Last night I went to the auction in the town where I live and could not believe what they had on the auction block, it was a vintage beech workbench top with a wooden vice. It didn’t seem like no one wanted it so I made a starting bid of two dollars, and my bid turned out to be the only bid. So, I got this workbench top for two dollars. The top is in rough shape but I think I can bring it back with a little work and a new base.
Last week at this same auction, I was able to buy an older metal seven inch vice for five dollars. Again, I thought more people would want this vice. I opened the bid for five dollars, and again, I was the only one who bided on it. At this same auction that night they sold two pieces of pine 2×4 that had several holes drilled in them and was held together with two quarter-inch bolts and wing nuts. The auctioneer called them homemade shop clamps and there was a lively exchange of bidding, and these sold for seven dollars each and there wasn’t $.50 worth of hardware holding together those two boards. So I guess I’m lucky to be going to an auction with people who do not know the value of good woodworking tools.
I’ve been going to these auctions trying to fine some older planes and saws. Who knows, maybe I will get lucky and run across a few more jewels in the process. One can never know. I did notice they had a pile of rough sawed lumber and maybe a I’ll will get lucky and get that pile of lumber at a good price
I will post some pictures of my treasures and the progress I have in restoring them. I’ll keep everyone updated the best I can. I hope to start building the base and bring the top back to some kind of usable condition. Until then keep the saw dust out of your eyes.
Joey
-- Joey~~Sabina, Ohio http://sleepydogwoodworking.blogspot.com/
12 comments so far
DocK16
home | projects | blog
386 posts in 478 days
posted 65 days ago
I think you’ve got a gold piece under all that dirt. With a little work it should turn out to be a real gem.
-- DocK, WV
Tony
home | projects | blog
520 posts in 421 days
posted 65 days ago
Very nice find Joey, when are you going to build the extension to the workshop to house all these additions in? or have you found your “rental Shop”?
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
joey
home | projects | blog
234 posts in 295 days
posted 65 days ago
Yes and no, I have found one but the last tenant still hasn’t gotten all their stuff out of it, they where suppose to have it empty my the 1st of May, and now they are saying it will be sometime in June. I have found another space that is bigger and it has a store front, heat, and a bathroom but it is 50% more rent per month. but its been empty now for a couple of month and I am hoping that if it sits empty the rest of this month they will be a little more willing the deal on the rent. So thats where I am, I have been doing a project on the little porch of my apt that I will be posting here in a couple of weeks. Man thats a pain working out side on in a small space, with no shop tools reminds of my days of working as a carpenter lucky for me I’m pretty well gear to working like that when I have to. but doing the finishing is a real pain.
-- Joey~~Sabina, Ohio http://sleepydogwoodworking.blogspot.com/
trifern
home | projects | blog
1920 posts in 158 days
posted 65 days ago
Wow, you are one lucky dog. Great find!
-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
7806 posts in 213 days
posted 65 days ago
Joey,
This, I am sure, will prove to be a wonderful buy once you get it cleaned-up.
I always like to see fellow LJs come across bargains like this.
Great buy!!
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Napaman
home | projects | blog
1359 posts in 468 days
posted 65 days ago
you will have to post a blog on the restoration and table build up…this would be fun to watch…GREAT FIND…and boy oh boy…i need to start looking for local auctions…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...SING WITH ME: "Sum...sum...sum...summ...summ...summ...summertime..."
moonroc
home | projects | blog
38 posts in 78 days
posted 65 days ago
Wow, nice find. It would have been termite food by now, where I live.
-- Richard http://www.LearnFineCrafts.com
Todd A. Clippinger
home | projects | blog
2450 posts in 490 days
posted 65 days ago
Very cool.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
gator9t9
home | projects | blog
278 posts in 95 days
posted 65 days ago
Where is this auction ??? I will give you 10 bucks for the Beechwood table top ..you make all your money back and a nice profit …
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
grovemadman
home | projects | blog
528 posts in 163 days
posted 65 days ago
Now just where did you say this auction was at…. I just scored a vintage 1956 craftsman table saw for $50.00 from the local craiglist! There are some incredible deals out there if you take the time to find them!
-- --Chuck
davidtheboxmaker
home | projects | blog
248 posts in 196 days
posted 65 days ago
Nice find – you’ve got to blog the restoration process.
RobS
home | projects | blog
1000 posts in 697 days
posted 64 days ago
Yes, Great find and keep us posted on the restore process..Thanks!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX