Why Is It That Antique Garden Tools Keep on Working?
June 25, 2009 by Tool Editor
Filed under Antique Tools
by Christopher W Smith
Why do people like antiques? Is it because they remind us of our past and show how far we've come? Or could it be because they're pleasing to the eye? In the case of antique garden tools, it's more than likely people collect them to use.
That's because they know that the antique tools that are still working all these years after being made will keep on working. You can't be sure of that with modern garden tools. They're machine made, and even single corner that can be cut has been.
Manufacturers are out for the profits rather than pride of craftsmanship. It's no wonder most modern garden tools end up cluttering our landfills after only a few years of use.
Built to Last
Back in the day, tools were forged by blacksmiths and finished by craftsmen who knew how to make them durable and reliable. In fact, these old tools were made to last a lifetime, or longer.
These craftsmen took pride in their work and were creating family heirlooms, so to speak. Many people in those days depended on their tools for their livelihoods and wanted something that they could always depend on.
There is nothing plastic or cheap about antique garden tools. They were made to stand up through all kinds of work and weather. Take a look sometime at the way they were put together. Heavy metals and strong hardwoods went into their making.
People did most of the labor by hand, and their tools had to hold up to the kind of daily workout they were given. One thing that's interesting about antiques is that our ancestors were amazing in coming up with tools to do every job. For example, have you ever seen a glass cucumber straightener?
Lessons from Antique Garden Tools
You can still find a few of the old craftsmen around who used to build the old high-quality tools, but there aren't many of them left, and their craft will die out with them. Maybe you've acquired some antique garden tools over the years.
They could have been hand-me-downs from grandparents which they had served a lifetime. They might have a lot to tell you about your recent ancestors and how they lived. They are one of the legacies of the past.
Try picturing a 19th century farmer harvesting his hay by hand using an old curved sickle. What a fascinating vignette of our past that makes. Back then hay was a necessity because it was used to feed the livestock.
People also used to lay hay between garden rows to control weeds which would save them the work of pulling them by hand. By taking a trip to a museum, like the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, you'll see an enormous number of old garden tools including sickles, folding saws, seed scatterers and berry pickers, and much more.
Antique garden tools are always in demand by museums which have customers that are fascinated by them. If you happen to have some, you might consider asking a local museum to appraise them for you in return for displaying the tools in their facility. These antique garden tools offer a unique look into our past.
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Antique Blacksmith Tools
June 17, 2009 by Tool Editor
Filed under Antique Tools
by Chris Campbell
There's something about being a blacksmith that hearkens back to old and ancient times. Blacksmithing is considered an ancient profession, and one that is rarely practiced today. While there is some truth to that, it is not as extinct a profession as many would believe.
The ABANA (Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America) has been around since the early seventies, and has over 4000 paying members. Considering the age of the profession, it's no wonder that there are so many different types of tools that have been used historically, and new tools that are available to the aspiring blacksmith.
While modern technology as influenced blacksmithing and the equipment used by blacksmiths, the old, vintage tools are still much sought after.
Part of the attraction I think, for becoming a blacksmith, is to be part of a tradition that has gone on for generations. So, it's inevitable, that collecting and acquiring antique and vintage tools would be part of the whole blacksmithing gig.
While many blacksmiths make their own tools, it makes sense to augment your own creations with those of others. Not only does it give you some insight into different ways of doing things, it gives you and your shop a connection with the past.
Being able to craft useful tools for your own projects is a wonderful feeling, but so is holding in your hands, a tool made by a fellow craftsman, that was created to do a similar or perhaps entirely different project than the one your currently working on.
Be sure to visit this Antique Blacksmith Tools website, for more info.
Ever wondered about the value of antiques you may have lying around?
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Antique Tools Are Functional Works Of Art
June 16, 2009 by Tool Editor
Filed under Antique Tools
Antique tools can be defined as tools that are at least 100 years old. Another definition describes these antiques as tools manufactured prior to World War II, which is nearly as long. Regardless of the definition, tool antiques give fascinating glimpses into older, simpler days when pride in one's work was paramount. There are many types of vintage tools to collect, and several different ways of collecting them.
Collectors of tool antiques often do so for the exquisite craftsmanship of the tool itself. Antique toolmakers often created tools that were as beautiful as they were functional. Innovative engineering, immaculate details, and exotic materials were the hallmarks of these tools. Such tools are often associated with a single craftsman or shop, and hold much higher value for antique tool collectors.
Vintage tools from specific crafts are also popular. Antique woodworking tools might include a Stanley block plane, a hand-cranked drill, or a treadle-operated lathe. Antique watchmaking tools include tiny screwdrivers, gear making jigs, and magnifying glasses. Leatherworking antiques can comprise antique punches, awls, carving knives, and stamps. Seeing such tools makes one realize that someone earned their living with those tools, using them day after day in conditions that now seem primitive.
There are many antique tool sources. Garage sales may have them, but check the ad for tools or call ahead first. You'll have more luck with swap meets and flea markets, where people are likely to be selling whatever was clogging up Grandpa's basement or attic at cheap prices. Online auction sites have tool antiques, but don't get into a bidding war you cannot afford! Many websites, catalogs, and tool collecting organizations can guide you to places where vintage tools are sold.
Once you start collecting tool antiques, you won't be able to stop. Every old toolbox at a garage sale, every crate at an estate sale, and every rotting toolbelt holds a potential antique collectible tool. Let your friends and neighbors know about your interest in vintage tools, because they might not even know they have the perfect antique tools hiding in their garage.
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