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Antique Tools FAQ

Antique Tools FAQ (as of 11/97) ----------------- 0. Purpose of this FAQ 1. Advantages of Older Tools 2. Is this a collectable or a user's tool? 3. What is this worth? 4. Restoration concerns 5. Who is "Bailey" ? 6. What are the corrugations for? 7. Quality makers (emphasis on iron planes) 8. Makers to avoid 9. What to watch for when buying planes 10. Basic plane types 11. Universal Planes (i.e. 55's) vs. Wooden Moulding Planes 12. Saws (nibs and nuts) 13. Infill ("Norris") style planes 14. Where should I buy old woodworking tools? 15. Internet resources 0. Purpose of this FAQ ====================== This FAQ is designed to address the most frequently asked questions about antique tools on Rec.ww. It also includes some questions that in the opinion of the author should be asked more frequently ;-). It is designed to complement Ken Smith's excellent Handtool.FAQ which has appeared in Rec.ww for some time. Some important questions concerning the use of old tools have already been addressed there: i.e., basic tuning of a hand plane, saw sharpening, etc. Ken also provides an extensive bibliography and guide to tool collecting organizations. I learned most of this stuff here in Rec.ww, so kudos to all the folks who posted this stuff originally. This Faq emphasizes iron planes, since the bulk of traffic concerns them. 1. Advantages of Older Tools ============================ Old tools were made in an era when there were many craftsmen and tradesmen that relied on their tools to earn their living, thus they had to be durable, effective, and ergonomic. These would often be used for hours on end, so the handles had to be comfortable. Older tools are often made of superior materials. The castings are heavier and more carefully machined. (Sometime after the 1950's Stanley abandoned surface grinding the soles of their planes and just belt sanded them. I'm told Record still grinds theirs to .002). The tote, knobs and handles are often of brazilian rosewood, the blades are of quality

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