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
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1124 posts in 2253 days
#1 posted 1841 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
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974 posts in 2196 days
#2 posted 1841 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
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396 posts in 2070 days
#3 posted 1841 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
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8131 posts in 1933 days
#4 posted 1841 days ago
Wow, you are one lucky dog. Great find!
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Scott Bryan
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27262 posts in 1988 days
#5 posted 1841 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!!
-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine
Napaman
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5013 posts in 2243 days
#6 posted 1841 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--Proud LJ since 2007
moonroc
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44 posts in 1854 days
#7 posted 1841 days ago
Wow, nice find. It would have been termite food by now, where I live.
-- Richard http://www.LearnFineCrafts.com
Todd A. Clippinger
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8654 posts in 2266 days
#8 posted 1841 days ago
Very cool.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com
gator9t9
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294 posts in 1871 days
#9 posted 1840 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
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556 posts in 1938 days
#10 posted 1840 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
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373 posts in 1972 days
#11 posted 1840 days ago
Nice find – you’ve got to blog the restoration process.
RobS
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1331 posts in 2473 days
#12 posted 1840 days ago
Yes, Great find and keep us posted on the restore process..Thanks!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
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