Air travel with tools. Any Issues?

[Mark Hepburn]

I'm going to be traveling in a couple of weeks to a class and need to bring some gouges and so on. I have a case for them (a case for a take down rifle with a few compartments. Just the right size.

Here's the thing. I know I have to check them unless I can persuade some TSA agent that a parting tool isn't a spear

Anyone have any bad experiences trying to get their tools through the screening and did they end up losing them? I could see about shipping them ahead of class but don't want to impose on anyone.

Anyone have any comments? I'm in a quandary. Yhanks

 

[Charlie Knighton]

seems like one of demostrators said he had gouges coming thru his bags.......said it was mostly embarssing......it was several years ago....not sure who it was or if it was before 9/11

 

[Andy Chen]

Mark, there are lots of pro turners that travel with tools. I presume they just put them in the checked bag. I recently completed a demo trip to China (see http://www.woodturner.org/?page=TWB). We had to bring our own tools. I didn't put them in any kind of special container. I just wrapped the sharp ends in various manners so they wouldn't poke holes in my clothes (or worse yet, my luggage) and just packed them in my luggage. Neither the airlines (UA and a Chinese one) nor the TSA gave me any trouble. Fortunately, the airlines didn't lose my bag. The bag of one of the carvers from Oregon didn't arrive the same time but he did get it a couple of days later. You can always ship your tools by USPS or UPS but why would they be any more trustworthy than the airlines?

 

[hockenbery]

My tools have always arrived in check baggage.
The bags seemed to get inspect most of the time.
I usually pack roles in a tool role inside the bag to protect the tools, me and the contents of the bag

Anything loose tools I tape the tips or put a plastic tube over them to keep them from damaging anything or an inspector.

Good luck

Al

 

[Odie]

Sometimes I go to the local "Play It Again Sports", and I've seen some really nifty junior golf bags with wheels for cheap. Although I've never had a need to transport lathe tools on airplanes, I've thought one of these would be ideal for air travel.......not to mention that they would be really handy for wheeling your tools at a class or demonstration. It could be easily converted to lathe tools by adding pvc of appropriate sizes and the whole package zips up into a bundle that would hold lathe tools securely during baggage handling.

ooc

 

[hockenbery]

The biggest challenge is putting 50 pounds of tools in 20 pound bag and avoiding charges for a heavy bag ie over 40lbs.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

The biggest challenge is putting 50 pounds of tools in 20 pound bag and avoiding charges for a heavy bag ie over 40lbs.

I've spent the last couple decades flying offshore onto oil platforms and learned to travel light.

I'm just bringing a few tools in a short gun case, but thought I might put in a note or sign like "dear TSA screener, these are not weapons.... And maybe have a book on woodturning in it too. Im not kidding here. I thought about UPS because at least I can insure them.

But I'm flying southwest and traveling light so no bag fees. Woo hoo!

 

[Bill Boehme]

.... I'm just bringing a few tools in a short gun case, but thought I might put in a note or sign like "dear TSA screener, these are not weapons....

Are you sure that you aren't inviting trouble? Don't even think about clowning around with them. I had a heck of a time going through security when traveling with refrigerated injectable drugs and a CPAP machine.

 

[john lucas]

I've only flown a few times in the last few years. I simply put the tools in my tool box with protective tips. Even then the protective tips get damaged. I don't know if it's rough handling of the tool box when loading or the TSA jamming them into the tool box. The last 2 times I traveled the top tray to the tool box got brocken and had to be repaired. I'm guessing the tray just wasn't built to carry heavier tools. The first time one of the heavy duty latches was bent. they, be it baggage handlers or TSA are hard on tool boxes.
Nick Cook attached webbing straps with the plastic quick release buckles to his tool box as extra fasteners. I haven't done that yet. John Jordan said he puts a sign in his tool box that says TSA very sharp woodturning tools inside please be careful- there aren't any liquids or flammables in here. I tried that- my tool box was a mess when I got to Minneapolis. I took the note out on the way back. My tool box had an inspection tag inside but wasn't nearly as messed up. I think part of the problem is I pack too much stuff in there and no one but me can unpack it and get it back in. Have to work on that.
I really don't enjoy flying anymore and may just stop. If I can't drive to it I won't go. I find the airline seats incredibly uncomfortable. Anything over an hour and my butt hurts like crazy. They are crowded. Im just a small guy and almost always have at least one really big person next to me who crowds the seat. I'm always afraid to not get there 2 hours early even though I haven't had any problems getting through the screening. That of course means you have to sit for an hour or more waiting for the flight and food and drink aren't cheap in the airport. When I flew back from Phoenix last year I thought I would outsmart them and pick up a coke on the way to the airport. Forgot about the security and had to either drink it right there or throw it away. Then they lost my bags on the way back. I did get them the next day but what would happen if they lose them on the way to a demo. Just too much stress that I don't need. Don't see how Jimmy Clewes does it. I think he said he flew 64 times last year.

