Comments on: Demand for quality handtools http://dovetailkid.com/2008/08/29/demand-for-quality-handtools/ Exploring woodworking using traditional hand tools Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:17:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Luis http://dovetailkid.com/2008/08/29/demand-for-quality-handtools/comment-page-1/#comment-14 Luis Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:22:49 +0000 http://wordpress.dovetailkid.com/?p=65#comment-14 It's true that sometimes you can find some vintage tools in great condition for a bargain. When that happens I'll grab them and put them to use. What doesn't make much sense to me is buing a vintage tool for the same price of a modern one that happens to be as good if not better. It’s true that sometimes you can find some vintage tools in great condition for a bargain. When that happens I’ll grab them and put them to use.

What doesn’t make much sense to me is buing a vintage tool for the same price of a modern one that happens to be as good if not better.

]]> By: Eric http://dovetailkid.com/2008/08/29/demand-for-quality-handtools/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Eric Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:41:38 +0000 http://wordpress.dovetailkid.com/?p=65#comment-13 As the resident cheapskate on the woodworking blogosphere, my comments may be in the minority. I'll most likely never buy a Lie-Nielsen plane, a Wenzloff (or other contemporary handmade) saw or a new Japanese chisel. Yes, I know the quality is sometimes better than a vintage tool. Yes, it's awful purty. But at this point in my life, I'm still trying to build up my set of tools. My budget for tools comes in $10 increments, not $100 increments. If a $10 Irwin chisel does just about as good as a $60 Japanese one (granted, with more frequent sharpenings), I'll go for it. If a $20 vintage handplane does just about as good as a $320 one, I'll go for it. And if a $30 Japanese ryoba does just about as good as a $300 handmade Western saw, I'll go for it. Of course, on that last point, it's a non-issue for me. If someone gave me a Wenzloff saw for Christmas, it would likely sit neglected on the shelf while I go time and time again for my $30 ryoba. As the resident cheapskate on the woodworking blogosphere, my comments may be in the minority.

I’ll most likely never buy a Lie-Nielsen plane, a Wenzloff (or other contemporary handmade) saw or a new Japanese chisel. Yes, I know the quality is sometimes better than a vintage tool. Yes, it’s awful purty.

But at this point in my life, I’m still trying to build up my set of tools. My budget for tools comes in $10 increments, not $100 increments. If a $10 Irwin chisel does just about as good as a $60 Japanese one (granted, with more frequent sharpenings), I’ll go for it. If a $20 vintage handplane does just about as good as a $320 one, I’ll go for it. And if a $30 Japanese ryoba does just about as good as a $300 handmade Western saw, I’ll go for it.

Of course, on that last point, it’s a non-issue for me. If someone gave me a Wenzloff saw for Christmas, it would likely sit neglected on the shelf while I go time and time again for my $30 ryoba.

]]> By: Keith Cruickshank http://dovetailkid.com/2008/08/29/demand-for-quality-handtools/comment-page-1/#comment-12 Keith Cruickshank Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:59:30 +0000 http://wordpress.dovetailkid.com/?p=65#comment-12 Hi Luis: I guess I'm one of those hybrid types. I have some old tools and some new. If I run across a great old tool, like my 1907 Stanley Bailey #5, I grab it. But I'm not actively searching for these. Maybe I should be more diligent, but when time is short, usually it is much easier to buy a new Lie-Nielsen or other well-made modern tool. Keith (woodtreks.com) Hi Luis: I guess I’m one of those hybrid types. I have some old tools and some new. If I run across a great old tool, like my 1907 Stanley Bailey #5, I grab it. But I’m not actively searching for these. Maybe I should be more diligent, but when time is short, usually it is much easier to buy a new Lie-Nielsen or other well-made modern tool. Keith (woodtreks.com)

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