Situations change. I have reason to believe that many of the machine tools I have collected I will not be needing. While I don’t anticipate having to go so far as giving them away to any on the board, sorry. Besides most of you have better tools. These are good but not commercial units. I was thinking about how it should be determined who, locally, should get them.
Should I choose a recipient for each tool, give them away in groups or all at to one person or group. Should I be concerned with the probabilities of whether the tools will end up doing useful work, be well maintained, be used for profit or charity.
I’m looking at a Bosch table saw with folding stand, two bench grinders, router, PC circular saw, small grinder, Makita reciprocating saw, bench top disc and belt sander, a cheap horse-and-a-half pancake compressor, PC framing nailer with a box each of #8d and #12d nails and enough mechanics tools, rachets, sockets and wrenches to equip a commercial garage. I’m probably leaving a few out but no matter. I think you get the picture.
Most of these have accessories, blades and extras. Plus a load of other hand tools carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanics.
I was thinking of giving these to a community group or old-age home shop. Maybe Habitat for Humanity. Maybe, I would have to call around, to find a Boyscout troop, is there similar that is less religious and anti-gay, or Boy’s Club. Being an agnostic and being familiar with the evils of religion, some more than others, I am leaning away from churches.
Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, considerations?
Replies
I honestly believe that the best solution to your problem is to toss them all in the back of the truck, or in a trailer, and deliver them to me.
; )
Who cares, wins.
PS, re 2nd post, I did give a table saw to Jeff, even trued up the shaft first, even delivered it I recall <G>
Yes, you did.
: )
I remember the delivery, and everything about those days, as I remember you, every time I am near the saw. Just as I remember the whole lot of youse that were out here, whenever I see the two sheds out back. Those sheds remain the best two structures on my property.
I was joking with 4Lorn1. I think most here know that, Just beating everyone else to the draw saying the same thing. LOL But after reading through the rest of the replies I started to wonder.
; )
----------------------------------------------------
4Lorn... I think that of all the suggestions I have heard here, I like this one the most... Find some young one just starting out. Remember your own start ? All those things that would have made it so much easier to enjoy your family and feed them at the same time ? Tools that would have enabled you to take jobs that you missed instead. Etc...
Find a young one like yourself. Give it all to that young one.
If that person is anything like you, they will greatly appreciate the tools. They will treat them right, they will use them right.
Just as well, if that person is anything like you, or any of the rest of us here, they will lose a few. They will break a few. They will not appreciate all of them. (At least not until they NEED the one they sold, gave away, lost, or simply let rust into a lump...)
But... In the end... Someone who deserves them will get the use of them. If you gave it all to a charity... The charity, no matter who it is, is only going to get a very tiny fraction of the value. And no one there is likely to appreciate the tools like your young friend would.
I am going to go a step further here, and make another suggestion...
I think you should give them to Cag.
I think you know why. I won't write another novella there.
If it is difficult to get them all to him, how about we start a collection to pay for gas for a couple trips, or something ? I'll volunteer to make the first donation. Just let me know what the deal is, and where to send it.
I expect Cag to scream bloody murder that he doesn't deserve or want them or some such blather. Lets try to get him and the tools together anyway.
Failing that...
Joe Fusco recently had a major fire... Dunno what all he lost but it certainly would make it easier if you had some things he might need, and then would not have to pay to replace.
: )
Who cares, wins.
4LORN, I don't have any magic suggestions, just an observation that it is difficult to give things away - 'someone who deserves/appreciates them' - - hard to find that person - -
one other observation - when you give something away, you give up any control (either practically or morally) over the items - - I like to get anything to which I ever had any emotional attachment out of the area, so I am not tempted to pass judgement on how the new owner is treating it, etc - - just gotta let it go..."there's enough for everyone"
I agree on both points. Joe Fusco would be a good place to make an initial offer. Cag would be a good second choice, but be aware that he will desecrate the tools by painting them UK blue & red with funky chicken faces.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Oh man - didn't think about Joe! Good plan.Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
yea Joe would be good but also there are some organizations at least in my neck of the woods that teach kids, ex gang bangers and convicts ect a trade. They are always in need of instructors and tools. There is also a group simular to habitat called Coresone (heart) They go to the poorest areas in Mexico and build small homes for people, all volunteer.
Darkworksite4:
El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera
What an ominous posting! Almost a Last Will & Testament!
