Replies

1. 
   RW | Mar 27, 2003 02:19am | #1

   Oldest tool period was a handplane of my grand-dads. Don't use it. Oldest tool that I got new was a hammer I got on my first job at 15. Still use it from time to time.

   " If you kill a man, it is a tragedy. If you kill a million, it is a statistic." - Josepf Stalin, attributed.

2. 
   calvin | Mar 27, 2003 02:49am | #2

   Oldest tool bought new, used daily and still in use daily- Rockwell 315.........59.95 in '72.

   __________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

1. 
   djmarro | Mar 27, 2003 07:37pm | #11

   Love those 315's! I've got 2. Most Porter Cable parts fit just fine. As for me , 2 bevel squares older than I am, an early 1960's vintage Stanley jigsaw. All aluminum, works great, steady as a rock.

                                                                     Dana

                                             Salmon Falls Housewrights

3. 
   BarryE | Mar 27, 2003 02:54am | #3

   -What's the oldest tool in your possesison, do you use it still and how was it obtained?-

   My brain.......occasionally............don't remember.

   ---

   View Image

   Barry E
4. 
   Piffin | Mar 27, 2003 06:58am | #4

   i've got an adze that I found in the soil when I torn down an old barn ten years ago. I put a new handle in it and sharpened it and use it about once a year.

   For power tools, I have an old 6" Craftsman circ saw that must be - hmmmm - in '86 I bought it off a guy who said it was his dad's and at least twenty five years old back thenn so maybe 40 some years old. I keep it in the shop by the lumber rack to size stuff down when i need a certain length.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

5. 
   FrankB89 | Mar 27, 2003 07:39am | #5

   I have a drawknife dated 1819....it's been in my family as far back as could be determined.  I keep it razor sharp and still use it on occasion.  It's a nice tool.

    

6. 
   jet | Mar 27, 2003 07:48am | #6

   I have a micrometer from my greatGrandfather.  He was the site engineer for the Peterbrough liftlocks in Ontario canada.  Built in the late 1800 finished in 1904.

   The micrometer is still in excellent condition and can still be used.(was used up until I found out about my great grandfather.)

   Google for "Walter J Francis" to see the list of letters I have on the time around the building of the liftlocks.

   Google liftlocks to see pictures of the locks.

   View Image

   If this works he is in the fur coat front row.

   If at first you don't succeed...try again! After that quit! No sense being a dam fool about it!       W.C.Fields

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/27/2003 12:53:51 AM ET by jet

1. 
   PeteBradley | Mar 27, 2003 06:08pm | #9

   Gotta love the Peterborough Liftlock!  Still spectacular after all these years.  I think what's even more amazing is that fact that it was originally 100% water powered.  Even the compressed air was created by a column of falling water!

   Been a while since I've been up there. Thanks for the memories!

   Pete

1. 
   saulgood | Mar 27, 2003 07:19pm | #10

   I bought a huge Black & Decker power drill at the flea market, because it looked cool and old. Later I was reading a book about tools, found a picture of my drill - turns out it was the very first production power drill made. The year? 1919! I had already been using the thing as a mixer for plaster, concrete, whatever. so I still do- I don't think it's going to ever quit. Interesting features are the click on or click off (no variable speed and don't let it get away from you!) trigger switch, and the original, very long cord - I guess it had to reach "the outlet" in every house. 

2. 
   jet | Mar 28, 2003 03:34am | #21

   The hundreth anni. dedication is to be on june 9th 2004.  We will all be there for it.

   My great grand fatjher lived at 25 denniston drive. Have the original floor plan of the house back then.  If you plan on going let me know.If at first you don't succeed...try again! After that quit! No sense being a dam fool about it!       W.C.Fields

7. 
   hasbeen | Mar 27, 2003 08:46am | #7

   I have a 16 oz curve claw hammer with wood handle that I got around 1965. I still use it occasionally and (to refer to another thread) I don't loan it out!

   Still use a Makita sheetrock screw gun that I got early 80s in a pawn shop cheap.  It didn't work and was wound up inside with bits of baler twine.  I tried to get it going, but then Makita had some sort of free tool fix offer.  I sent it in and and it came back fully operational.  Still is.

