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#1 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

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#27 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Great story and a wonderful old plane, you can tell it has a few hours on it, and I am happy to hear that it
will have a few more years of life and get refurbished. I like working with the garage door open also, but I
am at the end of a winding roughly two block long driveway and seldom get any visitors aside from a few
birds and my two cats. Get sort of used to the smooth sound of tools with the occasional sound of my
beautiful lady playing some of her music. Thank you for sharing.
 

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#28 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Couldn't be given to a better guy to bring back to usable condition .
That is a awesome gesture from a guy you don't really know but he sure knows who he it is giving to and that it will be taken care of.
This is the kind of beautiful story that I enjoy ,just out of the blue.
.
 

Attachments

#29 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Great story Paul, "smiled out loud" indeed !
 

Attachments

#30 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
It's good to know "she" will be in very good hands Paul! Lovely story!!
 

Attachments

#31 ·
An Old Plane with a Story

In my corner of Green Valley Az., I am the woodworker, the guy who always has the garage door up and is in there making something. I guess this is why one of my neighbors from down the street came into the shop today to interrupt my play by presenting me with this lovely old plane.

Wood Wood stain Hardwood Gas Tool


It is a Sandusky Tool Co. #18. The logo is still discernible in the front of the body and the iron is original (I assume) as it has the same logo. It is a little the worse for wear but seems to have an excellent blade with a good solid and well fitted chip breaker.

There is a heavy taper in the blade providing a nice meaty cutting end and the edge was completely without nicks. A couple of passes on a 600 grit diamond block followed by about five minutes on my abrasive films 40 micron to .3 micron and she was "glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" and she cut some fine fluffy shavings.

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Flooring Plywood


The bottom is pretty good for flat but the mouth is about a quarter inch so I'm thinking of inserting a bit of mesquite or osage orange prior to re-flattening the sole.

Brown Wood Rectangle Tints and shades Wood stain


The tote was broken but when I straightened the retaining bolt it lined up quite well so I think a dab of good old HHG will make it almost new.

Wood Tints and shades Hardwood Gas Font


Now for the story. When my neighbor told me the story of how he came to have this plane I just had to smile because all of these old tools have stories but how often do we get to hear them?

Back in the forties his father and uncle were mechanics and owned a garage. One day an old carpenter, down on his luck happened by needing car repairs but, short on cash, asked if the brothers would accept a couple of his tools as trade. They had no real use for the tools but agreed. Since that time this plane has been in his family. It has occasionally been used but my neighbor believes that last time it was sharpened or tuned was probably by the old carpenter.

My neighbor has noticed me many times, working in my shop and we have spoken several times. The other day he decided that this old plane deserved to be in the hands of someone who would respect and use it and so today he showed up unannounced and presented me with it. We spoke for an hour or so while I sharpened it, repaired the bolt and reset the chip breaker before taking a few shavings. I think he almost cried. When I sincerely thanked him for this gift he surprised me by thanking me for giving it a real home after all these years.
I think I almost cried.

The plane was accompanied by this marking gauge. Very bad condition but with a wooden threaded key and a lovely patina. The sides of the block are stamped J.W. KIRK. He thinks it came from the same transaction over 60 years ago.

Wood Hardwood Nail Tool Wood stain


Ruler Wood Tool Office ruler Hardwood


I know the operating era of the manufacturers but would love to know if there is any way to date these tools more accurately.

I hope this brings a smile to you as it did to me. Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Great story, well told! Knowing the background, of a tool makes it all the sweeter. I received some old tools many years ago and cleaned and fixed them up The lady that I got them from told, who was quite elderly at that time, me they belonged to her father. She was so happy to see them cleaned up and back in service.
 

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#32 ·
My First Estate Sale

Last night, when I checked the forums I couldn't help noticing this one posted by poopiekat about a mega batch of woodworking tools at an estate sale in Tucson. Well since Green Valley is just south of Tucson I made up my mind to go.

I don't do the garage / estate sale circuit and have no idea how it works so I looked at the outing as an adventure that would be worth the time even if I came up empty. I called the company that was running the sale and found that they handed out numbers at 6:00 AM and the the doors opened at 8:00. I got up at 4:00 ( if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right) and was at the sale venue at about 5:05. There were about a half dozen cars there but no one lined up at the door the way they do in Green Valley so I just sat and waited for a half hour to see when the lineup would start.

Then I learned something about these events that I didn't know. I saw a fellow drive up and walk up to the door of the house and leave something so I got out of the car and asked him about the way these sales operate. He said that people arrive early and leave an item on the step in order behind any items already there and go back to their cars. ...... Oops, didn't know that so I put down a golf tee from my pocket and returned to my car.

At about ten to six people started to gather near the door so I went up and met the early birds. The guy who had the little bucket at the head of the line got there from Phoenix at 11:30 last night and slept in his car. There were about six other guys, all there for the tools. My golf tee was 9th or 10th. At six o'clock the organizer showed up and handed out numbers, I got #16, not bad but the person who got #20 got almost an hour more sleep than I did.

After going off for some coffee and breakfast I returned and the gates opened at 8:00 and an orderly file, by number were allowed in. I went straight to the tools and to the wooden molding planes I had seen in the photos. I glanced over to where I had seen the round sided Bedrock near them and saw that it was gone.

I know little about the value of these hand tools but there were several there who knew a lot and the consensus was that most of these tools would go after 11:00 when the prices came down. There were good deals but there were a lot of planes at eBay prices and not at all cleaned up.

