Today's Flea Market Finds

It’s a beeeeeutiful Fall day in Texas and I should have just gone straight to the shop this morning. But, the thought crossed my mind to take just 30 minutes and run out to the local flea market. I have pretty much given up on our local flea market and seldom go anymore. It’s been years since I had found anything besides tube socks and sunglasses there. But this was one of those days that keeps you checking back, if only occasionally. Nothing spectacular, mind you, but enough to keep going back. (click pics for larger view)

Far left: Stanley 8 – you have to expect that many old warriors have not survived the past 100 years (type 7 or 8) unscathed. Broken base, broken frog – lateral adjustment lever broken of top of frog. But a good 100 year old blade, cap iron, lever cap, frog screws and front knob for the parts box. I’ll keep the tote, but it’s in rough shape.

Look for brazing like this when you think you have found a great deal. It’s been broken and brazed back together – it’s almost impossible for the plane bottom to be flat (important!) anymore – depending on the skill of the repair, a machinist may not even be able to grind it flat. That’s why this No. 8 is parts.

Second from left: decent No. 5 1/2 C – even though it appears as old as the 8, more in the neighborhood of 50 years old or younger. I expect it to clean up into a good user.

Third from the left: decent 5C – War ear model. Again, should clean up into a good user.

Far right: “Gilbert” No. 2 size smooth plane. “Gilbert” is not on my list of Hardware company brand names. (I have a list of hardware company brand names from my old active tool collecting days if you ever want to contact me with questions about “off” brands.) So, I would appreciate any info anyone might have. Not likely to luck into a Stanley 2, so this will probably have to do for me (although my “you never know” hope has been cranked up a bit today).

The above four planes = $23.00! I’ve been recently trying for similar “projects” on e-bay and haven’t been able to get even one restoration project for this money. The parts No. 8, No. 5C & Gilbert No. 2 were together. As I crouched down to inspect them on the ground, the wife said, “He wants fifeteen on those.” My heart skipped a beat. Then he walked up from unloading and she double checked with him on the price. I said, “Choice for $15?” He said, “No, $15 on all. I’m tired of carrying them around.” I accepted the price. :) I bought a Diamond stone from him, too, for $5.00

Walked across the row and found the No. Stanely 5 1/2 for $8.00

Bought the older Delta cast iron base table top sanding station for $20 from another vendor, too! I asked about sanding stations in other forum note and thought I might run over 30 miles to the Home Depot today and look at the Rigid model some recommended. But, we’ll see how this does for now.

I felt such good fortune leaving the flea market that I picked up a paper to check out the yard sales. Bought a Milwaukee drill for $1.00 hoping it just needs a new cord. And a wood-handle screwdriver and single hole punch (not pictured) for $ .30

Everything for under $50 ($49.30)

-- Paul, Texas