I know that I have only de-lurked just a couple of weeks ago - so I
don't expect anyone to give up their primo tool hunting spots (heck,
coming from Oregon - continuous tool hunting drought - I wouldn't
know what to do in one of your really good spots).

So here is the basic areas we will be in - any pointers to good tool
spots will be appreciated. (This is a family trip and we have a
number of planned stops - so I don't really have a whole days to
devote to auctions, etc - just an hour here and there to stop and
shop).

Route: Staying with friends in western Connecticut, loop through
Maine via Stockbridge, MA, the Mass Turnpike, the SE corner of NH,
Portland, ME, Camden, ME - back down through Boston, Rhode Island,
and across Connecticut to our friends house in New Preston.

thanks,
steve

-----
>Route: Staying with friends in western Connecticut, loop through
>Maine via Stockbridge, MA, the Mass Turnpike, the SE corner of NH,
>Portland, ME, Camden, ME - back down through Boston, Rhode Island,
>and across Connecticut to our friends house in New Preston.

There is a distinct danger that you will be hit with, trip over or step on
many many old tools at any anteek maul or flea market or most garage sales.
Too bad you won't be in PA, I could save you two or three 55's before
Bethlehem steel melts them down for sport utility vehicles.

Clarke

Hi Steve,
   Here is a copy of an Email I sent some one
on rec.norm a couple of weeks back.
Have Fun!
  - Jon

Hi Ron,
   Nope!  Not a thing to see here in Maine.
Just move along.  No tool stores as far as the
eye can see.

   Okay,  I'll let you in on some.  Be warned these
are mostly handtool places.  If you are looking for
power tool stuff, I'll have to leave that to someone
else.  Just stay away  from em until I get there.
There are tons of places along route one.  Really
to many to tell you about.  Here are a few though,
that I know carry some tools:

1.  A Scarborough Fair Antiques.   This is located
       in Scarborough #264 route 1.
2. Blue Moon Antiques and Collectibles.  This is
     located between Yarmouth and Freeport on
     route 1.  It's 235 US Rt 1 Freeport.

  While in Freeport, I would visit the showroom of
Thomas Moser's furniture.  Their showroom is
actually located right beside McDonalds.  If you
are not familiar with their furniture:  It's mostly
based on the shaker style.  They have in recent
years developed some more contemporary pieces
as well.  Most of their furniture is in Cherry.

Moving up the coast much further:

3.  There is a Bath Machinery store in Bath, Maine.
     I have never been there, but have received many
    positive remarks about the place.  Power tool
   place of course.

4.  Lie Nielsen Toolworks.  Located in Warren,
   Maine.  To see thier tools and how to get
   there, just click on the link:
         http://www.lie-nielsen.com/
   If you go there, tell Thom Lie Nielsen I said
  Hi.   They give you a 10% discount on their
  tools if you buy them there.  No, mentioning
  my name will not get you anything else.  Some
  fantastic tools here though.

5.  Liberty Tool Company.  In Liberty, Maine.  This
    place is ultra cool.   Ones mind cannot really
    absorb all the tools that are in this place.  The
    building is three stories and has a cellar.  Not much
    in the cellar, but the first floor is completely packed
   woodworking and machinist tools.  The second
   story has some books and few tools, athe the third
   floor has some tools and some hardware.  Last time
   I was there, they had a piano on the third floor.  If
  you want to buy it, god help you in getting it down.
  They also have a building across the street, which is
  or was a gas station or fire station(memory doesn't
  serve well here).  In it they have some power tools
  if you must.

6. Not sure of the name of the place, but on route
   one, about 10 to 15 miles past Camden, Maine,
   is a store that has tools printed in large letters on
  the building.  We went to Bar Harbor this summer
  and on the way back I stopped here.  Some great
  tools at reasonable prices.  Bought a Yankee 10"
  brace for $14.00.  If you are going north on route
  one, it is on the right.

7. The Hulls Cove Tool Barn.  This place is also
    owned by the person who owns Liberty Tool
   Company.  This is the place the tools that go to
   Liberty Tool company come from.  They are
   basically just before you get into Bar Harbor.
   There is an Exxon station on the right and if you
   look up the hill on the right immediately past the
   Exxon station, you will see the Tool Barn sign.
   They cater mostly to the woodworker, but do
   have some machinist tools there.  Every time
   I go to Bar Harbor, I have to visit the place.
   Many tools upstairs.  This place is much easier
   to be able to take all the tools in.  It's not nearly
   so mind boggling as Liberty Tools.

   While in Maine, don't forget to try out some
Blueberry Beer, made in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Definitely don't forget to take in some of the sites!

  - Jon Patten
    Mainah now for 34 years.

Steve Splonskowski wrote:

> I know that I have only de-lurked just a couple of weeks ago - so I
> don't expect anyone to give up their primo tool hunting spots (heck,
> coming from Oregon - continuous tool hunting drought - I wouldn't
> know what to do in one of your really good spots).
>
> So here is the basic areas we will be in - any pointers to good tool
> spots will be appreciated. (This is a family trip and we have a
> number of planned stops - so I don't really have a whole days to
> devote to auctions, etc - just an hour here and there to stop and
> shop).
>
> Route: Staying with friends in western Connecticut, loop through
> Maine via Stockbridge, MA, the Mass Turnpike, the SE corner of NH,
> Portland, ME, Camden, ME - back down through Boston, Rhode Island,
> and across Connecticut to our friends house in New Preston.
>
> thanks,
> steve
>
> --