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277018 | Kirk Eppler | 2023‑02‑23 | Helping a Friend Move |
This is a bit of a long drawn out story, kinda bittersweet, because it involves getting a lot of tools from a friend, before he packs up to leave for the Midwest to be closer to his daughter and family. This guy has been a friend and mentor for over 40 years, he helped me write my first resume, way back when I had to drive to his house to show him a copy. His father had been around back then, a friendly guy with great skills, able to fix anything, and a quick wit. Dad used to be on the maintenance staff at CalTech (Pasadena based school), and brought that skill home to many of his personal projects. Some of his projects and tools were included, as well as some stuff from an uncle that I never met. My buddy was an outdoorsman from early on, CJ owner, backpacking fisherman photographer, sports fan kinda guy. We played softball and volleyball together back in the day, took Photography and wine tasting trips. So there was lots of stuff to be handled. And then to add to the excitement, they received an offer on the house, but they needed to move out in 30 days. So, after a kind of panicked call to discuss timing, I jumped in the truck and drove 250 miles to his house one week later, with no idea what I was getting myself into. The night before I left, he dropped me an email saying he might have a cabinet, built by dad, that I can take if I want. Hmmmm. take the furniture blankets After dinner, we took a quick walk thru the garage. As he is pushed for time, he’d really appreciate it if I could make everything disappear, and sort it out at my end, so after a quick walk around, we make a plan. Early Monday morning, we hit the garage, where it’s about 25F, and start looking at things with the truck and a measuring tape nearby. The cabinet, a chest of heavy duty drawers, won’t fit without leaving the truck bed cover open, and we were expecting snow on the way home, so that was a no go. Later he realizes he had no plans or home for a dad built cart, 2’ x3’ x3’ tall, and did I want that. Again, I had to leave it behind. Most of Monday was spent pulling stuff out of drawers, from behind doors, and stacked on the floor, and packing it into the mish mosh of tubs and crates I had brought with me. A couple of bulky things messed with the cubic Tetris game I was playing, including a miter saw, a Workmate, and a folding TS table. By mid afternoon, the tools were set aside, and we moved other stuff about, some stuff to a neighbors for pick up by his son after the 30 days had expired, and other stuff going to a neighbor’s daughter to take in a different direction. She was taking her dads Gerstner with her, so I snagged a few pix, just cuz it was pretty. Emptied a few cupboards in the house, pulled heavy stuff down off high shelves and ledges, and moved boxes into the garage. So here is the haul, 500 or so pounds of new crammed into the bed of the truck. The stuff on the tailgate was inside the cab, to make it all fit. I also grabbed some retail goodies for friends at home, which included 20# of foodstuff, not shown. I had a little space left for low profile items, but not too much otherwise. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-Sb4bcbz Some of the highlights, not obviously visible in the mess in the truck bed, included 5 or 6 pairs of misc sized quick clamps, many still with tags, a Rigid 10" miter saw, and handful of straight edges, include 2 plexiglass, and one that attaches together to make a bigger one, and stuff like that I packed a lot of the heavy dense stuff into the smallest boxes, and managed to get 50# into a tiny tote. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-fbWb65n This expanded out into the next two pix. The combo square is a Lufkin, the tap handle a Starrett, the chisels mostly Stanley, Todd's patent nipper, Big yellow screwdriver is a Proto, next to it is a monster Reed & Prince The clamps are both Cincinnati. Think top right is a chunk of lead. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-SDJ6dPR The center finder here is a Goodel-Pratt, and a General butt marking gauge, Stanley #18 Eureka bevel gauge, with Dad's initials engraved. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-vs6x7hT These handsaws came home bundled in cardboard, and protected by other long things. Top is an unknown, middle is a well loved Disston Phila, bottom is a Warranted Superior, etched for Simmons. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-JXqBc6K In the heavy hitting category, 4 axes and a sledge, (R - L ) sledge is unmarked, then Collins Commander, Plumb, unmarked and American Ax. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-tQLvwFw A different 30# tub had this handful of trowels and other tools on top. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-KbrxXVr And then some joys on the bottom of the tote, PLANES!! The planes, starting lower left, Stanley #71, pre 1910, #78 with blade adjuster, US made #4-1/2, #10-1/4 with tilting handles and a repaired cheek, Millers Falls #14, #607 with a partial decal, #80 scraper from early, with partial decal, #80 painted red, with Dad’s name, a bit later. The 607 was dismantled for the trip, to protect the wood, and transported in a bigger tote. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-WwHRW5r I was pointed to a drawer with a bunch of knives in it. I was surprised he didn't want to keep those for his kids or grandkids. Turns out these were collected when he was a wild teenager, mostly from Mexico, and I think KSO is the proper term for those with the sheaths. Dull as a froe is a bit too sharp for these. A few look like they may have had an edge, others are like a knife's back on both edges. The interesting pair in the middle, the knife is marked Utica Sportsman, the axe is unmarked, but has the same scales. It appears the loop on the axe sheath is to hold the knife. The little one to the left of the Utica is a USA made, but the sheath strap broke while trying to open it. Note the "trench art" bullet knife top left. The folders are nothing special, tho the topmost has an interesting mechanism holding it closed, that's not a bottle opener near the pivot. Knife below it has scissors, and a broken off third appendage. The survival knife on the right is ridiculously big, and not very sharp, holds matches etc in the handle. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-nS3jNmR Finally the real treats out of the trip, some goodies made by Dad. I'm not certain if he made the stone case, but the nail box, and the spade bit box are both his doing. Way overbuilt to be a hack job, well thought out so you can grab a nail or bit without having tiny fingers or being a contortionist. I don't really need either, but I wasn't leaving them behind. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-K7g4Jjv In the also ran category (getting tired here), there was the table that all this was displayed on, a mat board cutter for framing pictures, 20+ pounds of mat board, some real old cameras and flash stuff, 1/2 and 1/3 sheet sanders, a Craftsman by Ryan shiny metal belt sander https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-49BJqbW Ryobi cordless drill saw combo with 1 dead battery pack (used during the removal of a brass Pyrene extinguisher, which he kept), Workmate 200, portable table saw stand. Non tools stuff included 2 pairs of Bose sound cancelling headphones, lots of cleaning chemicals and rags, and a few pieces of fishing gear he was going to donate. I suspect I know someone who may be interested. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-FTgf9VG I have not photographed everything yet, and may never, and won't be posting every bit of tool with brand and size anytime soon. Some of the fun pieces will show up in the other threads, like Bernard, and handplanes. But way too many chisels, punches and files to give them too much time right now. I spent most of yesterday unpacking the truck, then the tubs, then finding spots for them in the garage. I even tossed a few pieces. Enjoy -- Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA, where we had for-real snow on the ground this morning. Uphill from me, someone took a pic of 1/4" on their deck. I took a snow day, and worked from home. ;) See pix here and following https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Local-Stuff-1/20230105-Storm-Damage/i-CLkCZPL -- Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA |
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277019 | Paul Gardner <yoyopg@g...> | 2023‑02‑24 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
Wow. A nice recap of helping out a friend and a gloatworthy haul on the back end, Kirk. I'm really trying to picture your shop with all that in it. It's been a few years since I've been there but space was at a premium back then. Did you purge some items? Paul, in LA On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 3:25 PM Kirk Eppler via groups.io |
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277020 | Matthew Groves <grovesthegrey@g...> | 2023‑02‑24 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
Love the story and the pics!! A treasure trove for sure. What would you do differently if you had to do it again? U-Haul? Tarps? What’s the thing you most regret having to leave behind? Matthew Groves Springfield, MO |
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277021 | Kirk Eppler | 2023‑02‑24 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
The cabinet more so than the cart. With the crazy weather we are having right now, I would not have wanted to try a trailer. Even with 600# of stuff in my Tacoma, I was getting blown around by the wind. Even in town it was gusting to 40, and on the Donner Pass, it was dodgy trying to keep the truck in a straight line, plus the blowing snow. And no, a purge has not happened yet. Was supposed to be the fall, now hoping for spring, once the weird weather settles. I don’t expect to keep much of the large volume stuff, that will be moved forward, and the herd will thin to remove a few duplicates that these covered. Got a pile of garage sale stuff that was supposed to leave right after Covid hit. Kirk in Half Moon Bay, riding out more weird weather right now. On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 7:36 PM Matthew Groves |
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277024 | Greg Isola <gregorywisola@g...> | 2023‑02‑24 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
