Are These Even Tools?

[Raquel]

Hey guys,

I purchased my first tool lot on ebay and it was mostly crap, I think. Most of the "tools" were these half pieces that didn't seem like tools at all because the awl pieces were haphazardly filed down with bent and blunt tips and the "stitching wheels" are way too thick to actually make an indentation. The items are similar to these, except I didn't get the handle they go into. They might be pretty old, maybe the 50's?. Anybody have any information on what these are and where I might be able to get a handle for them. There's a bunch of them, mostly awls, stitching wheels, edge bevelers, and a creaser.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251045433868?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648#ht_500wt_959

any info you may have is greatly appreciated. Thanks much,

Raquel

[gringobill]

It looks like most of what you got are a bunch of modeling tools that are supposed to fit into the two chuck handles at the bottom left. They appear to be in an old Exacto box. I don't see any awls, sure not any that look like could be used for an awl but as I say most of them look like a set of modeling tools and a swivel knife. Those "bit," type tools should slide into one of the handles and seems like then the knurled collar on the end should tighten up on them like a drill chuck. That's the way most Exacto knives and their other tools work. You can probably get some use out of them as modelers. Don't know if that makes sense.

It seems like many times on ebay when someone is selling a "Lot of vintage leather working tools," there are a couple of ice picks thrown in with some actual old leather working tools. If there are a couple of actual usable tools in the bunch that I want, I figure out how much I want to pay for them and figure on tossing the ice picks and other worthless junk when I receive them.

Bill

[Bluesman]

I have to agree with Gringobill. Those are modeling and or embossing tools. There is a technique using these types of tool, Fench, but for the life of me I can't think of it. Somebody else may chime in with the answer. I think you got a deal. IMHO

Jon

[Raquel]

It looks like most of what you got are a bunch of modeling tools that are supposed to fit into the two chuck handles at the bottom left. They appear to be in an old Exacto box. I don't see any awls, sure not any that look like could be used for an awl but as I say most of them look like a set of modeling tools and a swivel knife. Those "bit," type tools should slide into one of the handles and seems like then the knurled collar on the end should tighten up on them like a drill chuck. That's the way most Exacto knives and their other tools work. You can probably get some use out of them as modelers. Don't know if that makes sense.

It seems like many times on ebay when someone is selling a "Lot of vintage leather working tools," there are a couple of ice picks thrown in with some actual old leather working tools. If there are a couple of actual usable tools in the bunch that I want, I figure out how much I want to pay for them and figure on tossing the ice picks and other worthless junk when I receive them.

Bill

These tool pieces are similar to what I purchased but not my actual bid, I just included it for reference purposes because this picture is clearer than the picture of what I actually won. And it also shows the handle for them which was NOT included in my lot. Sorry about sounding convoluted. Will I need to get the "vintage" handle or will a new handle fit them?

[Raquel]

This is my actual haul. thanks guys.

Raquel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280857119789#ht_500wt_1156

[sandycreek]

Hey Raquel,

I think I actually had that auction on my watch list at one point (because of the book).

I don't think you did too bad at that price. Out of the auction you got a nice vintage book, what appears to be a decent wooden creaser, a decent edge slicker, several slitting chisels, a crew punch, a round punch, several funky little homemade stamps, and the assorted handled tools (sans handles) that you mentioned earlier.

As for the problem with no handles, do you know anyone with a drill press and a handsaw and a wood rasp? Worst case you can go to your local hardware store and pick up some wooden dowel rods. Drill a hole just slightly smaller than the shank diameter of the tool in the end of a chunk of dowel rod and gently tap the tool into its new handle/ tap the new handle onto the tool (whichever seems safer and easier). If you want to get fancy take the wood rasp and round off the ends of the dowel rod handle. This is basically how I've made the handle for every file I've ever bought. I get a little fancy sometimes and throw a copper pipe cap on the end for a ferrule but that's about it.

Alternately, for a little less creative of a solution, go to same hardware store and see if they have any file handles that would be appropriately sized to the tools that need handles. Again drill out a hole just SLIGHTLY smaller that the shank diameter and you got it.

It's not to fancy, not to classy, but either solution would get you in business and make the tools usable.

-Aaron

[Raquel]

Hey Raquel,

I think I actually had that auction on my watch list at one point (because of the book).

I don't think you did too bad at that price. Out of the auction you got a nice vintage book, what appears to be a decent wooden creaser, a decent edge slicker, several slitting chisels, a crew punch, a round punch, several funky little homemade stamps, and the assorted handled tools (sans handles) that you mentioned earlier.

As for the problem with no handles, do you know anyone with a drill press and a handsaw and a wood rasp? Worst case you can go to your local hardware store and pick up some wooden dowel rods. Drill a hole just slightly smaller than the shank diameter of the tool in the end of a chunk of dowel rod and gently tap the tool into its new handle/ tap the new handle onto the tool (whichever seems safer and easier). If you want to get fancy take the wood rasp and round off the ends of the dowel rod handle. This is basically how I've made the handle for every file I've ever bought. I get a little fancy sometimes and throw a copper pipe cap on the end for a ferrule but that's about it.

Alternately, for a little less creative of a solution, go to same hardware store and see if they have any file handles that would be appropriately sized to the tools that need handles. Again drill out a hole just SLIGHTLY smaller that the shank diameter and you got it.

It's not to fancy, not to classy, but either solution would get you in business and make the tools usable.

-Aaron

Thanks Aaron, initially I felt like a total idiot because also the homemade "stamps" are asymmetrical, made out of cutoff nails and I didn't get the leather belt pictured. So I sent the seller an email and told her I was disappointed with the quality and she refunded me half the money; and with the refund I bought an old cast iron thong maker, I think it's the Australian one, which I have to figure out how to use...all that to say I think I'm addicted to ebay now. haha

maybe we, the members of this blog, should call dibs on tools up for auction so we don't bid against each other. haha step away from the head knife people! (joking)

I have no idea how to scan a book from home and only have a phone camera so I don' think I can post it online anytime soon, but it's a great little book copywrited in 1947 with a bunch of (Sheridan?) designs for tooling assorted sized purses, portfolios, book covers, belts, coin purses, wallets, picture frames and office desk sets like a paper weight and a letter holder, and lots more. I see that one just sold on etsy.

It's called Designs for tooled leather Book II 18 plates by Louise C. Hoefer

p.s. the hole punch, size 1 is from C.S. Osborne, Newark as well as the chisel fork so I was like yeah, I am on the right track haha. Sorry for being extra goofy I am blaming it on the extra glass of wine.

Raquel