But to answer your query........
If I put myself in your shoes and wanted to wisely choose a recipient I would take time to study the locality I live in and see who out there is struggling to "do with their hands" in a way that would make me happy to see my gifts be productive.
Study the "chosen one" and become a friend....see if the recipient walks the same path as you. Make the gift with no strings attached...only a common bond.
.................Iron Helix
"What an ominous posting! Almost a Last Will & Testament!"
I thought the same thing.
Another reply.
Boss came up to Springfield and got a bike this spring, Pop died with 400 + bikes yet to fix for the disadvantaged, etc.
So --
"What an ominous posting! Almost a Last Will & Testament!"
is very approbpirate. I actually gave and hauled away about 2 tons more stuff since Pop died in Jan. (Note, this is my father as 'Pop", not Jeff's "pop"
Anyway, the burden on the 'heirs' of the 'junk' has entered into my lexicon lately, such as in avoiding a burdensome "LW&T"
Young relative? Give him a boost up maybe. Just a thought. I vote habitat if you veto that idea.
Who Dares Wins.
I'm with Gunner - donate to Habitat, unless they're flush with such tools. Or start a new reality TV show where the survivor, knowing little about building....................
Carl
Have you thought about that thing for Haiti that Bob Walker was promoting? I know that's a church thing, but the tools would end up in the hands of workers in Haiti.
I also like the idea of selling them to a young guy starting out. Depending on how well you know/like the guy, you could let him make payments on them.
I'm also a big fan of H4H, and think it would be great to see them get the stuff.
One good turn gets most of the blankets.
4LORN1,
What's up? with the give-away?
Jon
what about a place like a community theatre or possibly the theatre department of a college that you support. They can use your tools to make sets.
If you have a charity you prefer, donate the tools for them to sell. They will give you a reciept of the value of the tools for your tax returns to deduct, and they will use the money from the sale.
The thing about giving to charities is that often the stuff will just get sold. Sure, the charity gets the proceeds, but I sense that isn't what you're looking for (Your post does carry a bit of the Will and Testament feel to it.)
Donating stuff (as opposed to money) to a charity (or to a school) is most useful when you are donating something that the charity specifically has stated they need.
HFH might be able to use some of it, but I'll bet most of it would get sold or just sit in a corner somewhere.
I like the previous posts suggesting you find a young person just starting out and give the stuff to him or her. There's a much better chance of your action having a positive impact.
Edit: If you prefer the charity route, I think the best bets would be the above mentioned community theatre or maybe a local campground (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.). These are settings where a wide variety of tasks and problems arise and a good stash of tools can be invaluable. (ummmm....my wife is the CEO of the local Girl Scout council...they have two campgrounds.....ahem)
Around here HFH really doesn't use or need that many tools themselves. The foundation, electric, plumbing and heating are all subbed out. And the framing is done with hammers and nails, a circular saw, and a power mitre saw. Schools teach specific tasks over and over(assuming they teach anything at all!). They need the tools they need but anything else will just sit.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Edited 6/16/2004 10:11 am ET by Rich Beckman
The idea of giving to (or making it an easy purchase for) a sincere (and perhaps struggling) start-up kinda person is great...and noble, in my book. Might be very rewarding for all involved, and with luck perpetuates the craftsman's trade.
Gotta sheepishly admit, my tool heart started racing as I read you post. Greed, I suppose. But I gotta say, what you're proposing is more honorable. We could use a little more of that in the world.
4Lorn brings up an interesting question- we're all leaving someday and what do we want to happen to the mountain of tools some of us have amassed? (we're not all IMERC, but he is my role model) personally, i have no children of my own and it's too soon to tell if any of nephews or nieces (ages 3 to 18) have any interest in or aptitude for any of this stuff.
if it just gets sold at an estate sale or auction, it will likely only bring pennies on the $. better ideas, anyone?
m
ps to 4lorn- did you just flunk a rubber glove test or what? you ok?
Interesting question - Maybe worthy of starting a whole new thread about.
Love your neighbor. but don't get caught.
My 4 grandkids are 10 years away from having any sizeable storage facilities or tool needs. Grandma is constantly worried that DH won't come back form a trip (just got back today, leaving Friday for Germany via chunnel train even) and she is gonn get stuck with a bunch of stuff the grandkids will not yet know they want.