   It doesn't matter how fast you get there, it just matters that you go in the right direction.

8. 
   Turtleneck | Mar 27, 2003 03:38pm | #8

   My grandads' handsaws are hanging in my shop and I have a few of his cast iron wrenches, I don't use them. Oldest new tool would be a 16oz Estwing I bought in 77, 78? The first day, I had it sitting on the sawhorse while cutting some 2X and nicked the end off the handle with the carbide blade. My boss saw the sparks flying and then let a few loose on me. I got razzed alot by the rest of the crew for a while but everybody knew the one with the nick was my hammer. It's still in my pouch. 

    Turtleneck

   I enjoyed the foot-rest business but was soon overrun with stool samples

9. 
   PeteBradley | Mar 27, 2003 08:00pm | #12

   I've got a little caliper that appears to be hand-made dated 1898.  I inherited it from my Grandfather.

   I'm also a sucker for aluminum-body power tools from the 50s and 60s.  I have a stanley 1/2" drill (mid 50s, geared way down with a 1 foot bar handle to help you hold on to it), and a great Craftsman saber saw from the mid-60s.  I've got a Stanley W8 worm drive saw from the 50s but it's got a stripped gear (wish I could find a replacement).

   Pete

10. 
    CAGIV | Mar 27, 2003 09:27pm | #13

    I have a really old wooden too set it contains
    tool box, wooden plane, square, hand auger, bevel gauge, awl, mortising gauge, and level plus a few other things

    Dates back to my GREAT grandfater, he gave it to gramps, who inturn gave it me.  Currently sits at my parents house in my bedroom there.

    Never use any of it, thought about using the bevel gauge, the awl and the square which still reads true. But I won't risk loosing or breaking them.

    Probably the oldest tool I do have and still use is a 12 foot tape, also my grandfathers, that recently had a new spring put in it.

    View ImageGo Jayhawks
1. 
   KenHill3 | Mar 27, 2003 11:03pm | #14

   Still have my first hammer from 1969, when I was 17, framing apt. houses for my stepdad. True Temper Rocket, which I use almost daily for demo and misc. stuff. Jim Blodgett remembers these, too. Don'tcha, Jimbo?

   Ken Hill

2. 
   Piffin | Mar 28, 2003 04:41am | #23

   Heey, CAG,

   no breast brace and bits in that old tool box?.

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   CAGIV | Mar 28, 2003 09:02am | #28

   Again color me ignorant, what is a breast brace?  The old auger is a one bit tool with one size auger on it, 3/4 if memory serves, but it may not, just got home from the local watering hole after watching my team beat Duke.  Might have had a few to many, tomorrow morning is going to stink.....View ImageGo Jayhawks

1. 
   DustynLefty | Mar 28, 2003 08:13pm | #29

   Interesting discussion - let me see:

   Hand forged hammer, probably about a 12 oz head, no date.  One claw is just slightly wider than the other, probably because the smith didn't split the iron quite right (you know, "who cares, who would notice in 100 years?"!) 

   6" square with my grandfather's initials on it from his days as a tool and die worker.  A set of inside calipers also.  I know what you mean about a mystic connection between long-gone ancestors and me when I use the tools they did.  I can't explain it.

   Model A socket wrench from my father-in-law who died Sept 11, 2002.

   Some old wooden planes from just after the civil war.

   Stanley combination plane, one of the earlier versions with the art noveau (sp?) casting.  I use that one now and then instead of router bits just because.

   Dusty&Lefty

2. 
   Piffin | Mar 29, 2003 03:10am | #33

   You bit.

   ;)

   You surely know what a brace is. The old crank type hand drill with a chuck for changing out bits.

   For heavier work, like timber framing or shipbuilding, a larger brace was used and you needed more torque and pressure to work it but manpower cost was important even back then when man could be had for a dollar a day.

   The breast brace had a wide saddle at the top instead of the cup sshaped dome top handle normal on regular braces. this saddle fit nicely up against a man's chest, or breast if you please. Some had leather straps that could secure it around the shoulders.

   using it, a mna could lean full weight into the work while his both arms were free to turn the axle and drill a large diameter or deep hole in timbers fairlyu quickly with no help. I understand that a few were made with a bicylce pedal type action also..

