Tool inheritance

[Krueg]

Yesterday I scored a bunch of old tools from my wife's great uncle. Poor guy is almost completely blind and can no longer use them.

So there's a nice big machinist's vise. On the side it says "Prentiss Vise Co. Bulldog #92 New York, N.Y.". This thing is heavy! Couln't find much on it on the net. Anybody know anything about this one?

I also got a couple of old planes, though I couldn't find a maker's mark on either. One looks to be of good quality, I really don't know much about these. I'll try to borrow a digital camera.

Lots of miscellaneous stuff, taps, dies, hammers, files, etc. There are a few tools that I have never seen and don't know their intended purpose. I know you guys could help if I had pics.

Oh, an interesting drill. It's an old Sioux with a 1/4" chuck (what's up with that?). The case looks like chrome and it's got brass riveted plaque showing serial number, max rpms no load, made in Sioux City, Iowa, and I forget what else. It also says AC or DC current, but I don't know how that would work. I plugged it in and it and the motor works perfectly. Seems to be very heavily made. I did a google and mostly came up with the new models. This one looks to be a minimum of 40 yrs. old, probably more. Anybody know anything about these?

Thanks

[Krueg]

Yesterday I scored a bunch of old tools from my wife's great uncle. Poor guy is almost completely blind and can no longer use them.

So there's a nice big machinist's vise. On the side it says "Prentiss Vise Co. Bulldog #92 New York, N.Y.". This thing is heavy! Couln't find much on it on the net. Anybody know anything about this one?

I also got a couple of old planes, though I couldn't find a maker's mark on either. One looks to be of good quality, I really don't know much about these. I'll try to borrow a digital camera.

Lots of miscellaneous stuff, taps, dies, hammers, files, etc. There are a few tools that I have never seen and don't know their intended purpose. I know you guys could help if I had pics.

Oh, an interesting drill. It's an old Sioux with a 1/4" chuck (what's up with that?). The case looks like chrome and it's got brass riveted plaque showing serial number, max rpms no load, made in Sioux City, Iowa, and I forget what else. It also says AC or DC current, but I don't know how that would work. I plugged it in and it and the motor works perfectly. Seems to be very heavily made. I did a google and mostly came up with the new models. This one looks to be a minimum of 40 yrs. old, probably more. Anybody know anything about these?

Thanks

[Krueg]

Yesterday I scored a bunch of old tools from my wife's great uncle. Poor guy is almost completely blind and can no longer use them.

So there's a nice big machinist's vise. On the side it says "Prentiss Vise Co. Bulldog #92 New York, N.Y.". This thing is heavy! Couln't find much on it on the net. Anybody know anything about this one?

I also got a couple of old planes, though I couldn't find a maker's mark on either. One looks to be of good quality, I really don't know much about these. I'll try to borrow a digital camera.

Lots of miscellaneous stuff, taps, dies, hammers, files, etc. There are a few tools that I have never seen and don't know their intended purpose. I know you guys could help if I had pics.

Oh, an interesting drill. It's an old Sioux with a 1/4" chuck (what's up with that?). The case looks like chrome and it's got brass riveted plaque showing serial number, max rpms no load, made in Sioux City, Iowa, and I forget what else. It also says AC or DC current, but I don't know how that would work. I plugged it in and it and the motor works perfectly. Seems to be very heavily made. I did a google and mostly came up with the new models. This one looks to be a minimum of 40 yrs. old, probably more. Anybody know anything about these?

Thanks

[Dave Fleming]

Prentice old NY outfit long gone, good stuff.

Sioux was just mentioned in the Tool Recommendation thread just below this one.

Again, good old name, tools 'hell for stout'.

That is a perfect example of when tools were still being made for a lifetime of usage not planned obsolence as are many today.

Heavy cases, big brushes, good guage copper in the motor windings, plenty of ball bearings.
Take care of it and you will be able to pass it down to someone else.

Give Sioux a call, have the serial # and model # at hand. I bet they will be able to tell you about it and what lubricants/grease to use to keep it running.
That is something to consider, taking the gear case apart, cleaning out the old grease and repacking with fresh approved grease.
If there are no specific grease recommendations then, I prefer Lubriplate products for lubing my portable electric tools.
Just enter Lubriplate or Fisk Brothers Refining into Google for a web site and contact number.

[Dave Fleming]

Prentice old NY outfit long gone, good stuff.

Sioux was just mentioned in the Tool Recommendation thread just below this one.

Again, good old name, tools 'hell for stout'.

That is a perfect example of when tools were still being made for a lifetime of usage not planned obsolence as are many today.

Heavy cases, big brushes, good guage copper in the motor windings, plenty of ball bearings.
Take care of it and you will be able to pass it down to someone else.

Give Sioux a call, have the serial # and model # at hand. I bet they will be able to tell you about it and what lubricants/grease to use to keep it running.
That is something to consider, taking the gear case apart, cleaning out the old grease and repacking with fresh approved grease.
If there are no specific grease recommendations then, I prefer Lubriplate products for lubing my portable electric tools.
Just enter Lubriplate or Fisk Brothers Refining into Google for a web site and contact number.

