cellophane

My grandfather was a carpenter for years and had a pretty nice shop in the back with everything in it. When he passed the tools were technically left to one of my uncles but he already had equivalent tools so most are still sitting in the shop. I am talking to my mom and grandmother to try and get some of them for the house I am buying and rehabbing. I'm asking here to see if there are any tools in particular that I should try and pick up? I know its not much help without a list or photos but my general goal is to pick up lesser used things from there or cool old tools that would just be nice to have. I plan on buying basic stuff new (hammer drill, sawzall) but some of the lesser used tools I think it would be nice to pick up from them (router, chisels) or some of the big stuff (table saw.)

This will pretty much be my first venture in to both DIY and having a shop of any sort so the only tools I have now are very basic.

woodnthings

You don't want to appear "greedy", but "needy" is a better way. I could really use this... to build my ...." sort of approach. Get any hand or power tools that are available. Hand tools are great personal reminders of someone. I inherited a Craftsman RAS from the 60's, that makes my 3rd one, I tried to give it to a friend, got it back since he's moving and didn't want to truck it. I remember seeing it in the basement when I was younger, wondered how it worked. If other folks are not interested make an appeal that says I will really use them. My advice. bill

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If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

John in Tennessee

will be usefull table saw. I like hte radial arm saw too...

BHOFM

I would talk to your uncle, if the tools are "his" he
is the one to tell you what you can have. He may
have other things you could have as well.

I have a lot of tools that have been in the family
several generations. I seem to be the last of the
woodworkers and have some reservations as to
what will happen to them when I am gone.

Our family has a large trust and technically they
belong to the trust, so I can not will them to anyone. But they can not be sold without the
approval of the trust members.

A list and maybe some pic's would be a big +.

Table saw, RAS, band saw, drill press, router(s) with
bits, will all be a big plus in any project. Hand saws,
some of the older ones are far better than any new
one you could buy. The same with some of the old
planes and chisels.

There is a difference between a carpenter and a
wood worker. I know carpenters that couldn't
build a square box to save their life and wood workers
that couldn't build a dog house.

Forth generation plane.

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woodnthings

Quote....."Your family has a large trust and technically they
belong to the trust, so I can not will them to anyone. But they can not be sold without the approval of the trust members....."

Did you mean to say "My family.....?

He said the tools were left to his uncle, so I assume there is no trust in his family.
bill

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If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

BHOFM

I fixed it.. Type faster than brain works!!@!!!!

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cabinetman

Without seeing a complete list, I would take whatever I could. You never know what you might need.

cellophane

noob question - what's and RAS?

cabinetman

RAS = Radial Arm Saw. We have an acronym list. Take a minute and check it out.

GeorgeC

You will be here a long time trying to figure out all of the acronyms used on here. That is a problem I have had.

George

cellophane

yeah, i made it all the way to B on the list... Thanks for the feedback so far!

Allthumbs27

It is the same situation I am in. I would take a look at what would cost you the most to buy and go for the majors right away. The bigger a tool is, the more expensive it usually is. And what I have done is made a few different things to show my appreciation for the tool. It also shows you are going to use and dont just want it. The uncle will most likely give you whatever he has an extra of. Just be cool about it and be ready to be dissapointed. They might say no.

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Every fight is a food fight when you are a cannibal.

Gerry KIERNAN

Hi Cellophane

I agree with BHOFM's advice. Talk it over with your uncle, and make it clear that you would use any tools he is willing to pass along to you. He may be more than happy to have them go to someone who can use them. Do not be surprised if he indicates to you that the tools are "on loan". If I was in his situation I would likely put some limitations on the use of the tools so they didn't get out of family hands. Beyond that, if he is agreeable to letting you have some of them, talk it over with him as to what you would likely be using them for. If he has his own collection, as you have indicated, he will probably have some good input for you as to what you will need to accomplish your tasks.

In any event, welcome to the woodworking forum, and have fun learning woodwork. It can be very challenging, and also very satisfying.

Gerry

cellophane

Woo! Heard back from my grandmother and its a go on the tools. She would keep any antique tools would stay there the few she uses every so often but a table saw and RAS are mine if I want them (and have room )

Thanks for the info. I'll check in with my uncle and see if he has any advice on what else to pick up as well.

MuseumWood

Cellophane,
Try to get as much info as you can on the tools. Who has owned them, worked with them, where and when. Write it down.

Even though power tools come and go, they too may someday become antiques! Having the history just adds to the value even if it is important only to your family.

knotscott

The power tools are always handy to have...TS, circular saw, sanders, routers, jointer, planer, etc.

mranum

Sounds like your in a good situation with a lot of good advice here. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no such thing as stupid questions when your a newbie with some tools and want to be safe about using them. I scared myself on more than one occasion when I just didn't know better at the time. Not a good feeling when something happens and you feel like having to go change your bloomers.

Itchy Brother

The number one tool you have for your safety is between your ears!Sometimes I have a little brainfart and feel lucky something didnt happen! Itchy

asr

I think either way you want to take the tools. Assess the quality and condition if you are planning to use them personally. If not, it will at least give you a gauge of what you need in your work and could be some memorabilia (sp!?). :)

Best,
ASR

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http://www.buymitersaws.net

Colt W. Knight

A table saw and Radial Arm saw are great aids in remodeling. Here are also some great tools for remodeling.

Compound miter saw
Jig Saw
Circular Saw
Reciprocating Saw
Sanders - hand sanders, 1/4 sheet sanders, belt sanders, random orbital sanders, basically anything that has sand paper affixed to it.
Tape Measures. Rulers
Squares - combination, framing, speed, and tri squares.
chalk lines
saw horses
nail guns
air compressor
pry bars
utility knives
tool belts
nail aprons
screw guns
cordless/corded drills
drill bits
levels
Blades for all the saws - these guys get pricey quick!

A lot of wood working tools can be used to remodel homes, but dedicated wood working tools cost a lot more than contractor type stuff because its designed for more precise work.