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   CAGIV | Mar 29, 2003 03:57am | #34

   Gotcha,   My mind started to wander again, and was getting all kinds of ideas of just what this breast brace was, though none seemed to fit into a description of what should be in a toolbox..... :)

   No, no breast brace in the collection...View ImageGo Jayhawks

2. 
   PaulReuter | Mar 29, 2003 04:36am | #35

   So... Does my stone axe head count?....

   Paul

3. 
   DavidxDoud | Mar 29, 2003 04:38am | #37

   great minds think alike - <G>

4. 
   DavidxDoud | Mar 29, 2003 04:36am | #36

   Here's the oldest I possess - I'm trying to remember if I've ever used any of them - sure are fun to look at - all found on the farm where we live - 25 years worth -

   
3. 
   junkhound | Apr 09, 2003 02:45am | #43

   Went out to the barn to take a pix of a breast brace (with shoulder stirrups even), but couldn't find it ('lost' a car engine for 2 months once<G>), but did take pix of a few braces kept around for odd jobs and a post drill I forgot I had.

1. 
   steve | Apr 12, 2003 05:53pm | #52

   love the old post drill, i guess we call them dril presses now,  and that two speed gear set intrigues me

4. 
   steve | Apr 12, 2003 05:49pm | #51

   a breast brace is a drill used to drive an auger, but has a pad to rest against your chest for pushing and steadying.

11. 
    Steve1 | Mar 27, 2003 11:16pm | #15

    two interesting items in my collection, one is set of various pliers that my greatgrandfather used as a watchmaker in england at the turn of the century, the 20th that is!! they are beautifully crafted and of course very small

    another is a slide rule from the early 30's, which i still use for simple calculations when i cant find my calculator, its a beautiful piece with real ivory faces

    oldest power tool is a 1980 craftsman tablesaw(9 inch blade) with real cast iron top. its now retired and sitting under the bench in my shop

    another is

12. 
    WorkshopJon | Mar 27, 2003 11:19pm | #16

    I have a 15" Porter Cable heavy duty disk sander mfr'd in 1928, back when they were located in Syracuse NY. Originally had a 1/2 hp 230 volt DC motor. Changed it to a 1.5 125v/250v. I use it almost daily.  It came out of the Worthington-Dresser foundry's pattern shop a couple years after they shut it down in the mid 80's. Other machines we pulled out dated to the 1870's and are still in service today! Here's a photo.

    Jon

    
    

    ---

    Edited 3/27/2003 4:23:12 PM ET by WorkshopJon

    
1. 
   CAGIV | Mar 27, 2003 11:26pm | #17

   Nice to see such an old power tool in such good shape.View ImageGo Jayhawks

13. 
    flintin | Mar 28, 2003 12:46am | #18

    The oldest tools I have date back 150 years. Many of them are old wood planes and moulding planes.

    I don't use them any longer and just display them nowadays.

    I obtained them from a client who was moving on in years and his kids had no interest in them and wanted someone to appreciate them.

1. 
   Snort | Mar 28, 2003 02:36am | #19

   Hey, I started trimming before electric miter boxes. I've still got my Bluegrass backsaw rig in the basement, should I derustify it?

   EliphIno!

1. 
   Luka | Mar 28, 2003 02:53am | #20

   My oldest tool has seen very little use in the past two decades.

   Dangit !

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   Snort | Mar 28, 2003 03:39am | #22

   But is it rusty? EliphIno!

1. 
   Piffin | Mar 28, 2003 04:46am | #25

   Thanks Bucky,

   Saved me from having to say something like, "Keep rubbing oil on it occasionally to keep the rust away"

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   Steve1 | Mar 29, 2003 03:09am | #32

   my condolences

2. 
   Scooter1 | Mar 20, 2004 07:42am | #87

   A rock.Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

14. 
    AlanMikkelsen | Mar 28, 2003 04:41am | #24

    Well, I have several old planes I use on a regular basis, but I use my 1953 Craftsman table saw on a daily basis.  Several years ago, I rebuilt it with new bearings, new fence, 2 hp 220 V TEFC motor, new welded mobile base with 4'x4' outfeed table, router table, sliding miter table and magnetic starter with a shop made panic shutoff switch.  I love that old saw!  It's three years younger than I am.