 

[Betty Scarpino]

I'm currently on a demonstration trip to Toronto and Ottawa from Indianapolis. I used a hint from someone who posted it in another forum. I wrapped each gouge individually and on the tape wrote "sharp tool, careful!" I also included a note on a stiff piece of white cardboard that said, "TSA, sharp woodworking tools! NO liquids, NO finishes." I also included a copy of the journal. My luggage was searched, but not disturbed. If they had not left two of those TSA notes, I would not have known the contents had been looked at. Everything came through perfectly.


Betty Scarpino

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Are you sure that you aren't inviting trouble? Don't even think about clowning around with them. I had a heck of a time going through security when traveling with refrigerated injectable drugs and a CPAP machine.

I know what you mean, but the gun case isn't obviously a gun case and with the tools in it, looks like a padded tool roll. I was sort of joking about the note. I travel enough (mainly NOLA / Houston) shuttle that I KNOW not to mess with them.

But an actual notice on the outside saying these are woodturning tools etc. with no disrespect intended but by way of information?

Pretty soon I'll be using a CPAP also. Funny how conversations become more and more about health as we age. I remember as a kid thinking about how much "old people" talked about ailments and here I am today doing the same thing.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

Random

I think the key word left out is random. They do not have the manpower to search every bag so pick randomly. Who is to say that maybe they pick on heavy compact bags or boxes. Course there is all that xray equip they have now. Who knows we all be be irradiated someday.
Mark as far as health is concerned , being in healthcare, unless someone asks directly I do not coment on my health and will comment on theirs.
Have never flown with tools and your case with singlelayer sounds like a good viable solution. I thought maybe if everything is visible it may not be necessary to distrub.

 

[Hu Lowery]

my opinion, don't address notes to TSA

General warnings are probably a good idea, a well sharpened wood tool is dangerous as we all know. However, addressing anything to TSA is risking them taking it the wrong way. Either you have something to hide or think they are idiots. I'm sure they have their fair share of idiots working for the TSA and a couple extra but nothing annoys idiots worse than being treated like idiots!

I don't fly, drove sixty-five hundred miles in three weeks when I could have flown for free. My brother flies regularly on business and before a move I usually ferried him back and forth to the airport. The ugly plastic hardshell luggage is the only stuff that survived pretty well for him. Takes them maybe a couple dozen trips to destroy that stuff, better than any soft luggage found. TSA inspects his stuff pretty often and usually manages to make a mess somehow.

Might be overkill and I would still put pvc or plastic over the end of the tool but might consider getting a small container of the liquid tool handle plastic dip or they have liquid electrical tape which I think is the same thing. Wax the end of the tool then dip it and that should at least keep someone from cutting themselves and bleeding all over your stuff!

The getting old thing, I slide a small plastic pill bottle over the end of my tools even just putting them away at home. I have an endless supply of the pill bottles! Another pill bottle has been cut to length to be the length gauge for putting bowl gouges in my vari-grind jig. Maybe we should start a thread a thousand and one uses for pill bottles in the woodworking shop!

Hu

 

[Bill Boehme]

.... The getting old thing, I slide a small plastic pill bottle over the end of my tools even just putting them away at home. I have an endless supply of the pill bottles! Another pill bottle has been cut to length to be the length gauge for putting bowl gouges in my vari-grind jig. Maybe we should start a thread a thousand and one uses for pill bottles in the woodworking shop!

