Can anyone offer advice on these? I came across one but have no idea of 
a fair price, nor if it's a good one. So far as I can see, it seems 
intact and well-used. There is no saw with it. List archive didn't help 
much...
Anything I should check closely? Seller wants $40...

Don

-- 
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do 
it." -Pablo Picasso

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don Schwartz wrote:
> Can anyone offer advice on these? I came across one but have no idea
> of a fair price, nor if it's a good one. So far as I can see, it seems
> intact and well-used. There is no saw with it. List archive didn't
> help much... Anything I should check closely? Seller wants $40...
Don

Don, in 1934, this was a lower end box, costing $16.45 (10.95 without a
20 x 4 saw). The high end box of the same size was 22.30. The only
cheaper one was an open front one for $6.70 without saw. Bonus for the
50 1/2 was that it could be used with a back saw or panel saw. YOu can
see some older Stanley catalogs at
http://www.roseantiquetools.com/id16.html

You will have trouble searching the archives for that number.* Use
google with site:http://swingleydev.com/archive "50 1/2"

Couple of posts have had discussions, here are a few http://swingleydev-
.com/archive/get.php?message_idhttp://swingleydev.com/archive/get.php?m-
essage_id=138802&submit_thread=1#message
http://swingleydev.com/archive/get.php?message_id=118274#message http:/-
/swingleydev.com/archive/get.php?message_id=32391&submit_threadhttp://s-
wingleydev.com/archive/get.php?message_id=167724#message

Also, tooltrip.com has pretty good mitre box by Stanley ID, but I can't
get there, he has domain referring problem going on again.

*    The main limitation is that the database only indexes words 3
     letters or longer. Unfortunately, the database ignores the words
     'saw', 'try' and 'trying'.

    * One special exception exists for Stanley plane numbers. The
      database does have an index of plane numbers of the form /#[0-9]{1,3}((-
      | )((1\/2)|C))?/ (for those of you who speak 'egrep'), so you can
      enter something like '#164', "#6C", or '#5
      1/2' and get useful search results.

--
Kirk Eppler in HMB, OFf for a walk Pharmaceutical and Packaging
Engineering

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Aug 7, 2010, at 1:44 AM, Don Schwartz wrote:

> Can anyone offer advice on these? I came across one but have no idea  
> of a fair price, nor if it's a good one. So far as I can see, it  
> seems intact and well-used. There is no saw with it. List archive  
> didn't help much...
> Anything I should check closely? Seller wants $40...

	Seller is very ambitious.

Regards,
Steve - Just say, miterboxes are very cheap, often free
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don,

If in very good condition, perhaps $20.00 max. I have one, and have had a
couple more over the last many years which I have used. 

Jim Simmons

-----Original Message-----
From: oldtools-bounces@r...
[mailto:oldtools-bounces@r...] On Behalf Of Don Schwartz
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 1:45 AM
To: old tools list
Subject: [OldTools] Stanley 50-1/2 mitre box

Can anyone offer advice on these? I came across one but have no idea of a
fair price, nor if it's a good one. So far as I can see, it seems intact and
well-used. There is no saw with it. List archive didn't help much...
Anything I should check closely? Seller wants $40...

Don

--
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to
do it." -Pablo Picasso

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to all responders. It seems my instincts were right when I walked 
away! I've dealt with this guy before and he doesn't budge much on 
prices, and I hadn't looked into these before now. It just happened I 
was contemplating making some window trim and when I saw it, I thought 
it would be handy to have a mitre box. (Always looking for an excuse...)

Don

"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn 
how to do it." -Pablo Picasso
On 8/7/2010 8:16 AM, Jim Simmons wrote:
> Don,
>
> If in very good condition, perhaps $20.00 max. I have one, and have had a
> couple more over the last many years which I have used.
>
> Jim Simmons
>
> -snip-

> Can anyone offer advice on these? I came across one but have no idea of a
> fair price, nor if it's a good one. So far as I can see, it seems intact and
> well-used. There is no saw with it. List archive didn't help much...
> Anything I should check closely? Seller wants $40...
>
>    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter. I'm not above making a ridiculous offer, but still wouldn't 
have the nerve to suggest a freebie.