15. 
    r_ignacki | Mar 28, 2003 05:05am | #26

    I got this old Emmert vise. Says "Emmert...1891 "  on it. Don't use it because it's missing a mounting bracket of some sort. One of our truck drivers gave it too me. He has a lawn service as a sideline and he said someone asked him to clean out thier shed and throw out what was left in there. The vise was in the shed withsome other stuff.
1. 
   Snort | Mar 29, 2003 12:42am | #30

   If that's the swivel all around patternmaker's vise, and you ever want to sell it, let me know. I had a Yost (he worked for Emmert, then went out on his own) that dissapeared from the shop under mysterious circumstances. Or, if you want to fix it, send me some pics and I might be able to tell what the missing parts look like. It's an amazingly handy tool! EliphIno!

1. 
   r_ignacki | Mar 29, 2003 05:41pm | #39

   it's the part that mounts it to a workbench, and lets it swivel around. I'll probably make something. One of these days I'll get one of those new-fangled digeetal cameras and post a picture or two.

1. 
   ButteUptown | Mar 31, 2003 09:39pm | #40

   My oldest "tool" from the family is a "toy" toolbox my grandad made for my uncle, probably around 1935. I still use it for small, fine tools.

   But MY first tool is still working--a pair of needlenose pliers with which I cut through a live wire while rewiring plugs in my bedroom when I was about 12, 36 years ago. Boy, did I have trusting parents.

   I've still got those pliers in the kitchen tool drawer, with the nice arc cut out of the cutters.

   Larry

1. 
   Rarebreed | Apr 09, 2003 01:41am | #41

   One of my oldest tools is a rock bar my granddad made on his forge from a model T driveshaft in the '20s or '30s. I also have the 8" Black and Decker circular saw my Mom gave my Dad on their anniversary in 1959.

   I was lucky enough to get a block plane and some hammers that belonged to my granddad that date from the late 1800's. I still use all of them on occasion but they never leave the shop.TCW Specialists in Custom Remodeling.

2. 
   alias | Apr 09, 2003 02:17am | #42

   this one a 102 years old my great grandfathers .he was a shipwright in boston.

16. 
    Danusan11 | Mar 28, 2003 06:51am | #27

    Old wood planes.molding planes,spoke shaves, braces etc. Starting with Great Great Grandfathers all handmade, handles black from sweat and use. Family was shipbuilders and cabinet makers in Sweden. Grandfather immigrated and work for Fischer Bros. making wood molds for cars. Mothers side of family tool and die.  I've been certainly blessed, only problem is there a so many of these tools, some of them I don't even know their application.  Need to find a oldtimer to spend a day with a explain some of their uses. Use the bailey planes at least weekly. Got a little squirell that I use on occasion.

    I sure get a warm fuzzy feeling every time I use one of these tools, got to believe that some ears and eyes perk up in heaven when they hear that destinctive scrape and see the curl drop to floor. These tools will pass from on to future generations. Thanks for the post, it gave me some time to reflect and appreciate how truly blessed I 'am.

    sure   

17. 
    JohnSprung | Mar 29, 2003 01:28am | #31

    I have a lot of tools from my grandfather, who worked as a carpenter and later a cabinet maker, from about 1907 to 1949.  There are some nice chisels and planes that I don't use, and a very old framing square that I do use is probably among the oldest.  I use the brace and bits sometimes, and the combination square.  There are three old crowbars that I use all the time. 

    As for power tools, his old Unisaw is # M-529, which dates it to 1939 - 41.  I put a 2 HP motor and Biesemeyer fence on it, and with the top carefully aligned to the blade, it makes surfaces that rival a router for smoothness.  I also have a metalworking lathe from 1939, and a Benchmaster mill of similar vintage.

    -- J.S.

18. 
    GUNN308 | Mar 29, 2003 07:17am | #38

    Some colectors think i'm a little daft but I still use a stanley/bailey no.1 smoothing plane in my shop, it does not go to jobsite, got it from great uncle along with a lot of other antique hand tools. Oldest tool I bought is a Milwauke single speed Hole Hawg 26 yrs. old only 1 rebuild and brushes when needed.

