Links

You’ll find tons of good publications from the Astragal Press and the Taunton Press. I always recommend "Restoring, Tuning and Using Classic Woodworking Tools" by Mike Dunbar - it is the first book to get if you're getting interested in antique woodworking tools. Look for it on Amazon.com, Half.com or other web-based book sellers.

If you're comfortable getting lots of e-mail, try lurking around the Oldtools mailing list. You can browse and search all messages ever posted to the group, at the Oldtools mailing list archive.

The Oldtools list is a great resource - I have learned a lot just from reading the information that people post there and by asking specific questions. It’s also just a good “place” to hang out and get to know the great folks that frequent the place.

There are also several websites that are great reference and informational resources, including:

• Improving plane-making standards by Paul Sellers
• Randy Roeder's Miller's Falls Home Page
• More information than you knew existed about Stanley handplanes at Patrick Leach's "Blood and Gore".
• For lots of good information on Disston hand saws, hit the Disstonian Institute.
• Purchase or just research old saws. Lots of good info at Vintage Saws.
• Lots of good information on miter boxes, and also parts for sale for Stanley combination planes and other good stuff at Stan Faullin's website
• Once you really catch the old tool bug, you’ll want to join some other tool-collecting groups, starting with Mid-West Tool Collectors Association, Inc. (M-WTCA) and Early American Industries Association (EAIA).
• For the absolutely best resource on the web for information on old woodworking machinery, check out the Old Woodworking Machines "mothership" site and the companion Old Woodworking Machines forum (make sure you read the FAQ!).