Lee — red “phenolic” base plate? Really? I’d love to see some pix of that if you
don’t mind because all the ones I’ve ever laid eyes on were enameled steel.

As for the valuation, there’s no question that tools of such high quality cannot
be affordably manufactured and sold today, which is why they are highly prized
by the relatively small number of people like ourselves who do use them. But the
sad fact remains that these things sell for a pittance at yard sales precisely
because they are no longer widely used by practicing tradespeople.

Come to think of it, does any practicing tradesperson actually use a hand miter
box on a professional job site these days?  I would be sincerely curious to know
whether anyone does.

I use mine at home of course and also at the theater where I work. It fits
neatly behind the seat in my truck, whereas my power miter saw will not; it’s
quiet and doesn’t spew sawdust everywhere; it’s a great conversation piece; and
I don’t get any pushback or outright panic from parents when I show their
darling middle- and high school kids how to cut moldings with one. But that’s as
close to “professional” as I get. Not exactly a living history exhibit either,
but close.

John