19. 
    ProDek | Apr 09, 2003 04:13am | #44

    My old Stanley 1908 Bevel is in my bags and I use it ALOT. I like it so much I've started collecting them. If any of you guys see them at an antique store I would be interested in buying them for about $15.00

    I found a Craftsman bevel which is in this picture and I really like it.

    Bob

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    

1. 
   CAGIV | Apr 09, 2003 04:16am | #45

   Expanding into bevels now?

   Hammers getting to boring for ya ?? :)View ImageGo Jayhawks..............Next Year

1. 
   ProDek | Apr 09, 2003 05:16am | #46

   LOL- Unlike most guys, I like to shop, when hammer manufactures slow down I have to look into other avenues to release all my pent up collectiveness. :-)  Bob

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Apr 09, 2003 07:34am | #47

   my two oldest are my Plumb curved claw fiberglass & my Yankee Screwdriver.. both from '73....

   the plumb is still my number oneMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

20. 
    Zano | Apr 12, 2003 01:01am | #48

    My dad-in-law has a garage full of old tools: you should see some of these hammers,planes, etc.  I stole a 4" finishing knife from him, it's got a mahogany handle and so pleasing in your hand ( I keep a good eye on that bayby), up in the garage attic, he's a WWII War BOnds  poster on the wall, about 4' long and 2' wide - it's gonna be missing soon and it's in perfect shape - no yellowing, stains, nothing!

    Got a Panasonic phone recorder since 1985 and the damm thing still works without any glitches!

1. 
   Armin110 | Apr 12, 2003 03:18am | #49

   The oldest tool in my shop is a Rockwell Delta variable speed drillpress. Purshased new in 1969, still in daily use. I also have several Rockwell Speedmatic routers, cira early 70's still use them as job site tools.http://www.northernsunwoodworks.com

2. 
   Luka | Apr 12, 2003 07:04am | #50

   You seem to be prety proud of having a penchant for stealing...

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   Zano | Apr 13, 2003 12:14am | #53

   Luka, this is family, so it's alright to "borrow" it  ;-)   He's old now, can hardly walk, I put them to good use!

1. 
   Piffin | Apr 13, 2003 04:19am | #54

   I've got some family like that. They don't get much appreciation..

   Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   DustynLefty | Apr 17, 2003 08:44pm | #55

   I forgot about another old tool until last night.  I've got two of the old PC type 2 circular saws, one is just for parts.  These are the ones where the whole base shoe drops down, controlled by a large front knob.  I use the 8 1/4 with a metal cutting wheel for cutting pipe - sure makes a lot of pretty fireworks.  They came from the widow of a contractor friend; I try and remember to say a prayer for the family when I fire up the old saw.

   D&L

21. 
    PenobscotMan | Apr 17, 2003 11:35pm | #56

    Not counting old tools bought in junk shops, I still have my father's hammer, framing square and crosscut hand saw. He probably bought them in the 1940's. Actually, not a bad set of tools. In principle, I could build a house with these.

22. 
    des | Apr 18, 2003 06:10am | #57

    Two Sandvik handsaws my dad bought in the 50's. About 25 years ago my dad brought one into our local hardware store which sent them out to get sharpened. A week later when we went in to pick it up it was nowhere to be found. My dad was fit to be tied. They replaced it with a newer Sandvick but the quality wasn't the same. About three years ago I asked my dad (retired) to pick up some blades at the sharpening shop. When he gave the girl the last name someone else behind the counter went into the back room and came out with the long lost saw. The saw had been haging around all that time with our name on the handle and the guy had just happened to move it a couple of days earlier. For my dad it was like a long lost child had been found. I keep the other saw in my toolbox but the "found saw" stays in my shop.

1. 
   rez | Mar 07, 2004 08:03pm | #58

   I had the chance to get an descent shaped stanley #78 for $35 the other day. I passed cause I already have a pretty nice one.

   Would this $35 have been a good price? 

