Dead heading

[Silversnapper]

Two items heading for the recycling bins:

I've just noticed that the exif data shows a created date of 2023, this is wrong and should be 2024-the camera date is set wrong and puts my ineptitude on display again.

 

[Marilynne]

You can clean up that rusty tool by soaking it in vinegar. My husband does that with rusty tools he finds on the road when we ride our bikes.

 

[Silversnapper]

Thanks for looking and you are quite right Marilynne, however the pivot pin and hole of these pincers is badly worn and not worth re-bushing now as I have several others in excellent condition. These were presented to my father-in-law when he was an apprentice fitter and, given my age, I'm guessing they must be close on 100 years old so they have had a good life.

 

[Clovishound]

I have a soft spot for old tools. To have a family connection just adds a whole new dimension to the mix. I've bought a number of old woodworking tools at fleas, pawns and antique stores. I enjoyed bringing an old tool back to functioning condition. I've got enough old hand planes in my shop to outfit a number of traditional woodworkers.

I like the contrast between the old, rustic look of the tool with the new, pristine look of the flower.

 

[Silversnapper]

Thank you for your comment Clovishound and I think we are of a similar mindset. Woodworking and wood turning was my other hobby until arthritis in my hands finally put paid to it some 20-odd years ago. Despite my refusal to accept it, the day I struck a golf shot and the club went further than the ball I knew I had to call time. Nowadays I can't close my fist around a pencil never mind control hand tools safely.

I too collected old woodworking and engineering tools and although I have given most of them away now, out of nostalgia I have hung on to my vintage plough plane and full set of irons, a couple of wooden jack and smoothing planes and of course some vintage spanners etc.

 

[Clovishound]

I leaned more towards the iron hand planes. I have a slew of Stanleys, and Millers Falls out in the garage. I also enjoyed getting some of the old socket chisels that needed some work. Having the lathe made replacing handles easy and fun. I even tried my hand at making totes and knobs. I have a #5 that I made a set of knob and tote out of bloodwood. It's a bit much, color wise, for some, but it is a wonderful wood to work with, and feels great in the hand.