Hu

I knew there had to be an upside to geezerdom.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Mark, there are lots of pro turners that travel with tools. I presume they just put them in the checked bag. I recently completed a demo trip to China (see http://www.woodturner.org/?page=TWB). We had to bring our own tools. I didn't put them in any kind of special container. I just wrapped the sharp ends in various manners so they wouldn't poke holes in my clothes (or worse yet, my luggage) and just packed them in my luggage. Neither the airlines (UA and a Chinese one) nor the TSA gave me any trouble. Fortunately, the airlines didn't lose my bag. The bag of one of the carvers from Oregon didn't arrive the same time but he did get it a couple of days later. You can always ship your tools by USPS or UPS but why would they be any more trustworthy than the airlines?

Hi Andy.

I thought about shipping UPS but they would be going to the instructor's place and I don't want to impose. The case I have will protect them but I hadn't thought about protecting the ends. Well Duh. Gotta do that.

I'm glad to know that TSA seems to be okay with it. Fortunately I'm on a direct flight so if they can get it on the plane without losing it, then all is well. And really UPS isn't as good as they used to be but at least I can insure a package and get reimbursed.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I think the key word left out is random. They do not have the manpower to search every bag so pick randomly. Who is to say that maybe they pick on heavy compact bags or boxes. Course there is all that xray equip they have now. Who knows we all be be irradiated someday.
Mark as far as health is concerned , being in healthcare, unless someone asks directly I do not coment on my health and will comment on theirs.
Have never flown with tools and your case with singlelayer sounds like a good viable solution. I thought maybe if everything is visible it may not be necessary to distrub.

Hi Gerald. It will be checked so they'll put it through the xray and that's why I was worrying that an uninformed person would freak out and think it was a bag of swords But as you say, since it's a single layer, then it should be pretty obvious what they are. So no worries I guess.

You do have a point about health comments. Big Blue (sorry, I meant big brother) is probably lurking the forums

 

[Mark Hepburn]

My tools have always arrived in check baggage.
The bags seemed to get inspect most of the time.
I usually pack roles in a tool role inside the bag to protect the tools, me and the contents of the bag

Anything loose tools I tape the tips or put a plastic tube over them to keep them from damaging anything or an inspector.

Good luck

Al

Thanks Al. I'll protect the tips and they're going to be in their own bag, so it sounds like I should be okay then. This case is a short gun case I got on Amazon for $20. It will hold a couple of barrels, stock, cleaning rods etc so it's actually perfect for the 4-5 tools I'm bringing. My first time flying and all I can think of is, grrrrrrrr, they lost my tools!

 

[Mark Hepburn]

seems like one of demostrators said he had gouges coming thru his bags.......said it was mostly embarssing......it was several years ago....not sure who it was or if it was before 9/11

I bet it was before 9/11. Now you probably get taken down by a SWAT team if something like that happens (or if you forget and leave your nail clippers in a carry on)

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I've only flown a few times in the last few years. I simply put the tools in my tool box with protective tips. Even then the protective tips get damaged. I don't know if it's rough handling of the tool box when loading or the TSA jamming them into the tool box. The last 2 times I traveled the top tray to the tool box got brocken and had to be repaired. I'm guessing the tray just wasn't built to carry heavier tools. The first time one of the heavy duty latches was bent. they, be it baggage handlers or TSA are hard on tool boxes.
Nick Cook attached webbing straps with the plastic quick release buckles to his tool box as extra fasteners. I haven't done that yet. John Jordan said he puts a sign in his tool box that says TSA very sharp woodturning tools inside please be careful- there aren't any liquids or flammables in here. I tried that- my tool box was a mess when I got to Minneapolis. I took the note out on the way back. My tool box had an inspection tag inside but wasn't nearly as messed up. I think part of the problem is I pack too much stuff in there and no one but me can unpack it and get it back in. Have to work on that.
I really don't enjoy flying anymore and may just stop. If I can't drive to it I won't go. I find the airline seats incredibly uncomfortable. Anything over an hour and my butt hurts like crazy. They are crowded. Im just a small guy and almost always have at least one really big person next to me who crowds the seat. I'm always afraid to not get there 2 hours early even though I haven't had any problems getting through the screening. That of course means you have to sit for an hour or more waiting for the flight and food and drink aren't cheap in the airport. When I flew back from Phoenix last year I thought I would outsmart them and pick up a coke on the way to the airport. Forgot about the security and had to either drink it right there or throw it away. Then they lost my bags on the way back. I did get them the next day but what would happen if they lose them on the way to a demo. Just too much stress that I don't need. Don't see how Jimmy Clewes does it. I think he said he flew 64 times last year.