23. 
    Davo304 | Mar 09, 2004 11:40am | #59

    I have some wrenches that say "Ford" on em...were my Grandfathers' circa 1930s. I don't use these. Have a  big ole  cast iron, 36 inch bandsaw ( Atlantic brand...made in Philadelphia I believe...circa mid 1930s) which I use every day. Bought it used from a cabinet maker  for $1500 approx. one year ago. Babbit bearings were converted before I bought it, and other "fine tunings" have beeen added...runs extremely well.

    Davo

1. 
   20657 | Mar 09, 2004 02:38pm | #60

   have a set of matched tounge & groove wooden hand planes 1/4" circa 1700's they still work fine. Also bought a old boreing machine that you place on the surface of a beam (or post ) to drill out most of a large mortise to which you would finish with chisels still works but it's hard to turn the handles when it hits a knot in oak.  Bill D. quality woodchips

   Edited 3/9/2004 6:39:05 AM ET by 20657

1. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 04:03pm | #61

   no laughin here..I have a pair of old "bung hole borers" tapered hollow augers for coopers to make bungholes in barrels for spigots and bungs. The smaller one also works well for tapered legs to seat joins in chairs and benches.

   View Image

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

1. 
   briankeith | Mar 09, 2004 04:38pm | #62

   Yeah right!

   No laughing. Har de har harView Image

1. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 04:44pm | #63

   bend over..

   View Image

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

2. 
   briankeith | Mar 09, 2004 05:21pm | #64

   OH!!!!

   now that takes the funny outa it.

   But you have to admit that not many guys have their own personal bung hole borers.

   Well, unless they have numbers on the back of their shirt.View Image

3. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 05:26pm | #65

   u r 2 funny..

   View Image

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

4. 
   briankeith | Mar 09, 2004 05:42pm | #66

   Guess maybe my coffee had a little to much silly in it, this morning.

   On a serious note, is it like a step bit? I think that is the term.

   Sounds like a cool old tool.

   I went to work this morning and the boss walked up and said, "guess we are done for a while" and handed the crews checks and walked off.

   Not much exchange of info. But he is like that.

   You still planning on moving by the first?View Image

5. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 06:01pm | #67

   Like a step bit..no. they have a irwin type auger for the first inch, then a cone with a slot that is sharpened the wide part of the cone has 'ears' for a handle to pass through..sorta like a bulb planting tool if ya ever gardened.

   Taking a break today..my hands are really acting up from marathon plumbing..I think I am getting arthritis, or something. I had just about all the cpvc replaced when I put in a new Waterheater..did not check ALL of the hot lines, when I pressurized the colds..put in a new Whilpool 50 gal. 9 yr. heater..filled it all up yesterday..and ONE line (old) under the whirlpool tub upstairs ( a really big sucka, like 5x5) blew..had to tear down the sheeet rock in the laundry room and replace all of that piping too. Maybe two things called whirlpool are not good when it comes to plumbing<G>

   Still movin in the first..or sooner. gotta put up a few temp. plastic walls to keep the dust contained. Start sheetrock tomorrow (yikes)..in the kitchen..then countertop and sink..then buy a 'fridge an washer and dryer..all set. The DW is fixen to decide on paint colors and commence slobberin paint all over.

   You laid off or what? Callin fer snow here today, so I thought a rest day would fit in..also got UPS bringin me presents..shopvac and flexeel air hose...yippee.

   View Image

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

6. 
   briankeith | Mar 09, 2004 06:24pm | #68

   That was a pisser that the line broke to the whirlpool. After that, I'd say a day of leisure is deserved.

   I rebuilt my house after a fire, a screwing by the Ins. Company, and ten years of sitting in the weather. Much worse shape then your place.

   Should have burned it down the fest of the way and started from the foundation up, but didn't. Now it is almost done, and paid for.

   It could be a day or a month that I will be off, I sure don't know.

   Have a couple of nice sidejobs to do, so I can just turn them into full timers and keep busy.

   I'll go out and rummage through my little shop and try to find those starrett gauges and gizmos. I was serious, you can have them if you want them. I will never use them.

   And no, you can't jew me down from free.

   I have heard a lot of talk here about the flexeel hose, but never seen one. Are they really that nice?View Image

7. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 06:44pm | #69

   Gonna find out about the hose..sounds sweet, I had a similar type hose until a finish nailer landed on it from 2 stories..it had many splices and got unreliable....One thing that drives me nuts is a hissing hose/gun..I hate that.

