New Toy

[hutch--]

When I get brain dead from code overload, I find other things to do, I found a big set of shears on Ebay for peanuts and they had decent blades so when they turned up, I bothered to clean then up and sharpen them properly. They are a 13 inch Wiss pattern and from the way they are made, look like late 1940s, early 1950s.

They are not rare or valuable but they came out well and depending on your sense of humour, they will be the pair I keep on my computer table for opening packages, cutting up various things, something like using a sledge hammer to crack nuts with.

[zedd151]

I guess one could say that it was shear luck that you got them at a bargain price. (Couldn't resist the pun)
Blade sharpening is an art form in and of itself. Whether it be knives, scissors, shears, or a variety of garden tools, etc. Has to be good quality steel of course, not the cheap Chinese junk that is abundant these days. Restoring older tools of any type is a fascinating hobby, and I have watched many youtube videos about it. Any plans on making a video of the restoration process in the future, and posting it on YouTube?
As a side note:
Reminds me that we have some tools in the shed that need attention... as well as the mower blades on the tractor.

[hutch--]

I do have an advantage, I am a toolmaker by trade but its just mileage and practice combined in this instance with some therapy while watching a few videos. A farm would be a good target for someone who is interested, you do need some decent tools, patience and enough knowhow to do the job but you could end up with a pile of useful things that are brought back to life.

I have been doing OK on Ebay over time, I hooked a pair of 14 inch Gilbow crank handle tinsnips and with a proper resharpen, they eat the smaller double action ones alive. A few other items here and there but a good source of old tools. I needed another hand drill, the old egg beater type and hooked a good one for about $35 AU, scrubbed up OK and greasing all the important parts and its better than a new one.

[zedd151]

... and its better than a new one.

Yes they certainly made better tools way back when. You can still get good quality stuff today, but it will be very pricey (if bought retail). Most of the stuff they sell these days are made to be disposable, and not worth repairing (if at all possible).

[daydreamer]

hutch nice
here some use nutcrackers on crabfish to easier eat its claws
i use a scissor thats for cut thin iron on aluminium and iron,afterwards to shape for example as U shape which is much stronger ,made some things for my VW beetle to extend hood so it gets extra cooling instead of buying them
sledgehammer and some wood behind to shape aluminium is great,but you can also compress alumium for better durability
@Zedd
you should instead use old lawnmower that you push in front of you (no engine type) for exercise and avoid oil it to get more exercise 

[zedd151]

you should instead use old lawnmower that you push in front of you (no engine type) for exercise and avoid oil it to get more exercise

The tractor is already here and it does an adequate job. Blades just need a touch-up.

[K_F]

It was the old roo nutter with the tinny and scissors, in his shed.
Damn.. I had the blonde chick with the knitting needle!!

Did you not buy one of these a year or two back?
 

[hutch--]

Hi Van,

I have a collection of the rare ones made in the range of just after 1900 up to ww2. I used to restore them as a hobby when I needed some distraction from software as I am a toolmaker by trade.

This pair came for peanuts, landed on the doorstep at just under $50 AU. They were scruffy and a bit rusty but scrubbed up OK. The thing that took some time was lapping the inside blade faces so they could be sharpened properly.

I needed a big pair for my own general purpose usage, they are not collectors items and not valuable but they are a very good pair and chomp through packaging like an axe through butter.