Antique Wood Working Tools - You Know You Want Them...
Here's Where to Find Them
If you are a woodworker, you probably have a few old tools hanging around. Antique wood working tools are a very popular niche right now for collectors. This guide to collecting antique wood working tools will help you find what you're looking for. Bookmark this page, because the listings here are live - come back often, and find your favorite tools here. In one place!
Old Wood Working Tools Primer
If you're just starting out with your collection, this section is for you. There are many different ways to collect tools, and you need to find the right place to start.First, let's talk about age. There are used wood working hand tools, old wood working hand tools, and antique wood working hand tools. There is a great variation in quality, function, and collectibility among those categories. Used Wood Working Tools If you are looking to add to your own tool collection, and plan on using the tools, you probably just want used wood working tools. This will allow you to add to your own collection without the cost of new tools. Here's some of the current auctions on ebay for used wood working tools:
Old Wood Working Tools Sometimes called vintage wood working tools, these types of tools have an older history. They may or may not be functional. They may be of a higher quality than today's tools, and many collectors buy this type of tool and use them in their woodworking shop. This age of tool is also sometimes easier to aquire, since they are not so rare. Here are some current listings for vintage and older wood working tools on ebay:
Antique Wood Working Tools The final age category is antique. These tools are usually over 75 years old, and in the case of hand tools, can be hundreds of years old. Be sure you know how old the tools really is before you buy it. Some sellers call their 1980 hammer "antique" - its not. Here are some of the current listings for antique wood working tools on ebay:
Defining Your Collection
Now that you have a better idea of what age of tools you're going to collect, let's talk about which antique wood working tools you are actually going to collect.There are as many choices as there are people. You can collect only one type of tools, like hammers, chisels, or planes. Or, you can collect a brand of tool, like all the Stanley tools. Or you can collect by era, for instance, all the new tools from 1920. Or patented tools. For more great ideas,
read this article.
Pick something, and start researching your chosen idea. Here are two more websites with great information about collecting old wood working tools.
Union Hill Antique Tools
- Great site, lots of articles, and a want ads section for tool collectors.
Rose Antique Tools
- Has lots of information about all kinds of tools, lots of pictures, dates, and manufacturing information.
Using Ebay to Collect Old Wood Working Tools
Now, one of the best places to collect anything is, of course, ebay. Here are some tips for tool collecting.First, define your search. You want to have the broadest search term that gets you what you want. For instance if you are collecting planes, and your search term is "planes," that will not get you what you want. Narrow that search term by using words like "antique," "stanley," or "old." Second, search in the correct categories. Use the search suggestions above, but search in the proper categories. Antique wood working tools can be found in several categories. Here is a list of category numbers to search for: - Home and Garden/Tools #631
- Antiques/Other Antiques #12
- Crafts/Woodworking #3127
Third, read the description carefully. Be sure you know how old the tool is, and if its functional. Does the seller seem like they know what they're talking about? If not, you may get a great deal, or you may get ripped off. Do your homework, and you will know when the good deals come around. Ready to see some examples? Here are some current auctions for specific tool items:
Antique Wood Working Plane - general
Antique Wood Working Rules - general
Antique Stanley Tools - general
Antique Chisels - general
More Wood Working Resources
In the Beginning . . . There Were Trees A brief history of woodworking.
Wood Working Hand Tools If you love hand tools, you'll love vintage patterns. Here's a brief guide to common hand tools you will need for your antique designs.
Antique Wood Working Tools - You Know You Want Them This guide will help you with your old wood working tools collections. Includes live ebay listings!
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