   Huh, fire and Starrett tools...when my shop burned in '96..that was what hurt the most I think..alot of Starrett stuff gathered over the yrs. I had a round vanadium bar straight edge..acurrate to a millionth..(supposedly) that you could lay on a granite surface plate ( had one of them too) and not see anylight when ya roll it..pretty cool tool..never used it for much more than setting my jointer up..but neat to have. Wood case felt lined..shiny and dead azz straight.

   Glad yer house is gettin on..got a time frame? G'luck with the work situ., I'm gonna have to do some payin work REAL soon..checkbook getting thin..

   That whlpool tub is coming out..too damn big. I'd rather have a better shower up there..the one downstairs is too low for me..got a silly soffit above..@ 6'6" and I'm 6' 4"..have to keep one working at all times..we'll see.

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   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

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8. 
   DavidxDoud | Mar 09, 2004 08:23pm | #70

   day off? ya don't have time for that - - get on up here and load up with some of this good stuff - - it's a bit nippy,  but good sawyering weather - got three woodstoves goin and my 11 pm appointment didn't show - I might just drive the lift back and snag one of them 'brown ash' logs..."there's enough for everyone"

9. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 08:35pm | #71

   shoooey..I couldn't hold a steerin wheel if I had too..my hands are locked up..million little cuts and stiff as can be..had a few snoshowers earlier..musta stayed south of us...take yer time with that wood now..yer not fluffin up firewood.

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10. 
    DavidxDoud | Mar 09, 2004 11:56pm | #75

    well,  my 11 am showed up at 12:30 - for three hours - newspaper,  the things I do for publicity...

    so,  how do get 'a million little cuts' and 'arthritis or something' from plumbing with cpvc? - - I think doing that kinda work is a rest day - - bummer about the tub,  but I think your descision to get rid of it is sound - - I don't see them used much - a hot tub is less impractical (but not much) - -

    little bit of snow here - cold north wind - wood range cookin' tonight - got the house all cleaned up so as not to embarass myself in the newspaper  - - I don't know,  gettin' kinda cold,  might have to see how that nasty ole ash burns - - feel free to bring the little lady <G> along when ya come - - we'll try to have a get together,  see if y'all fit into the group ..."there's enough for everyone"

11. 
    Sphere | Mar 10, 2004 12:16am | #76

    naw...the cuts were from all the new copper..I demo'd the CPVC..ya know when ya have a little stub of pipe (cuz ya didn't get STREET ELBOWS) and ya have to clean the ends with the wire terminal type cleaner..well the channel locks are WAAAAY over there..so ya hold it in yer hand and commence twistin the cleaner thing around and sharp copper edges start cuttin ya, but ya don't know it till ya see blood or the flux hits it..them kinda cuts.

    What is this a newspaper write up? Ya do something illegal or worthy?.."THIS JUST IN: A local redneck busted for growing hemp says.." My wife makes our clothes..REALLY" ..was seen today being led from his operation wearing LEVI'S..."...HAHAHAHAHAH

    DW will be here minding the flock...oh, yeah my chickens will be here ....yikes Apr.11...25 Arucana's...40 bucks for chickens..here we go again..brooder hut, main coop..kill 'possums..chicken tractor..kill more 'possums..watch for neighbors dogs..kill more 'possums...

    Looks like I can get my sheetrock Thur. or Fri. I'll have few days around thereafter to travel..tomorrow is more insulating and wire the new water heater..yeah the whirlly tub is useless..actually 'fraid it would go through the floor with a fill up..!!!

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12. 
    DavidxDoud | Mar 10, 2004 12:37am | #77

    What is this a newspaper write up? Ya do something illegal or worthy?.."

    illegal and worthy are not mutually exclusive ya know...I think this will be flattering,  but ya never know - - this young pup of a reporter was quite soft spoken and rather ignorant (not a perjorative,  just a statement of fact) of farm (orchard) life and history - that,  along with the fact that a lot of people don't know what to make of me,  well... we'll see...might have been the feds...

