: If you're willing to put some "sweat equity" into it, you
: can refurbish old planes yourself. I find it to be really
: rewarding to return a neglected old tool to its rightful
: purpose, though it can be a fair amount of work. There's an
: article on reconditioning at the link that Kudzu posted:
: http://www.brasscityrecords.com/toolworks/graphics/re%20hab%20no%206t.html
: Be aware that he doesn't show the "real work", which
: is flattening the sole and reconditioning the blade.

: The best sources I've found for old planes at reasonable prices are
: Craigslist and yard/estate sales. There's a place near me that
: does home and office clean-outs and I've gotten some great deals
: there, too. You should also check local flea markets, as many of
: them have dealers that specialize in old tools. If you have any
: pawn shops in your area, check them, too. My favorite Stanley #4
: Sweatheart (circa 1930) was "rescued" from a pawn shop
: for $10.

: IMO, Ebay is a crapshoot. It seems that most items listed sell for
: much more than they're actually worth, as there seems to be a
: lot of wannabe collectors there who don't know what they're
: buying and bid way too much for planes that are really only good
: for reconditioning and re-use. You may find a good deal now and
: then, but you have to put in a fair amount of time searching,
: waiting and bidding at the last second ("sniping") to
: get the best deals.

: Used tool dealers are also a mixed bag. I have a couple that I
: check once in a while, but they seem to think that any old plane
: is worth a fortune. ;-)

Geez I look at Craigslist all the time and never thought to mention it. Great deals on big tools (stationary) there too. Friend got an old Powermatic 5hp table saw there a year or so ago for $350, it was just like new but covered in about an inch of dust sitting in a guys basement for about 20 years.

Bill H.