Reply by Don W

I do exactly what you are looking at doing. I restore the tools and if I don’t need them in my collection or my shop, I sell them. Tools like a Stanley #5 bench plane, its worth more restored. If its an original Bailey #9, leave it alone. Common tools meant as users are worth more in usable or even shiny conditions. Real collectors tools are best left alone.

As far as the question of turning a profit, all I’d say is don’t make it your day job.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)