Advice Requested: Turner Liquidating His Shop - Need to price Glaser tools & Scorpion Boring system

[Scott Kershaw]

Hello fellow forum members,

A local woodturner, who's not turned in over a decade, has asked my assistance in liquidating his turning shop. I am keeping this as vague as possible because he knows what investment he has into his tools. However, we don't know what current market value is for many of his items as they've been discontinued. These tools were purchased, as a guess, a minimum of ~15-20 years ago. Of note, he has a massive investment into Glaser gouges and scrapers as well as the original Glaser sharpening jig - all of which were minimally used and in excellent condition. I am asking for your honest opinions about the current value of the pictured tools.

First photo: Glaser black boring handle, ballast and adjustable tip followed by (going top to bottom) two "blue handle" gouges - unknown tool steel. The remaining red and black handled gouges are easily ID'd by reading this forum and Glaser Hitec's website. Second photo: Don Pencil's Scorpion Boring system with several bars, aftermarket stabilizing setup in the top of the photo and two wooden boxes loaded with HSS cutting/scraping bits. Third photo: Glaser sharpening jig (as pictured - no other pieces, grinder or attachments included)

What are reasonable asking prices for these tools? What pearls of info may you have on these items if you have owned them or currently own them. Knowing what you know, what would you want the general woodturning population to pay for these items?

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

I have the Don Pencil with fewer bars. It was a Christmas gift maybe 10 years ago and hardly use it now. I want to say new was between 200 and 300. Armbraces may be out of favor now so it might bring 150 on a very good day by virtue of all the bars, but realistic would be 110.

 

[Scott Kershaw]

I have the Don Pencil with fewer bars.

Gerald, many thanks! In my searching of the AAW forum postings (an absolutely marvelous resource that's under utilized) I did see that you had some experience with these. I was hoping you'd speak up and I am grateful you did. I very much appreciate it, Gerald!

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

I bought an un-used Glaser sharpening system on Ebay several years ago for $129 - included the original paperwork and sample gouge. I bought it just to hang on the wall in my office. I don't know of anybody that actually uses one - and I'll bet 99% of turners wouldn't know what it is. I think they've been supplanted by more compact systems, like the Wolverine, etc. Just FYI. Of course, all of the Glaser gouges and handles are top notch.

 

[Bill T Tucker]

Mornin' Scott...Have used Jerry Glaser tools for years and like them. Not too fond of the Glaser HiTec, not sure exactly why. Most of mine were bought used with only 1/2 - 2/3 life left in them for 30$ - 50$, usually in groups of 3 or 4 for 100$...probably not what your friend wants to hear. One question though, are these the original Jerry Glaser or the HiTec version. Take a look at the flutes to see if they are V-flute or more parabolic, Jerry's were V-flute. As to handle color, most were red...black had higher vanadium content...no clue on the blue. Yes, I would be interested in buying the lot if they are Jerry originals, but probably not willing to pay what he will want, but feel free to email me with questions at bill.tucker@att.net, good luck.

 

[Bill Blasic]

The only knock on the Glaser tools is the narrow flute that always clogged up. Being they are all Glasers start high, the originals are not made anymore. Doug Thompson does sell replacement steel for them if needed someday.

 

[robo hippy]

I did have 2 Glaser tools. Never liked the sand or shot filled handles. Just too heavy for a long day of turning. I think that phase has passed now. The V gouge they made, like Bill said, really did like to clog up.

robo hippy

 

[Doug Freeman]

Tools depreciate with time and use, not appreciate, unless they become rare and in demand, particularly with the accessory and tool steel development over the past 20 or so years. What was once top of the line becomes novelty.

The sharpening jig may fit into the rare, historical category and be worth something extra, not sure. Dont think any of the other tools do. Your friend may be disappointed in what they can actually sell for.

 

[Hugh]

The Stewart hollowing set.......I bought a couple of arm braces for about $50 about 3 years ago.
I purchased a whole set of the Stewart set....for $150 about the same time. It came with a bunch of cutters also though. Tear drop cutters and 3/16" cutters. That did not include the "D" handle (that looks home made).
Not sure how many want this set up anymore. Everyone is going to a captured system.

 

[Jim McLain]

Scott - I tried to sell a glazer 1/2 inch v bowl gouge a year or so ago on the forum. It was near new condition for $125 shipped but had no takers so I am still using it. I purchased a 7/16 detail gouge like the one pictured at the top of your photo for $25 one year but it had more use than the one pictured. I might be interested in that gouge if you break up the set.

 

[Michael Schneider]

Products – Glaser Hitec Engineering

glaserhitec.com

I had one a while back, He used to use A11 steel, which is very good. https://glaserhitec.com/cpm-steels/