[Dave Fleming]

Prentice old NY outfit long gone, good stuff.

Sioux was just mentioned in the Tool Recommendation thread just below this one.

Again, good old name, tools 'hell for stout'.

That is a perfect example of when tools were still being made for a lifetime of usage not planned obsolence as are many today.

Heavy cases, big brushes, good guage copper in the motor windings, plenty of ball bearings.
Take care of it and you will be able to pass it down to someone else.

Give Sioux a call, have the serial # and model # at hand. I bet they will be able to tell you about it and what lubricants/grease to use to keep it running.
That is something to consider, taking the gear case apart, cleaning out the old grease and repacking with fresh approved grease.
If there are no specific grease recommendations then, I prefer Lubriplate products for lubing my portable electric tools.
Just enter Lubriplate or Fisk Brothers Refining into Google for a web site and contact number.

[Krueg]

Thanks Dave. I'll contact them.

I was looking at the drill with a friend and I commented how they would never build a drill like that these days, or if they did, not many could afford it. Definitely not a disposable item.

What do you think about the note that says "AC or DC". How would that work? What kind of DC voltage. I don't plan on ever using it that way, but I was intrigued.

[Krueg]

Thanks Dave. I'll contact them.

I was looking at the drill with a friend and I commented how they would never build a drill like that these days, or if they did, not many could afford it. Definitely not a disposable item.

What do you think about the note that says "AC or DC". How would that work? What kind of DC voltage. I don't plan on ever using it that way, but I was intrigued.

[Krueg]

Thanks Dave. I'll contact them.

I was looking at the drill with a friend and I commented how they would never build a drill like that these days, or if they did, not many could afford it. Definitely not a disposable item.

What do you think about the note that says "AC or DC". How would that work? What kind of DC voltage. I don't plan on ever using it that way, but I was intrigued.

[Dave Fleming]

Most old tools were rated at 'Universal Voltage'.

[Dave Fleming]

Most old tools were rated at 'Universal Voltage'.

[Dave Fleming]

Most old tools were rated at 'Universal Voltage'.

[hikingchrs]

universal motors can run on dc or ac most power tools nameplates says 115v...it can run on either
dc or ac (needs to be 115v DC or AC no plugging it into yer ciger lighter smile.gif ) if it is labeled
115vac it is ac only.
old power tools maybe reliable but also can be
dangours. make sure the third prong is connected
to case with an ohm meter. If you did not understand my last statement have it looked at
by a pro!! never use a cord that has third prong
broken... use a gfci when working in basements and garages and out of doors
Be safe
Chris

[hikingchrs]

universal motors can run on dc or ac most power tools nameplates says 115v...it can run on either
dc or ac (needs to be 115v DC or AC no plugging it into yer ciger lighter smile.gif ) if it is labeled
115vac it is ac only.
old power tools maybe reliable but also can be
dangours. make sure the third prong is connected
to case with an ohm meter. If you did not understand my last statement have it looked at
by a pro!! never use a cord that has third prong
broken... use a gfci when working in basements and garages and out of doors
Be safe
Chris

[hikingchrs]

universal motors can run on dc or ac most power tools nameplates says 115v...it can run on either
dc or ac (needs to be 115v DC or AC no plugging it into yer ciger lighter smile.gif ) if it is labeled
115vac it is ac only.
old power tools maybe reliable but also can be
dangours. make sure the third prong is connected
to case with an ohm meter. If you did not understand my last statement have it looked at
by a pro!! never use a cord that has third prong
broken... use a gfci when working in basements and garages and out of doors
Be safe
Chris

[Krueg]

Thanks Chris. I'm almost positive the plug is not original. There is a third prong. The man who owned these tools was an electrician by trade and judging by the shape of his tools, a very conscientious one.

I do have mixed feelings about my windfall. I am happy to have the tools, but part of me feels sadness for this man who is still alive yet cannot do many things for himself anymore. I guess the only thing to do is to put them to good use and take good care of them.

[Krueg]

Thanks Chris. I'm almost positive the plug is not original. There is a third prong. The man who owned these tools was an electrician by trade and judging by the shape of his tools, a very conscientious one.

I do have mixed feelings about my windfall. I am happy to have the tools, but part of me feels sadness for this man who is still alive yet cannot do many things for himself anymore. I guess the only thing to do is to put them to good use and take good care of them.

[Krueg]

Thanks Chris. I'm almost positive the plug is not original. There is a third prong. The man who owned these tools was an electrician by trade and judging by the shape of his tools, a very conscientious one.

I do have mixed feelings about my windfall. I am happy to have the tools, but part of me feels sadness for this man who is still alive yet cannot do many things for himself anymore. I guess the only thing to do is to put them to good use and take good care of them.

[John Hastie]

Your last statement about putting them to good use is the right answer.

Most of us wonder if our collection will go on eBay when we are feeble or gone.

I guess I feel that if someone can appreciate quality and use it for it's intended purpose, well, I guess that is all you can ask.

I had one of those 1/4" drills and a 3/8" and they just ran and ran (with normal maintenance).