Don

"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do 
it." -Pablo Picasso

On 8/7/2010 3:06 PM, Bill Taggart wrote:
>
>
> ::-----Original Message-----
> ::From: oldtools-bounces@r...
> ::[mailto:oldtools-bounces@r...] On Behalf Of
> ::Steve Reynolds
> ::Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 9:39 AM
> ::To: Don Schwartz
> ::Cc: old tools list
> ::Subject: Re: [OldTools] Stanley 50-1/2 mitre box
>
> ::Steve - Just say, miterboxes are very cheap, often free
>
>
> Free?  Who in their right mind would give away a miterbox free?
>
> - Bill T.
>
>
>    
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

::-----Original Message-----
::From: oldtools-bounces@r... 
::[mailto:oldtools-bounces@r...] On Behalf Of 
::Steve Reynolds
::Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 9:39 AM
::To: Don Schwartz
::Cc: old tools list
::Subject: Re: [OldTools] Stanley 50-1/2 mitre box

::Steve - Just say, miterboxes are very cheap, often free

Free?  Who in their right mind would give away a miterbox free? 

- Bill T.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

________________________________

	From: Don Schwartz [mailto:dkschwar@t...] 
	Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2010 6:34 PM
	To: Bill Taggart
	Cc: 'Steve Reynolds'; 'old tools list'
	Subject: Re: [OldTools] Stanley 50-1/2 mitre box
	
	
	No matter. I'm not above making a ridiculous offer, but still
wouldn't have the nerve to suggest a freebie. 
	
	Don
	
	

I was kinda busting Steve's chops.  Many moons ago, whilst I and Doctor D8
were visiting Steve's shop, I mentioned that I had no miter box, and Steve
said something to the effect of, "Well, we can't let that situation
continue, and in fact, we can rectify it right now."  He pulled out an old
Stanley No. 115 miter box from behind and under something and said, "here,
take this."  

I had it for a few years before similarly passing it along to another Galoot
as a freebie, because in the meantime I had acquired about four more
miterboxes.

At this point, I think I'm down to three - might be two; I'd have to go take
an inventory.  At one point I think I had about seven floating about the
shop.  I intend to whittle it down to just one that I actually use.

- Bill T.
- Too much stuff, not enough time or space...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

You buy a miterbox by-the-pound!

  You definitely want a miterbox Don. Everybody needs one, but one is 
all you need. This one wasn't it.

  You want the one you can't hardly get into the backseat of the wife's 
Toyota!
  If the saw doesn't have ~ a 30" blade, keep looking.
The big ones cost little more, but they are more capable and much more 
accurate. Worth waiting for.
  Otherwise you --will-- buy the good one when you see it,
  but if you've already bought 3 other smaller ones on the way building 
up to it??
  Well, now you see how free miterboxes get passed around.
   yours Scott

-- 
*******************************
    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM, scott grandstaff wrote:

> You buy a miterbox by-the-pound!
>
>  You definitely want a miterbox Don. Everybody needs one, but one is all
> you need. This one wasn't it.
>
>  You want the one you can't hardly get into the backseat of the wife's
> Toyota!
>  If the saw doesn't have ~ a 30" blade, keep looking.
> The big ones cost little more, but they are more capable and much more
> accurate. Worth waiting for.
>  Otherwise you --will-- buy the good one when you see it,
>  but if you've already bought 3 other smaller ones on the way building up
> to it??
>  Well, now you see how free miterboxes get passed around.
>  yours Scott

So, if a galoot wants to buy one of these good ones, which ones is he
looking for?  Which ones are worth waiting for?

~Jeff
near Memphis, TN
------------------------------------------------------------------------

> So, if a galoot wants to buy one of these good ones, which ones is he
> looking for?  Which ones are worth waiting for?
> 
> ~Jeff
> near Memphis, TN
Jeff,
 For a Stanley, I prefer the #358 with a 30" Disston. Actually it's a lot easier
 to find the #358's, for me, than it is to find the 30" backsaws.

 I've never had a #50 1/2 so I can't speak to them,,,but I've given 2 #358's awa
y; although they both had 28" saws with them.  I still have 3 #358's...but in tr
uth one has a broken saw guide (thecast part that slides up and down) and the ot
her is in parts living in a cardboard box. And I'm down to one spare saw.

 I've found pawn shops a good source for miterboxes.... 
--
Roy Griggs
roygriggs@w...
www.shavingsandsawdust.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 09:00, scott grandstaff  wrote:

> You buy a miterbox by-the-pound!
>
>  You definitely want a miterbox Don. Everybody needs one, but one is all
> you need. This one wasn't it.
>

I find myself very much in agreement with Scott here save that I think a 30"
blade is overkill and I have a pretty long saw stroke.  The 24"-26" that
come with my first one loves to jump out of the uprights, but the 28" I have
now is fine.

