yet. Anyone know who made it?

This is my favorite find for the day. 50 pinch dogs for $10.

This one was more of a lark. I’m going to have to try to figure out a project to use this on. This is a threading tool from Ernie Conover. This went for $30.

And finally a nice little carving set from Warren tools. $20 for the set.

Thats all for this month.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov