Jeff Youngstrom wrote:

>As a newbie bottom feeder I've been thinking about the
>etiquette around pre-purchase inspection of tools.  In
>general, how much fussing with a tool is reasonable?

Hey Jeff,
Lots has been said about appropriate etiquette.  Ask the seller first and
treat his/her tools like they were yours.  Nough said.
In regard to what to look for, buy Mike Dunbar's book on old tool
restoration.  It gives good guidelines for buying most older tools.  If in
doubt about a certain kind of plane you now you are on the lookout for, P.
Leach's Blood and Gore gives many commonly seen problems with specific planes.
Good luck,
David Christopher