You do want one, though.  They're invaluable for both the ordinary work but
also cutting consistently to the right depth; when I had about 50 tenons to
do for one project I set the temporary stops on my miter box to the right
height and cut them all on the miter box.

Graham
------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 8/8/2010 4:07 PM, Graham Hughes wrote:
> I find myself very much in agreement with Scott here save that I think a 30"
> blade is overkill and I have a pretty long saw stroke.  The 24"-26" that
> come with my first one loves to jump out of the uprights, but the 28" I have
> now is fine.
>    
FWIW. I do have short arms... And I'm mostly interested in furniture & 
other smaller scale stuff.

> You do want one, though.  They're invaluable for both the ordinary work but
> also cutting consistently to the right depth; when I had about 50 tenons to
> do for one project I set the temporary stops on my miter box to the right
> height and cut them all on the miter box.
>
> Graham
>    
Now that's persuasive! I'm sold. But I'll do without until I find a good 
one. Are there any component parts particularly prone to damage or loss, 
and impossibly difficult to replace?
Anything for which to watch out? ;-)

Don

------------------------------------------------------------------------

  the 28" I have
>> now is fine.

  Oh pick pick, I was talking ballpark. :) heehehhe
The full sized saw is what I meant.

>>
> FWIW. I do have short arms... And I'm mostly interested in furniture &
> other smaller scale stuff.

  It not the overall size of the miterbox you care about.
Its the weight and stability of the hardware/linkages.
The big ones have big stable parts, even if your work is small.
>
  Are there any component parts particularly prone to damage or loss,
> and impossibly difficult to replace?
> Anything for which to watch out? ;-)

  This is a good question. You want all the parts present and 
functional. Or at least able to be made functional (what's perfect, I 
ask you??) Little cleaning/tweaking and lube?? Wax??

  Who has a Stanley or other big box exploded drawing??
   yours Scott

-- 
*******************************
    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------

scott grandstaff wrote:
>> to replace?
>> Anything for which to watch out? ;-)
>
>  This is a good question. You want all the parts present and 
> functional. Or at least able to be made functional (what's perfect, I 
> ask you??) Little cleaning/tweaking and lube?? Wax??
>
>  Who has a Stanley or other big box exploded drawing??
>  
You can find a parts list and pictures for MF and Langdon boxes on page 
194 and following of the 1939 pdf found here

http://www.roseantiquetools.com/id82.html

And then page 77 and 102 of the 1934 pdf found here for Stanley

http://www.roseantiquetools.com/id16.html

Before you buy, I'd check for blade square to the bed in both the 
horizontal and vertical directions.  On the GP type boxes, there is 
still an unanswered question on how to fix that. 

Also a nice touch, but not mission critical, is that the blade is 
sharpened an even distance from the back, otherwise all those cool 
travel stops for tenon cutting don't work so well.  I suppose it could 
be jointed and resharpened, but this was sharpened last by Tom Law, and 
I hate to mess with a good thing.

Referencing the Stanley pg 77 drawing, making sure the upright bars, 
item 10, are tight and not bent.

-- 
Kirk Eppler
Pharmaceutical and Packaging Engineering

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've got a couple of pdf scans from old Stanley catalogs that explain how to
adjust the miter boxes and include an exploded view and parts list.   I'll
email copies to anyone who may be interested.  Ping me offline.

Ken in TN

On Mon, Aug 9, 2010 at 2:11 AM, scott grandstaff wrote:

>  the 28" I have
>
>> now is fine.
>>>
>>
>  Oh pick pick, I was talking ballpark. :) heehehhe
> The full sized saw is what I meant.
>
>
>
>>>  FWIW. I do have short arms... And I'm mostly interested in furniture &
>> other smaller scale stuff.
>>
>
>  It not the overall size of the miterbox you care about.
> Its the weight and stability of the hardware/linkages.
> The big ones have big stable parts, even if your work is small.
>
>
>>   Are there any component parts particularly prone to damage or loss,
>
>> and impossibly difficult to replace?
>> Anything for which to watch out? ;-)
>>
>
>  This is a good question. You want all the parts present and functional. Or
> at least able to be made functional (what's perfect, I ask you??) Little
> cleaning/tweaking and lube?? Wax??
>
>  Who has a Stanley or other big box exploded drawing??
>
>  yours Scott
>
>
> --
> *******************************
>   Scott Grandstaff
>   Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
>   scottg@s...
>   http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
>   http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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------------------------------------------------------------------------