It actually is somewhat of a delemia, esp considering neither myself or siblings were able to utilize Pop's hoard.
Edit PS: Actually, all the obvious stuff like a few new sets of ratcheting box end wrenches, 7 or 8 complete socket/wrench tool sets, 100 year old 18" long smoothing planes, Great,great grandpa's hand saws, Grandpas hand forged chisels, 30 inch throat 1940's Crafstman jigsaw, 1950s 3/4 drill press, etc, all went quick to interested grandchildren (and even me, I claimed a 24" plane for my 2nd grandson, who is already interested). My Pop had given away about 30, yes thirty, Stanlely moulding planes in the 1950's that were his Pop's planes -- this when I was a dumb $$H&T kid and told him I didn't think I'd ever want that old stuff when a router was so more "modern", so told Pop OK by me to give them to his co-worker at the railroad who was interested. About as dumb as not buying microsoft when an opportunity arose in 1983 before the IPO.
Edited 6/16/2004 10:07 pm ET by JUNKHOUND
Geeze I hope that wasn't sarcasim....
When it's my turn the vultures will desend and fight it out amoung themselves and it will make no difference to me...
After me there is no one...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
heck no, man- you're my idol! (just ask my wife)
m
I did call ... You haven't a flag nor garage wall to hang it on either....
BTE... Some lady answered the phone and said "who" "ya gots a wrong number"
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
Like others here, I hope this isn't an indication of some life-changing event in your life !
I'd encourage you to consider the Boy Scouts. If there's a Scout Camp nearby, I'm sure they'd love to have them strictly for maintenance. Our Order of the Arrow Lodge does most of the repairs, remods, and improvements at our camp. Always a budget problem, never the right tools for the job at hand.
One advantage - even though we've lost our Federal Charter because we're now classed as a hate - group, you should be able to get a receipt for a tax deduction. Our 501 c status still stands.
Greg
because we're now classed as a hate - group, That's funny...sort-of...in a sick way. I know the story, but it still doesn't make sense to classify the BSA in that way.Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I'm not giving them up!
I want them to dig a BIG hole and bury me, my truck, and all ( OK, maybe most ) of my tools.
Hey, if its good enough for the pharoahs, its good enough for me.
Hmmmm, I might have to reconsider my opinion that excavating the Pharoah's tomb was nothing short of glorified grave digging. I mean, if there's a sliding compound miter saw in it for me, who's to argue against the interests of history and science? <G>Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
if i can't take it with me, i ain't going!
m
The high schools here have trade programs where the kids actually build houses. Kinda like what you're tools were made for.
Hope you're ok, or are you going off with Wet Head Warrior?<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!
Thats the spirit!
Although I really don't think we got a whole lot of choice in the matter.
In that case, I'm gonna have to think twice about letting people know where I'm buried ( when the time comes).
I mean, BTers have all kinds of tools that would enable someone to excavate a grave pretty quickly.
Are we getting a little off topic or what?
Many good suggestions have been made. But I note your desire to GIVE rather than sell. That's a very noble gesture. My hat is off to you.
But even in such a gracious act, some monetary value to the donor doesn't necessarily have to diminish the value of the gift. I'm referring to the tax dedcution received for donating such to a qualified charity.
I understand your hesitation of giving to a church. However, they're a qualified charity.
Now I'm the last person in the world that would ever be caught recommending someone deal with a church, but something tells me in your situation, it may be different. Although I have no need for their services, I recognize that others down and out frequently go to some church as a form of inspiration.
May I suggest you go to a local church (one that has done someone in your family good) and tell the pope or whatever what you've got to give. Ask him/her if they know of a guy that could benefit from the donation while having the gift routed through that church and the church then giving you a tax receipt for the donation.
Alas, the Pharoahs were the clients, not the builders. Tutankhamun was the only one that was found by archaeologists instead of thieves, and he didn't have any tools. The pyramid workers' village has been excavated, but even there not much was learned about how they did it. The main discovery is that a lot of them lived a long time after having broken bones. No magic involved, they really did it all by hand.
Back to the original subject, giving away good tools: There have been a lot of threads here from time to time about tools getting stolen. How about using these to help replace things that have been stolen from other contractors? Could that be the basis for a new charitable organization?
-- J.S.
First to mind is Habitat for Humanity because they build lives and comunities noit just houses.