John,

I agree with you about flying these days. Flying Greyhound buses is all it is anymore. Everything about it just sucks. But it's a 1400 mile trip so gotta fly. I'd prefer to drive though.

So you have a hard case for your tools and still have problems? Maybe my soft case isn't the thing then. Although, based on what you said, I'll probably drill holes in some big dowels and fill with something soft or a plastic tube to protect the tips. My big worry is them losing my bags. I travel mostly short hops on business and usually day trips so don't have luggage, but even so have had my luggage lost when flying to Corpus Christi. Twice last year that happened out of 6 flight. Sheesh!

 

[john lucas]

When I travel in the car I use a behind the seat tool box from Sears. It holds lots of tools. When I travel by plane I use a bigger tool box because it needs to hold the chucks, wood, rulers, and all the other odd things I use to turn my stuff. I need to learn to do demos with less stuff. It's just hard to depend on the place your going having exactly what you need to do the job successfully.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-22inch-standard-truck-box/p-00965119000P

 

[Mark Hepburn]

General warnings are probably a good idea, a well sharpened wood tool is dangerous as we all know. However, addressing anything to TSA is risking them taking it the wrong way. Either you have something to hide or think they are idiots. I'm sure they have their fair share of idiots working for the TSA and a couple extra but nothing annoys idiots worse than being treated like idiots!

I don't fly, drove sixty-five hundred miles in three weeks when I could have flown for free. My brother flies regularly on business and before a move I usually ferried him back and forth to the airport. The ugly plastic hardshell luggage is the only stuff that survived pretty well for him. Takes them maybe a couple dozen trips to destroy that stuff, better than any soft luggage found. TSA inspects his stuff pretty often and usually manages to make a mess somehow.

Might be overkill and I would still put pvc or plastic over the end of the tool but might consider getting a small container of the liquid tool handle plastic dip or they have liquid electrical tape which I think is the same thing. Wax the end of the tool then dip it and that should at least keep someone from cutting themselves and bleeding all over your stuff!

The getting old thing, I slide a small plastic pill bottle over the end of my tools even just putting them away at home. I have an endless supply of the pill bottles! Another pill bottle has been cut to length to be the length gauge for putting bowl gouges in my vari-grind jig. Maybe we should start a thread a thousand and one uses for pill bottles in the woodworking shop!

Hu

Hey there Hu,

That pill bottle thing is a great idea. Shove a piece of rigid foam into them and good to go, maybe wax the tips. And yes, I guess something that says "warning - sharp woodworking tools inside" might be a good generic idea. John Lucas mentioned a hard case and I think Al did also. Perhaps I need to rethink this soft case.

Gotta start saving those pill bottles. Going through plenty

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I'm currently on a demonstration trip to Toronto and Ottawa from Indianapolis. I used a hint from someone who posted it in another forum. I wrapped each gouge individually and on the tape wrote "sharp tool, careful!" I also included a note on a stiff piece of white cardboard that said, "TSA, sharp woodworking tools! NO liquids, NO finishes." I also included a copy of the journal. My luggage was searched, but not disturbed. If they had not left two of those TSA notes, I would not have known the contents had been looked at. Everything came through perfectly.


Betty Scarpino

Betty, thanks very much for checking in. I'm going to wrap the tools and do the note as you said. As Bill and Charlie pointed out, I don't want them to think I'm treating them like idiots, or messing with them, but a basic warning in polite tone seems the way to go (and I'll toss in my Malcolm Tibbets book

Do you also use a hard case for your tools separately or just pack with general luggage?

 

[Bill Boehme]

Hi Gerald. It will be checked so they'll put it through the xray and that's why I was worrying that an uninformed person would freak out and think it was a bag of swords ...

Phrasing is everything. Second guessing what somebody else might think can only lead to them second guessing about what you might be thinking -- best not go down that road at all.