I still have a ball bearing orbital sander sold as "ACE Hdw" that I don't think will ever die.

I have two generations of tools and I would be lost without them.

It's funny, when you go to a sale, you can spot a tool that someone knew how to use and care for just by looking at it. One look at a plane blade will tell you. The joy is finding one good one and continuing to use it the same way. This does honor to the original owner.

Enjoy and pass on the enjoyment to the owner.

John

[John Hastie]

Your last statement about putting them to good use is the right answer.

Most of us wonder if our collection will go on eBay when we are feeble or gone.

I guess I feel that if someone can appreciate quality and use it for it's intended purpose, well, I guess that is all you can ask.

I had one of those 1/4" drills and a 3/8" and they just ran and ran (with normal maintenance).

I still have a ball bearing orbital sander sold as "ACE Hdw" that I don't think will ever die.

I have two generations of tools and I would be lost without them.

It's funny, when you go to a sale, you can spot a tool that someone knew how to use and care for just by looking at it. One look at a plane blade will tell you. The joy is finding one good one and continuing to use it the same way. This does honor to the original owner.

Enjoy and pass on the enjoyment to the owner.

John

[John Hastie]

Your last statement about putting them to good use is the right answer.

Most of us wonder if our collection will go on eBay when we are feeble or gone.

I guess I feel that if someone can appreciate quality and use it for it's intended purpose, well, I guess that is all you can ask.

I had one of those 1/4" drills and a 3/8" and they just ran and ran (with normal maintenance).

I still have a ball bearing orbital sander sold as "ACE Hdw" that I don't think will ever die.

I have two generations of tools and I would be lost without them.

It's funny, when you go to a sale, you can spot a tool that someone knew how to use and care for just by looking at it. One look at a plane blade will tell you. The joy is finding one good one and continuing to use it the same way. This does honor to the original owner.

Enjoy and pass on the enjoyment to the owner.

John

[Krueg]

John, I agree with you.

Turns out, last night I found a full set of bits for the 1/4" drill, up to over 1/2" but all with a 1/4" shank. They'll get use.

[Krueg]

John, I agree with you.

Turns out, last night I found a full set of bits for the 1/4" drill, up to over 1/2" but all with a 1/4" shank. They'll get use.

[Krueg]

John, I agree with you.

Turns out, last night I found a full set of bits for the 1/4" drill, up to over 1/2" but all with a 1/4" shank. They'll get use.

[Dave Fleming]

K. a good 50% of my tools are from other peoples tool chests.
Either I bought them, won them at a Union Auction or were given them.

When you handle an object, especially one that you know has been used and used well by a person, there is a sense of responsibility to continue using that tool the same way.

It is as if you are carrying on a tradition and, in some ways you are.

Feel good about the tool and as I said, use it well.

[Dave Fleming]

K. a good 50% of my tools are from other peoples tool chests.
Either I bought them, won them at a Union Auction or were given them.

When you handle an object, especially one that you know has been used and used well by a person, there is a sense of responsibility to continue using that tool the same way.

It is as if you are carrying on a tradition and, in some ways you are.

Feel good about the tool and as I said, use it well.

[Dave Fleming]

K. a good 50% of my tools are from other peoples tool chests.
Either I bought them, won them at a Union Auction or were given them.

When you handle an object, especially one that you know has been used and used well by a person, there is a sense of responsibility to continue using that tool the same way.

It is as if you are carrying on a tradition and, in some ways you are.

Feel good about the tool and as I said, use it well.

[Krueg]

Dave, I do feel a sense of responsibility.

Also, I have four young boys aged 1,3,6,& 8. The older two are already expressing an interest in working with tools. They keep bugging me to help them build something. I must be doing something right ;) . The tradition will continue...

[Krueg]

Dave, I do feel a sense of responsibility.

Also, I have four young boys aged 1,3,6,& 8. The older two are already expressing an interest in working with tools. They keep bugging me to help them build something. I must be doing something right ;) . The tradition will continue...

[Krueg]

Dave, I do feel a sense of responsibility.

Also, I have four young boys aged 1,3,6,& 8. The older two are already expressing an interest in working with tools. They keep bugging me to help them build something. I must be doing something right ;) . The tradition will continue...

[O'Possum]

I have been using this on my email as a signature line. I believe it applies in this thread.

“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “
--John Ruskin.

Sadly, There are not many businesses putting out tools that this quote can apply to anymore.

Have FUN!
O'

[O'Possum]

I have been using this on my email as a signature line. I believe it applies in this thread.

“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “
--John Ruskin.

Sadly, There are not many businesses putting out tools that this quote can apply to anymore.

Have FUN!
O'

[O'Possum]

I have been using this on my email as a signature line. I believe it applies in this thread.

“When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “
--John Ruskin.

Sadly, There are not many businesses putting out tools that this quote can apply to anymore.

Have FUN!
O'

[TimH]

I posted that saying a long time ago. Got it from a timber-framing book :D

[TimH]

I posted that saying a long time ago. Got it from a timber-framing book :D

[TimH]

I posted that saying a long time ago. Got it from a timber-framing book :D