An amazing (and typically generous, thoughtful) adventure, Kirk! Thanks for sharing, although I share Paul's concern about adding even more old iron to your current stash. Especially during these times of serious rain soakage, I'd worry about creating an iron-lined sinkhole where your garage shop used to be. Take care, all of you, GI Greg Isola Alameda, CA |
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277025 | Michael Suwczinsky <nicknaylo@g...> | 2023‑02‑24 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
Nice way to help out an old friend. The hand made boxes are a great connection to the family, along with all the other cool stuff. Looking forward to the eventual garage sale. Michael-need to get rid of some stuff my own self On Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 3:25 PM Kirk Eppler via groups.io |
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277026 | Julian Hardstone <julian@h...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: Helping a Friend Move |
Thanks for sharing the photos, Kirk. What fascinated me about such collections is seeing how many familiar tools that were designed and made by brands such as Stanley were copied, presumable licenced, by other makers. The Reed & Prince cross head driver is identical in every detail apart from the lettering on the ferrule to a familiar Stanley model. Speaking of screwdrivers, I always presumed the "London" pattern was of British heritage, having first seen the description in a British encyclopaedia from the early 20th Century, but searching just now for London screwdrivers I now realise that it came from Stanley in London, Conn. Another nice example of copied styles is the Bernard punch tool, which was copied identically by Maun Industries in Nottingham, England. I assume these were for punching leather, probably leather belts. A quick question, about that adjustable spanner thing, bottom right in the photo "51# of heavy tools, chisels, punches, files etc, and a block of lead" - is that the battery clamp puller you mention in photo "Bottom layer of the 51# box..." ? - Julian |
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277030 | Michael Blair <branson2@s...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
My stepson bought a table and chairs. Probably from the '50s. Nicely built set. One problem: one of the spindle back chairs squeaks when you sit back in it. So he brought it to me to silence. The thing is, I can't tell where the squeak comes from. Short of tearing the whole back off and putting glue everywhere, what to do? Mike in Woodland |
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277031 | scritch <capeflattery@c...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
I'm sure you did the usual interweb searches, but the only good way to fix loose chair joints is to re-do the joints. Disassemble, clean old glue to bare wood, add shims/rebuild bad joints if necessary, reassemble chair with fresh glue. |
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277032 | Richard Wilson <yorkshireman@y...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
Intriguing question…. Try a drop of water into the spindle joints. One at a time, one a day (or maybe two. The lubrication may silence the squeak, and the one you just did is the culprit. Drop in watered down pva? Or watered down hide glue, or…. The water may also revitalise a water soluble glue and persuade it not to squeak. SWMBO was amazed when I applied talcum to a joint in out kitchen floor to silence it. It was caused by slight movement and expansion of a board. Kept it silent for a couple years, then needed done again. But I was able to access the joint, and work the talcum in. Squeaky spindles is a different process. - You know that people pay a fortune for the squeaks? We had a story on here about a maker who studied the squeaks until he could reproduce a squeak in a rocking chair, and then made and sold ‘old’ milk painted reproduction chairs, with squeaks, for around $30k a pop if I recall correctly. Richard Wilson Yorkshireman Galoot in Northumbria. Soon to visit my capital city of York. Not at all like the new one they made over t’ water. > On 25 Feb 2023, at 17:59, Michael Blair |
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277033 | Troy Livingston <horologist@w...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
Mike, If the glue is hide glue, I know folks who use a few drops of vinegar to revitalize glue joins in wooden clock movements. Warning, I haven't actually tried this but can see in theory how it might help. That said I suspect such a repair is temporary, especially in a highly loaded structure such as your chair. Probably the best long term solution is to do as suggested earlier, break it apart and re glue. Troy |
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277034 | scottg <scottg@s...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
