Inherited tools

[David A Morris]

Here are the tools I inherited from my father. Most are in rough shape but I use the first three, from the left, most of the time. They are identified as Buck Brothers cast steel and ps&w co. That's what I have and can't afford a new set at this time. I'd appreciate help in naming them so I know what to call them when I use them. I don't even know if they're all turning tools or just plain ole chisels for woodworking. I'm really interested in the little L shaped chisel on the right.

 

[David A Morris]

Oh wow! I just did an AI analysis of the chisels and it told me some are Buck Brothers cast steel and some are P S & W Co cast stell framers chisels from before 1875. It said cast steel is very durable and desirable to collectors. Well, I don't use them for framing but they seem to work quite well for turning.

 

[Webb Willmott]

You have a mixture. The ones with collar ferrels are lathe tools. The others with cones or flanges are bench chisels designed to take the force of a mallet blow. I’m guess the bench chisels were used as a makeshift lathe tools.

My concern is safety. The way a bench chisel attaches to the handle is not designed for leverage. There is a chance the handle could come loose and separate while turning.

I would pull the lathe tools and clean them up and put the others away. Also instead of buying a new set, get good with the ones you have and buy one good tool that does a lot of different jobs such as a 1/2” spindle gouge.

I see cracks in some of lathe tool handles so I would remove the handles and turn new ones. You can reuse the ferrels. Watch Richard Raffan’s video on turning tool handles.

Cleaned up with new handles would make you and dad proud.

Just one man’s opinion so see what others have to say.

 

[David A Morris]

You have a mixture. The ones with collar ferrels are lathe tools. The others with cones or flanges are bench chisels designed to take the force of a mallet blow. I’m guess the bench chisels were used as a makeshift lathe tools.

My concern is safety. The way a bench chisel attaches to the handle is not designed for leverage. There is a chance the handle could come loose and separate while turning.

I would pull the lathe tools and clean them up and put the others away. Also instead of buying a new set, get good with the ones you have and buy one good tool that does a lot of different jobs such as a 1/2” spindle gouge.

I see cracks in some of lathe tool handles so I would remove the handles and turn new ones. You can reuse the ferrels. Watch Richard Raffan’s video on turning tool handles.

Cleaned up with new handles would make you and dad proud.

Just one man’s opinion so see what others have to say.

Valid opinion, and I've seen Richard's video on turning handles. Thank you.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

I started with a set of Buck Bros. turning tools, probably from the 30s or 40s. While they don't hold an edge as long as modern steels do, they do work just fine. The handles on mine look very similar to the ones you have.
P S & W stands for Peck, Stow, and Wilcox. They are very nice older chisels. I have a couple of them. They are sought after by some collectors.

 

[David A Morris]

I started with a set of Buck Bros. turning tools, probably from the 30s or 40s. While they don't hold an edge as long as modern steels do, they do work just fine. The handles on mine look very similar to the ones you have.
P S & W stands for Peck, Stow, and Wilcox. They are very nice older chisels. I have a couple of them. They are sought after by some collectors.

You still use them? I had heard that collectors like those two.

 

[R Henrickson]

P S & W stands for Peck, Stow, and Wilcox. They are very nice older chisels. I have a couple of them. They are sought after by some collectors.

I have at least several PSW drawknifes of various sizes which I use regularly in making Windsor chairs. All are at least that old as your chisels. The steel is far better than modern, so I prefer and use the PSW as well as couple other brands of old drawknifes. They were made to be used.