> there's good tools around, but they don't show up in the typical places.
> There are no large flea markets in Tucson, though there is a big one in

Hmm. Last time in Tucson, nobody told me this,
so I went to both flea markets listed in the yelow pages.
One was barren, but the other contained one tool
dude. I scored a mint WWII vintage #4 1/2 and a
nice 4" combination square. He had a number of
#2 planes and other interesting stuff. Nothing
totally amazing, but very respectable compared to
what I'm used to in California (buyers fighting over
ratty broken tools).

I second the suggestion to drive to Phoenix and
see SJBTC. Also there are some anteek mauls
worth a look-see in Scotsdale.