I only bought things that I would like to play with and based my choices on what their value was to me so I may have got some great deals or I may not have but here's what I did manage to squirrel away for $46.

Wood Tool Hardwood Hand tool Font


Was it worth it ? As an adventure and a learning experience …... priceless, wouldn't have missed it for the world. As time well spent acquiring tools at great savings …. I think not so much, but at least I have a steel combination square now in my Green Valley shop and I can retire the aluminium one from HF that I've never really trusted as square.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
 

Attachments

#33 ·
My First Estate Sale

Last night, when I checked the forums I couldn't help noticing this one posted by poopiekat about a mega batch of woodworking tools at an estate sale in Tucson. Well since Green Valley is just south of Tucson I made up my mind to go.

I don't do the garage / estate sale circuit and have no idea how it works so I looked at the outing as an adventure that would be worth the time even if I came up empty. I called the company that was running the sale and found that they handed out numbers at 6:00 AM and the the doors opened at 8:00. I got up at 4:00 ( if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right) and was at the sale venue at about 5:05. There were about a half dozen cars there but no one lined up at the door the way they do in Green Valley so I just sat and waited for a half hour to see when the lineup would start.

Then I learned something about these events that I didn't know. I saw a fellow drive up and walk up to the door of the house and leave something so I got out of the car and asked him about the way these sales operate. He said that people arrive early and leave an item on the step in order behind any items already there and go back to their cars. ...... Oops, didn't know that so I put down a golf tee from my pocket and returned to my car.

At about ten to six people started to gather near the door so I went up and met the early birds. The guy who had the little bucket at the head of the line got there from Phoenix at 11:30 last night and slept in his car. There were about six other guys, all there for the tools. My golf tee was 9th or 10th. At six o'clock the organizer showed up and handed out numbers, I got #16, not bad but the person who got #20 got almost an hour more sleep than I did.

After going off for some coffee and breakfast I returned and the gates opened at 8:00 and an orderly file, by number were allowed in. I went straight to the tools and to the wooden molding planes I had seen in the photos. I glanced over to where I had seen the round sided Bedrock near them and saw that it was gone.

I know little about the value of these hand tools but there were several there who knew a lot and the consensus was that most of these tools would go after 11:00 when the prices came down. There were good deals but there were a lot of planes at eBay prices and not at all cleaned up.

I only bought things that I would like to play with and based my choices on what their value was to me so I may have got some great deals or I may not have but here's what I did manage to squirrel away for $46.

Wood Tool Hardwood Hand tool Font


Was it worth it ? As an adventure and a learning experience …... priceless, wouldn't have missed it for the world. As time well spent acquiring tools at great savings …. I think not so much, but at least I have a steel combination square now in my Green Valley shop and I can retire the aluminium one from HF that I've never really trusted as square.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
Looks like a good haul. Sounds like the experience was worth while. I'm not too keen or the whoke garage sale thing either…I've been to one more than you though so maybe I've started down that slippery slope:) I did get a tathe for next to nothing so maybe I need to change my mind about those sales :)
 

Attachments

#42 ·
My First Estate Sale

Last night, when I checked the forums I couldn't help noticing this one posted by poopiekat about a mega batch of woodworking tools at an estate sale in Tucson. Well since Green Valley is just south of Tucson I made up my mind to go.

I don't do the garage / estate sale circuit and have no idea how it works so I looked at the outing as an adventure that would be worth the time even if I came up empty. I called the company that was running the sale and found that they handed out numbers at 6:00 AM and the the doors opened at 8:00. I got up at 4:00 ( if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right) and was at the sale venue at about 5:05. There were about a half dozen cars there but no one lined up at the door the way they do in Green Valley so I just sat and waited for a half hour to see when the lineup would start.

Then I learned something about these events that I didn't know. I saw a fellow drive up and walk up to the door of the house and leave something so I got out of the car and asked him about the way these sales operate. He said that people arrive early and leave an item on the step in order behind any items already there and go back to their cars. ...... Oops, didn't know that so I put down a golf tee from my pocket and returned to my car.

At about ten to six people started to gather near the door so I went up and met the early birds. The guy who had the little bucket at the head of the line got there from Phoenix at 11:30 last night and slept in his car. There were about six other guys, all there for the tools. My golf tee was 9th or 10th. At six o'clock the organizer showed up and handed out numbers, I got #16, not bad but the person who got #20 got almost an hour more sleep than I did.

After going off for some coffee and breakfast I returned and the gates opened at 8:00 and an orderly file, by number were allowed in. I went straight to the tools and to the wooden molding planes I had seen in the photos. I glanced over to where I had seen the round sided Bedrock near them and saw that it was gone.

I know little about the value of these hand tools but there were several there who knew a lot and the consensus was that most of these tools would go after 11:00 when the prices came down. There were good deals but there were a lot of planes at eBay prices and not at all cleaned up.

I only bought things that I would like to play with and based my choices on what their value was to me so I may have got some great deals or I may not have but here's what I did manage to squirrel away for $46.

Wood Tool Hardwood Hand tool Font


Was it worth it ? As an adventure and a learning experience …... priceless, wouldn't have missed it for the world. As time well spent acquiring tools at great savings …. I think not so much, but at least I have a steel combination square now in my Green Valley shop and I can retire the aluminium one from HF that I've never really trusted as square.

Thanks for looking in.

Paul
I think you did great. I have some wooden planes just like those. When I've seen them on line they are asking in the $40 dollar range for each. It looks like you paid about $5 each…heck of a haul!!!
 

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