Stanley #3 for a trip down the slope
jim reed @ tallahassee
>So I am prowling ebay one night and spot a sad looking #3. Dirt, rust, broken tote, and no bids. Can't stand to see it go to the dustbin so I throw a bid and then pay that much and more for shipping. Parts? Once it gets in, I type it to #4 (1875-1884). Blade is toast, but I have another. The tote has two clean breaks, but has those graceful lines of the early Stanleys. The hairline breaks hardly show after repair. All it takes is some gluing sessions, rust removal, and blade sharpening. The little guy pulls some mighty fine wispy looking shavings. Then the idea strikes--one of my employees is fixing up a house and likes old things. Her last gift was a junker #5. This one is much nicer and will fit her hand better. This could be the start of a wild ride down the slippery slope. Stay tuned...