The Society for the Preservation and Study of American Wooden Planes

Hooked on Tools

How or why I started collecting tools I really don’t remember. I think the first one was an old, wooden compass plane bought about 17 years ago. I worked with tools as an aircraft and electronics mechanic and have had them with me for years, both new and old. But for use not collecting. My  other collecting activities, coins, stamps, rock, fossils and minerals had most of my attention.

Once I started with tools I sold most of the other stuff to make room for them. I gave no thought to the collection. If I found something I liked and could afford it I bought it. After a few years I hear about the Mid-West Tool Collectors and sent in for information. I joined and was informed that there was a local club, the Rocky Mountain Tool Collectors, based in Denver, CO. Joining the RMTC was the best move I made. I met lots of interesting people and gained knowledge about tools.

The collection was really growing but with no direction. I started to limit it to Stanley but somewhere along the line but, then found a tool made in Middletown, CT.(my hometown). Probably an Arrowmammett plane. Now I collect some Stanley stuff but mainly tools made in Middletown, Middlesex County and Connecticut.

However, if it looks good I get it no matter who made it. The problem is limiting myself, which I can honestly say has not been too successful. I like wooden tools the most. Metal is ok but, to me, wooden tools have more style and grace. Also, I like the feel on wood tools and the smell of linseed oil.

General Information: Woodenpln@aol.com
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Last modified: August 03, 2001. 

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