Timeless Tools and Treasures

This week we were lucky enough to acquire a beautiful old tool chest filled with chisels, folding rules, and lots of other assorted tools. It is the nicest tool box we have come across – not beat up like so many. But also built with more thought. Each of the sliding trays is sized differently so it’s easy to know the sequence of putting them in the chest.

But best of all, the trays were made with hand-cut dovetail joints.

I will be taking this chest and some of its contents to the outdoor antique show in Peterborough NH this  Sunday along with a wide assortment of tools for carpentry, machining, blacksmithing, etc.

From time to time we have a sale at home, so this past weekend I spread out everything in Mike’s workshop. Hidden behind the boxes of bargain items on the left are three leg vises and many other blacksmith-made devices. We had a good crowd, but had to watch them, as people wanted to rummage in the tools we use, too! Mike did decide to part with one of his 4′ levels after someone specifically asked for one. Our 24″ wide rolling magnet found a new home as well as many old tools. It was fun to meet new people and “talk tools” – some people even called to come back on another day.

Tools have always been part of my life. My father not only knew how to fix all the motorized kinds of things that we now treat as disposable, but he could build a radio from a collection of small parts. He wasn’t a big fan of woodworking, but taught me how to use and care for many of the tools we used for home repairs and electronic projects. We used eggbeater drills and spiral ratchet screwdrivers as well as soldering irons, meters and calipers. Starting when I was very small I would sit on a chrome and vinyl stool (that I still have in like-new condition) and watch him work. He always explained what he was doing and why, as well as why we needed to oil or otherwise maintain a tool so it would last for years. When I got my first apartment, he made sure I had a well-equipped tool box. I have always enjoyed making things and lately my creative focus is on making wire moose sculptures and some jewelry.

My husband, Mike, is a master carpenter and I sometimes serve as his helper on projects such as replacing windows, installing roof shingles, fastening a plywood subfloor, and lending a hand with shop projects.

As a designer and artist, I appreciate the beauty and great design of some of the older tools. I like the embellishments, the brass fittings and the other details that have been replaced by injection-molded plastic cranked out by the thousands in a factory far away. Then, there is the thrill of discovery; when I go to an old barn and get to poke around in the corners and find some interesting treasures among the detritus. I find more tools every week and plan to share with you some of my discoveries and the journey to get them.