Excess tools

[Melvin]

After working over 40 years in the machine trades and retiring I find myself with many more tools than I need for the kind of hobby stuff I do now. Added to this is the fact that none of my three sons followed in my footsteps, where is the best place to sell used tools,keeping 3, 1" micrometers or inside micrometers to 14" is too much for me. Also seems like most everyone now wants the digital readout stuff,mine are all light powered (enough light to read them required). I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position.
Thanks Melvin

[mike thomas]

You could send them all to me. I would then owe you money. After a few years you could write this off as a loss (bad debt)at tax time. Other than that, I could only suggest ebay. Mike

[lynnl]

If you don't want to take the ebay/auction route, you might make up a list of your items, with/or without prices, and offer to email that to any of us who may be interested. I'd like to see a list of what you have.

Lynn

[Robert Jones]

I'm interested, too. I'm in need of a good .2 to 1" inside mic. Bobby

[wierdscience]

Take'm around to a few shops first you can always find a machinist in need.I tried ebay and measuring tools don't do to well.You might offer them in a big lot for a one money bid maybe somebody will need a big setup.Set your opening bid at your minimum and consider all reasonable offers.The best thing I have found though is find a friend who might appreciate them and give them away!It might be hard to do for different reasons but I have found the rewards to be great. http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net//smile.gif

[Toolmaker Extrodinair]

Can do like alot of shops do when a fellar passes on. Set up a raffle. get a lot more than trying to sell them outright.

[Paul Gauthier]

Melvin,

Post a list of what you have. We are a bunch of tool junkies I am sure some of us will want something.

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Paul G.

[Techtchr]

Melvin,
Got any daughter's? I have no sons, but my daughters have been interested in the machine tools and stuff in my garage. Don't forget to offer to teach them. I'm 41 and my youngest is in the 5th grade. She can sketch a mean isometric drawing, and knows how to turn the wheels on my SB lathe. I hope to give my tools and machines to one of them when I can't use them anymore.

If no relatives are interested and you aren't in need of the money from the sale, you might see if a kid in a tech class or votech school has the space to store them for you at his/her home. I've had a couple of students in the past that would have loved to have them, and made good use of them as well.

My first major tool purchase when I was a HS kid was a wood lathe. If I'd had a machinist give me something like a lathe or even a set of mics, I would have thought I had died and gone to heaven. Those type of kids are still out there, find one if you can, I think you would be glad you did.

Matt

[chief]

Melvin,
Honestly, How in the hell can you have too many tools, I'm baffled by this. Please explain how you came to be such a sad,sorry figure.

[ShavingMaker]

Don't give up on your sons. Ten years from now they may want to set up a hobby shop even if they don't want to go into the business. Its in the genes. Patience is better than being sorry later.

[Thrud]

Melvin:
I am sad to hear that. Maybe you should really sit down with your sons and talk to them about it - sometimes children act disinterested when we talk about our death - hoping that if they fein disinterest we will not die and leave them here alone. Time to tell them how you feel and why you want them to have the tools - time to open up to them - before it is too late.

Time is too short for all of us - don't wait for tomorrow to make ammends with your loved ones - tomorrow could be too late.

[mike thomas]

I chuckled several times over the "light powered" remark. Mike

[kgarver]

I have five children ranging in ages from 20 to 32 and 3 grandchildren. I also have an undergraduate degree in Education and have taught for 3 years (long ago).

You can talk to kids (yours, mine, who evers)
until you are blue in the face BUT they will probably not listen.
Give the tools away to the young kids (as they need them) that come around your shop and show some interest and aptitude for metal working. It is absolutely, hands down, the best way to help them get started. Even a $5.00 0-1" OD mic is too much for them to afford but an old Lufkin mic, in a box, will be treated like a GOLD MINE to them!
Trust me on that.
Regards,Ken

PS He who dies with the most toys wins!

[Dick Payne]

Melvin:
Try this web site www.chaski.com/ubb (http://www.chaski.com/ubb)

They have bulliton board for listing machine tools for sale or if you want to buy or trade. I got a damaged 6" 3 jaw chuck for free (only shipping cost) to try to salvage for use on my 6" rotary table. You can even post pictures of your items for sale.

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Dick