Respect

[ecarlson]

My Grandfather was a Cooper, or some one that made tanks of wood. He built roof top water tanks for industrial buildings in Chicago early in the last century. Recently my Father gave me tools that belonged to my Grandfather. A bunch of planes and a few chisels. I didn't know my Grandfather but feel a connection through our craft.

How would you best honor the tools and memory of your Grandfather...by restoring the tools, using them the way he last used them, or put them in a glass case on the wall of the shop?

As always, thanks!

[bkerley]

An honored position to be in. I used many of my great-grandfathers tools until they were stolen. I have always wished I had just kept them in the shop.

[always-learning]

Some people feel that some things in life are works of art. Let's use the automobile, for example.

If you found yourself in possession of a 62 Ferrari GTO, in which there were only 36 or so made, which you knew had value into the tens of millions. Some would feel that you should restore this delightful work of moving art, and then throw it into a museum. Others would say that it was conceptualized, designed and produced for one thing....... Racing (driving) it.

IMO, you honor your grandfather more by using his tools, therefore continuing the tradition of producing other fine works of art.


I would just be more careful as to where I brought those tools, such as not bringing them on any jobsite where they could be mistaken for common use tools.

[Cornerstone Tim]

I have a ton of old tools. You know you have allot when people start dropping them off on your front door step. I try to restore the ones that are rebuild-able and leave the others alone. Mine are all displayed on the walls of my shop. I must admit that I should use more of them more frequently, but it is so much easier to grab a power tool.

There are still active coopers in New York City. Many of the pre-war buildings still use standing water towers made out of white oak. It may not be the trade it once was, but there is a repair and replacement market still in place.

[Overbuilders]

My Grandfather was a Cooper, or some one that made tanks of wood. He built roof top water tanks for industrial buildings in Chicago early in the last century. Recently my Father gave me tools that belonged to my Grandfather. A bunch of planes and a few chisels. I didn't know my Grandfather but feel a connection through our craft.

How would you best honor the tools and memory of your Grandfather...by restoring the tools, using them the way he last used them, or put them in a glass case on the wall of the shop?

As always, thanks!

How fortunate are you! Before he passed in '03, my dad gave me some of both his and my grandfather's tools. I consider them to be family heirlooms. (I have also collected a few antique tools of the trade and have two books, "Antique & Collectible Stanley Tools - A Guide to Identity and Value" and "The Stanley Catalog Collection 1855 - 1898" which I reference occasionally. But I digress...)

Just thinking about honoring him is a great start. Eventually, I will clear the clutter from a section of office shelves and exhibit what I have and what I have inherited. I think both my dad and granddad would return from the grave and head slap me if I were to put them behind glass. "Use them tools proper, son!" I can still hear and feel them, to this day...<thump>... ;)

[dave_k]

I have my dad's tools. He made his own chisels, knives and carving tools along with a couple of planes, saws and many other miscellaneous tools. (His first trade was a machinist / metalworker) Many of the cutting tools are made out of old files and saw blades with carved handles. You can see the transition from file to chisel. (he was cheap, when we were kids he used to yell at us for only using one side of the toilet paper) I keep them in my shop and use them. My father was a creative, practical man. I think he would rather see them used than collecting dust or in someone's collection just for the sake of curiosity or aquisition.

I inherited a workshop full of tools from him, most of the commercially bought tools and power tools I got rid of, I let my home handyman brothers in law fight over them. The tools he made himself, his machinists tools he brought over from Ireland and the tools he was most creative with I am going to make sure get used. Some of his grandkids have his talent and are persuing careers, or have an interest in visual arts and crafts. I am keeping an eye on them and plan to give out Dad's tools in sets to the kids that will use them to their fullest. I have carving tools, woodworking tools, leather working, jewellery making, metalworking and silversmithing tools. I think you Grandads tools should be kept sharp and occasionally, gently be put to use in his memory.

[smtitmas]

a quality made tool that sits on a shelf is a waste. tools were made to be used and just like a piece that is made with very old wood has special value, the same is true for the tools that are used to make that piece. i have some old Japanese chisels that my mom gave me from someone in the family and some planes from my dad and sliding squares from my grandfather that i still use from time to time in the shop and i always get a kick out of doing so. i plan on giving all my tools to my son when he gets older so he can do the same with them.

[Overbuilders]

...i have some old Japanese chisels that my mom gave me from someone in the family...

And here I thought you were of English descent.

[smtitmas]

And here I thought you were of English descent.

100% English on my fathers side with the name Titmas going all the way back to the 1066 census and 95% English on moms side with a little German thrown in for a good measure of stubbornness.

but never the less a good tool is a good tool, and that transcends any genealogical demographic.

[Kent Brobeck]

I would restore them and use them if they helped me. Otherwise, I would keep them in safe place to honor the man. Imagine how proud your grandfather would be, or should I say is, of you Eric.

[Lawrence Taylor]

When I die, I would be most honered for anyone to use my tools. Regardless if they were collectables or otherwise.

I have a transit that I purchased 20 years ago. All brass construction. Teak legs ( I oil them every year or so). I bought that transit from a retired building inspector who was a GC for 40 years befor he was an inspector. That thing would look beautiful displayed in my office.

As a GC he built bunches of houses in "Old Hollywood" (Hollywood Park and the like). This thing is my prized possesion and I use it on every occation.Its not my prized possesion because I paid only 20 bucks for it (with a story pole too)and I know its worth much more. Its my prize possesion because Wendel (retired inspector) told me that he would sell it for $20.00 if I promised to use it. That transit has continued to contribute and earn its keep.

Kent has the right idea. Just be a good and mindful steward and the rest will take care of it self.

This was a good reminder. I gotta get my transit serviced. the lens is getting a little cloudy.

[cabooser]

I recently bought a bunch of hand tools from a woman whose father had just passed away. It was a strange encounter yet a good feeling since I will be putting them to good use. I have my grandfather's plumb bob which i do use. No tajima for me.

[Robert Z]

I have a bunch of handtools that belonged to my grandfather and my great-grandfather. Some of them get used all the time, such as the machinist-grade combination square. Others stay in the shop and are only used occasionally. Either way, I am proud to have these old tools and I'm sure both grandfathers would be pleased to know that their tools are helping me earn a living.

[calvert]

I have a rather extensive collection of old hand tools and I keep coming up with more all the time. It would be difficult to justify using some of them like the Stanley # 51 and 52 shoot plane and shoot board for everyday use. Some of the most prized pieces are on display with my collection of old construction trades books and some pieces are stashed away, (in of course), old tool chests.

Although I would like to use the tools more often, I don't see anything wrong with safeguarding them so that, perhaps, someone else may use them at some point in the future. In case you ever get the chance, get one of the Stanley t&g planes like a #48 or #148, they are really among my favorites to use. Personally, I wish I had more time to master the wood body moulding planes.

[scott_w]

Although displaying them is nice, any true craftsman would want them to be used I think. I would keep them in the shop and not use them onsite unless there is a certain need.

You'll find that using the tools will inspire a little more emotion in your jobs and maybe bring back some fond memories. ALmost like he is working along side you. A little corny, but I beleive it is true.

scott