If you have an overwhelming urge to explain even if not asked, then just stick with saying what they are and NOT what they aren't.

And don't worry about those two serious looking guys with dark glasses seated on either side of you during the flight -- those earplugs with the curly wires that they are wearing ... just listening to music, I'm sure.

 

[Steve Worcester]

I use these


They are durable, but will only last a few trips if you UPS it. They are easy to overload so they get weighed each time (American allows 50lbs in US and 40lbs international). I use a digh density foam of the tips of the gouges and tape them on so they are less likely to come off. When I check them, I put luggage straps around them also.
TSA is going to search it anyway, every time. If there is something that is liquid that can ship, non-flammable etc., put an MSDS in the box with it. I do this for the water based airbrush paints.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I use these
View attachment 7359

They are durable, but will only last a few trips if you UPS it. They are easy to overload so they get weighed each time (American allows 50lbs in US and 40lbs international). I use a digh density foam of the tips of the gouges and tape them on so they are less likely to come off. When I check them, I put luggage straps around them also.
TSA is going to search it anyway, every time. If there is something that is liquid that can ship, non-flammable etc., put an MSDS in the box with it. I do this for the water based airbrush paints.

Steve, by high density foam do you mean a product somewhat like those swimming pool tubes? That case looks like one that a set of photography lights came in that I bought for my son. I've definitely decided not to UPS so they're going on the plane. Seems everyone is using a hard case so if that's what works I'm going to go to Amazon and find one. The tools are too expensive to cheap out on a case. And I'm only bringing tools, no liquids, etc. and only a few tools at that.

Thanks!

Mark

 

[hockenbery]

I use these <img src="http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7359"/> They are durable, but will only last a few trips if you UPS it. They are easy to overload so they get weighed each time (American allows 50lbs in US and 40lbs international). I use a digh density foam of the tips of the gouges and tape them on so they are less likely to come off. When I check them, I put luggage straps around them also. TSA is going to search it anyway, every time. If there is something that is liquid that can ship, non-flammable etc., put an MSDS in the box with it. I do this for the water based airbrush paints.

Steve ,
One of the ones you "USED UP" went to Colorado.
But you know that
Al

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Phrasing is everything. Second guessing what somebody else might think can only lead to them second guessing about what you might be thinking -- best not go down that road at all.

If you have an overwhelming urge to explain even if not asked, then just stick with saying what they are and NOT what they aren't.

And don't worry about those two serious looking guys with dark glasses seated on either side of you during the flight -- those earplugs with the curly wires that they are wearing ... just listening to music, I'm sure.

They are from the government. And they're there to help.

 

[Owen Lowe]

Hi Andy.

I thought about shipping UPS but they would be going to the instructor's place and I don't want to impose.

Just to add to the discussion though maybe not applicable to your situation: Back in my days of travelling with many cases of photo equipment… We’d ship them via FedEx and have them held at the local FedEx office for pickup. Secure transport, insured, secure storage until arrival.

 

[john lucas]

Yea it's funny Owen I never had any trouble with photo gear. Of course that was before 911.

 

[Steve Worcester]

Steve ,
One of the ones you "USED UP" went to Colorado.
But you know that
Al

Yep. If I don't get upgraded to 1st class it costs me $150 to ship on the plane so I gave it to Trent

 

[Steve Worcester]

Steve, by high density foam do you mean a product somewhat like those swimming pool tubes? That case looks like one that a set of photography lights came in that I bought for my son. I've definitely decided not to UPS so they're going on the plane. Seems everyone is using a hard case so if that's what works I'm going to go to Amazon and find one. The tools are too expensive to cheap out on a case. And I'm only bringing tools, no liquids, etc. and only a few tools at that.

Thanks!

Mark

That is the same type of foam, what they make noodles out of is a little bit less dense. I have also made some tip protectors on the lathe. Drill out the hole the size of the gouge in a piece of wood and duct tape it on, works the same, just more time than drilling out the foam (if you use computer packaging ).

 

[Ben Darrah]

Nick Agar (From England) puts his tools in a rifle case. He had a nice set up which I saw when he came to demo at our club. TSA is going to search anything that they can't easily ID from a scan. Some items, like snowboard bags, always get searched. They are accustomed to seeing everything. As long as they are checked, it won't be a problem.