Or a local trade school or vo-tech.
Or a young guy with talent and interest in the trades. Add a bit of instruction and you have given him a leg up on building a life, and a way to pass it on again in the next generation.
Like everyone else, you've got me curious...
Hey guys, what's this about Fusco? His house or shop burnt? Anyone hurt?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Joe's house burnt:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=44132.1To err is human; to repent, divine; to persist, devilish. [Benjamin Franklin]
What to do with them? Here's what I'm planning: I have two daughters- both very young. If I live long enough, I hope that they, or their sons/husbands would like them. Barring that, HFH. They'd get a pretty reasonable haul. :-)
As a note, I have some old tools my grandfather started out with back in the 30's. Pap was an electrician at Westinghouse. We could all learn a lot from folks like that- he has chisels he made from pry bars, screwdrivers that have been reground to nubs, an anvil made from a piece of rail, etc. Realistically, Pap's tools are not particularly useful now. The stuff you buy in a big box store today is way ahead of it all in strength, durability, and ergonomics. But they hold a special place in my heart. Soon I'm planning on making an end table with a glass display case built into the top to show off the way things used to be done- by the finest craftsman I ever knew.
Well, except for the coping saw- which I still use... with pride...
Peter, good post. When I gave away the 3 tons of B/S tools, got one post reply that there was hope for th world yet, Hurray for 4Lorn, hope he can find similar receipients. .
Thumbs up for the aid to an upstart idea, or...
Rhodefest door prizes
An abstract sculpture head stone
High school vocational program - pick your favorite under funded and have them sign an agreement that the tools will not be sold to purchase computers for the new multi-million dollar computer lab they phased out vo-tech funding for.
Kevin Halliburton
"The Greek comic poets, also, divided their plays into parts by introducing a choral song, ... they relived the actor's speeches by such intermissions." Vitruvious, (Book V)
Am replying before reading the other previous posts, will be interesting. Did similar "high value junk distribution" 3 years ago with literally 3 TONs of blacksmith tools. Put a post onto keenjunk.com abouty free tools. LOTs of people wanted to pay me shipping or buy, etc., etc., etc. BS, told'em I'd "sell for a 10K + donation" to habitat or similar, $3K a ton looks like it's even too high for syster dealers.
What I did was tell'em I got home from church at 11 AM on Sundays. Scheduled the distribution day for superbowl sunday at 11 AM.. 5 trucks** waiting when I got home, some from over 100 mi away -- gave the prize piece (150# fischer anvil) to guy who promised it was for a school, I did get a thank you from the school the next week. All the guys who came to get free stuff were great, detected no dealers or phonies.
** edit - 11 trucks, 2 cars, and 15 people showed up, to best of recollection.
Edited 6/16/2004 9:32 pm ET by JUNKHOUND
I vote with Iron. The tools that mean most to me are the ones given to me by Others who have used and cared for them before me. I once stayed after work on my time for 3 1/2 hrs retrieving an old pry bar given to me by a mentor. I still have it 22 yrs later.
I would consider a family member first but if you have knowone who will use and care for them as you would like, then go outside for a person who needs a boost. You will be able to choose one who needs and will cherish them in a short while.
Regards,
kcoyner
I've given unused tools to Goodwill or Salvation Army. I see it as a win-win situation. I get a tax deduction and someone gets a usable tool at a bargain price.
I give here and there, as I see the need. I give to idjit friends that are thrilled to get something I have sitting around. I give to kids starting out that have nothing, and are thrilled. I keep it close to home.
I just like to know the things are going to a good home. I would never get that giving them to some nameless org.
So who do you know that can use the tools? Not all of them, but this one and that. Who do you know that will remember the thought and pass it on?
I have a lot of respect for you, 4Lorn, and I know you respect your tools. I think you should place thm in all of the right hands, and I hope you have plenty of time to do it.
Waddu I no?
Sell the lot then give the money to charities. Get a nice tax deduction to boot.
I would find a person that has a strong interest in woodworking. Probably someone that is young and has a family, but not much money. I would want that person to be stable, would not like to have them turn around and sell the tools. It should not be too hard to find someone like this, just ask around. I would not let anyone know why you are asking though, this way you would get more genuine input.
Dan"Life is what happens when you are making other plans." - John Lennon
This is a test to see if you respond.
Tim
Memphest 2006
November 18th