    I leave you with a patriotic sign proudly posted in my shop..."there's enough for everyone"

13. 
    Sphere | Mar 10, 2004 12:53am | #78

    Truly a classic...we need more like that ('cept for the war part)..going out on a rope here has a whole new meaning..<G>

    s'posed to warm up ....wished I had a woodstove goin at the log crib..I'd be stayin there..now. at least I drained all of my new work when I left yesterday..copper oughta take freeze or two where cpvc just explodes.

    hey, them logs..still got bark? or did it slough off yet?..beetle sign?..sapwood intact?..

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14. 
    DavidxDoud | Mar 10, 2004 01:05am | #79

    no bark,  smooth as a baby's butt,  very little sapwood,  but very much intact - it is on the ground however - I almost walked back there (1/2 mile) in the drizzle in the dark to roll them up on blocks - operative word here is 'almost' - we are fine right now,  frozen up,  I'll drive back in the morning with the lift and get them off the ground,  problably bring one back with me,  since I think I'll set the mill up at the less remote site first - - and probably tomorrow - this library project is really cutting into my discresionary time - gotta get a bunch of pruning done,  and the 26th of march is coming up fast - -"there's enough for everyone"

15. 
    Sphere | Mar 10, 2004 01:15am | #80

    hey don't push it for me...I'm under the gun too..after ya get back is OK too. I am gonna just keep on keepin on..might be better after I get all moved really..give me more time with the F350 moving back an forth so's I know it's ready for a long trip.

    only drove it 'bout 300 miles so far..all seems well, gotta do an oil change.

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16. 
    DavidxDoud | Mar 10, 2004 01:54am | #81

    problem being that this sawmill is not mine,  I hate to leave it setting around while I'm gone - - they might need it or something bad could happen - like my brother trying to use it - there is gonna be several days of sawyering before it's done - got a little felling to do also - unless I magically conjure up $14K to buy it - - how much wood did you need? - (actually,  if you would buy $10K,  I could cover the rest)"there's enough for everyone"

17. 
    Sphere | Mar 10, 2004 01:57am | #82

    hide the blades, take off the wheels and forget you ever said that I'd buy 10k worth of wood, my wife might hear ya..

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18. 
    Joby | Mar 20, 2004 04:27am | #83

    I have an old bow saw belonging to my great great grandfather.  The strap and its wedge were replaced by my grandfather.

19. 
    artacoma | Mar 20, 2004 06:04am | #84

    I've got an old axe that was passed down forever. The handle has been replaced a few times and I think the head has too, but it's really really old that's fer sure.

    ...............Rik............

20. 
    DavidxDoud | Mar 20, 2004 06:16am | #85

    I planted peach trees this morning and found these..."there's enough for everyone"

21. 
    lostarrow | Mar 20, 2004 06:30am | #86

    I have some old hand tools, saws,bits and braces,screwdrivers,a few old wooden planes etc. ,but my oldest power tool is a PC power block plane 146A with the grinding attachment for the spiral cutter. I did some work for a fellow many years ago and he paid me my asking price and gave me the plane as a bonus. I don't know how old it is or when they quit making them. It has an alumium body . Still works just fine.Be not afraid of going slowly.  Be afraid only of standing still.   chinese proverb

22. 
    Sphere | Mar 20, 2004 02:38pm | #88

    belongs to the next poster..lostarrow!

    give it back..

    we had a LOT of artifacts in NC, a buddy has 5 gal. buckets full of points..I have one that is clear quartz..supposedly a ceremonial point..kinda rare. Of course there are the gem mines that sell a "salted" bag of dirt for 15.00 so ya can find your own little hunks of garnet..<G>

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2. 
   rasconc | Mar 09, 2004 11:27pm | #72

   And we were thinking your honorary degree in proctology was from working with/for so many a**holes.

1. 
   Sphere | Mar 09, 2004 11:33pm | #73

   as we said in the Navy

   "don't laugh, your'e next"

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2. 
   rasconc | Mar 09, 2004 11:42pm | #74

   Oh no, not my turn in the barrel!

24. 
    allenschell2 | Mar 20, 2004 02:54pm | #89

    My oldest tool is ..........I'm guessing around 50,  it's an aluminum level (mayes) that belonged to my grandfather,  I use it every day and it's still reading true.  Funny thing is it doesn't look much different than a new one.