Ben

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Nick Agar (From England) puts his tools in a rifle case. He had a nice set up which I saw when he came to demo at our club. TSA is going to search anything that they can't easily ID from a scan. Some items, like snowboard bags, always get searched. They are accustomed to seeing everything. As long as they are checked, it won't be a problem.

Ben

Ben, that's what I have is a rifle case. Short type for a takedown rifle. Has 4 pockets and the one,for the stock will hold a couple tools. I guess it is true that they've probably seen all kinds of stuff coming through. I'm probably making more if it than I should.

 

[Gil Jones]

Traveling With Woodturning Tools

Mark,
Pack your rifle case with all of the tools you plan to take, and drive over to your nearest commercial airport with TSA.
TSA generally has an office near the Airline check-in area, and you can just pay them a visit with your packed tools.
Tell them your plans, and ask for their input on the best way to transport your tools to generate the least amount of problems.
Gil

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Mark,
Pack your rifle case with all of the tools you plan to take, and drive over to your nearest commercial airport with TSA.
TSA generally has an office near the Airline check-in area, and you can just pay them a visit with your packed tools.
Tell them your plans, and ask for their input on the best way to transport your tools to generate the least amount of problems.
Gil

Gil that's a great idea. My boss has a good friend who's with the TSA in a management role. I've met him and he would be happy to help. Brilliant. Thanks!

 

[Gil Jones]

Welcome....
Gil

 

[Betty Scarpino]

Betty, thanks very much for checking in. I'm going to wrap the tools and do the note as you said. As Bill and Charlie pointed out, I don't want them to think I'm treating them like idiots, or messing with them, but a basic warning in polite tone seems the way to go (and I'll toss in my Malcolm Tibbets book

Do you also use a hard case for your tools separately or just pack with general luggage?

Mark, I returned early this morning (3:30 AM ... ) from Toronto and Ottawa and my luggage with tools arrived safely intact. I used a hard-sided case, carryon size. Bought it at Costco for about $50. I figure if it got only a few uses, I'd get my money's worth. No dents, the size was perfect, weighed in about 42 lbs., and with the zippered top half, was well configured to be perfect for my needs. I used the zippered expandable option in between demonstrations because of hurrying to repack, doing so not as carefully.

No problems with TSA on the way to Canada. They looked at the contents and left two of those inspection notes, one on the top, the other below the first surface of tools. They did not inspect individually wrapped tools, nothing looked disturbed.

Before when I traveled and did not enclose a note, tools were unwrapped and not repacked properly. But, of course, TSA varies. May have just gotten someone careful. (The note said "Sharp woodworking tools, take care. No finishes, no liquids.)

No problems on the return trip, luggage not even inspected.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Mark, I returned early this morning (3:30 AM ... ) from Toronto and Ottawa and my luggage with tools arrived safely intact. I used a hard-sided case, carryon size. Bought it at Costco for about $50. I figure if it got only a few uses, I'd get my money's worth. No dents, the size was perfect, weighed in about 42 lbs., and with the zippered top half, was well configured to be perfect for my needs. I used the zippered expandable option in between demonstrations because of hurrying to repack, doing so not as carefully.

No problems with TSA on the way to Canada. They looked at the contents and left two of those inspection notes, one on the top, the other below the first surface of tools. They did not inspect individually wrapped tools, nothing looked disturbed.

Before when I traveled and did not enclose a note, tools were unwrapped and not repacked properly. But, of course, TSA varies. May have just gotten someone careful. (The note said "Sharp woodworking tools, take care. No finishes, no liquids.)

No problems on the return trip, luggage not even inspected.

Thank you Betty. That's what I'm going to do. If it works for you, then....

 

[John Torchick]

You are at the mercy of the security goons. What will pass security checks at one airport might not fly (no pun intended) at another airport. I have heard many stories of the inconsistencies of interpretation of security regulations. One elderly lady had her knitting needles taken as it was determined they were a weapon!
Could you pack them and send them overnight by Fed Ex or UPS? That way they could be insured.

 

[Douglas Ladendorf]

Mark, I'm just across the river in NJ probably 30 minutes from his studio. If you want to ship them to me and meet up I'm happy to help. Just another option.
Doug