I am a syringe junkie. Yes its true. Getting glue into crazy impossible places is what these things do like no other. These and air pressure. I keep all kinds of syringes but these are my favorite. There is a guy on ebay selling boxes of 50 of them for 18 bucks. I am tempted, anybody want to split a box? hahahaha http://users.snowcrest.net/kitty/auction/syringedental.jpg I would use the old car noise trick for this squeak. Corral a helper to sit in the chair and make it squeak. Get a length of tubing and put it up to your ear. This will isolate the squeak. Then thin down regular Elmers yellow wood glue about 50/50. Flood the joint with your syringe. You can blow with a soda straw or compressed air to get it in even further. Give it a couple coats of glue while you are there. Wipe the excess while its still wet with a damp sponge. The only way to genuinely renew chair spindle joints is to take them apart and veneer the tenons. No glue is going to fill loose tenons for long. (I have someones crazy solution, somewhere in this junk, of thin steel perforated shims that go over and around a tenon. But man the joint has to be loose to need one of these. haahahahah. ) Regular veneer works fine though. Soak it well to loosen it up and wrap it over plenty of glue with as few splits as possible. Rubber band it up. Take a shoe rasp and fit it tomorrow. 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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277035 | the_tinker <tinker@z...> | 2023‑02‑25 | Re: a squeaky chair |
Probably won't work in this case but here is what I have done on cracked gun stocks with great results. Sorry for the mention of a tailed devil here but neither Stanley or Millers Falls made a hand cranked vacuum that I am aware of. First I wedge the crack open with wooden wedges made to fit. Doesn't need to open up but slightly. Then I use the shop vac with a an added piece of 1-1/2" flexible tubing trimmed to fit the contour of the stock at one end of the crack. Then I apply what ever glue fits the application to the other end or side of the crack and pull the glue through. Works great. Scott, I'll happily split that order of syringes with you. Seems I'm always fixing something anymore... -JP -- John Pesut Boardman, Ohio |
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277036 | Kirk Eppler | 2023‑02‑26 | Re: [Sender Not Verified] Re: Helping a Friend Move |
Actually the tool you referenced is a plumbing wrench, an adjustable like a crescent, but made for low strength plumbing connections. The battery clamp puller is the top left in this photo, made for the old top post batteries. https://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tools/Carter-Tools/i-vs6x7hT The cone shaped adjuster closes the jaws around the clamp, the smaller bar drives a second screw down into the post, pulling the clamp up. Here is a better image of what it looks like https://www.amazon.com/CARTMAN-Battery-Terminal-Bearing-Remover/dp/B07TYLZXPK Kirk in Half Moon Bay, CA On Sat, Feb 25, 2023 at 3:34 AM Julian Hardstone |
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277038 | Phil E. <pedgerton66@g...> | 2023‑02‑26 | Re: a squeaky chair |
John Pesault said: "Sorry for the mention of a tailed devil here but neither Stanley or Millers Falls made a hand cranked vacuum that I am aware of." John, one word: "bellows". (At least for blowing the glue in?) I also used a blacksmith hand cranked blower one time for a science project. Phil E. |
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277040 | Bill Ghio | 2023‑02‑26 | Re: a squeaky chair |
> On Feb 25, 2023, at 5:01 PM, scottg |
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277047 | Kirk Eppler | 2023‑02‑27 | Re: [Sender Not Verified] Re: a squeaky chair |
People look at me like I’m insane when I do the screwdriver trick on a running engine. I think in a moving car, I’d vote for a real stethoscope. Kirk in Half Moon Bay, CA On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 8:17 AM Bill Ghio via groups.io |
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277048 | Matthew Groves <grovesthegrey@g...> | 2023‑02‑27 | Re: [Sender Not Verified] a squeaky chair |
The trick when you’re in a moving car is to turn the screwdriver around and put the blade on your head. All the problems go away on the first bump. Matthew Groves Springfield, MO |
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277050 | scottg <scottg@s...> | 2023‑02‑27 | Re: a squeaky chair short tales |
My Dad was a "Chief Engineer” — among other things that meant he was a diesel mechanic — in the west coast fishing fleet out of San Diego. He used to grab a large screwdriver, put the tip where he thot the offending noise was coming from, and put the handle end up against his ear. I’ll never forget the time we took the flooring out of the back of my Mother’s ’58 Ford station wagon and I drove around the neighborhood while he straddled the frame rails listening for the squeak. Found it. This is the very best I ever heard Bill. Superbly poignant. In the runner up category One day I came across a pickup truck. The hood was wide open. The driver was leaning way out the window. Standing on the bumper was Rick Buckley. He was drizzing gas from a beercan into the carburetor. This was close to 10 miles up Elk Creek on a ridiculously treacherous narrow mountain road. You know those "look over the edge 500 feet" roads you see in the movies. I asked if I could help but they just waved me off. http://users.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/images/house/campmarbles.jpg The fuel pump had failed 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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