Please suggest a tool for a birthday present [Archive]

meredith

1st April 2018, 11:00 AM

Hi - I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality hand tool for a present for my husband's upcoming birthday. He doesn't get much time to do woodworking (family, work, renovations, life etc etc) but loves it when he gets the chance. Over the years he's built up a pretty good collection of tools etc for doing renos etc, but I'd like to help him get some tools that are a pleasure to use for precise creative work. In the past I have given him a set of Stanley Sweetheart chisels and a Stanley Sweetheart hand planer, both of which he really appreciated. I don't mind whether it's local or ordering from overseas (and if on sale so much the better) or even getting good quality second hand. I'll need it in a few weeks.
Thanks for any ideas

BobL

1st April 2018, 11:08 AM

Without knowing what tools he already has this is really difficult to answer.
Second hand tools are lucky dip - you could end up with complete rubbish.
Also we'd need to know what sort of budget you are dealing with.

It's not very personal but I just tell all my family to give me vouchers for Xmas and Birthday pressies and then I get the fun of selecting something that appeals and is useful to me.

meredith

1st April 2018, 11:16 AM

Hi - I know it's really hard - sorry. He's got drills, triton workbench, a few power saws of different kinds, welder, angle grinder, belt sander, router, socket set, huge screwdriver set, the basics like hammers and so forth - pretty much any job he needs to do, he has a tool for it. But I'm looking for really specific tools - and I have no idea what even exists, not being a technical person myself. Something that would go along with the sweetheart range. Budget - up to a couple of hundred?

I know it would make sense to let him choose himself, but it's just not quite the same as opening a box with a fabulous tool on your birthday.

BobL

1st April 2018, 11:38 AM

meredith

1st April 2018, 11:47 AM

Thanks - this is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Will check them out. Still open to other ideas if anyone else has suggestions.

Robson Valley

1st April 2018, 11:57 AM

GraemeCook

1st April 2018, 12:07 PM

It sounds like he has the basics so in that case I'd suggest something classy from an Australian tool maker like

HNT Gordon............

Or

Colin Clenton..........

Excellent advice, Bob.

I call these aspirational tools; when you are looking for inspiration you can just look at and feel the tools and think of the embodied expertise.

I would add Chris Vesper to that list.
https://www.vespertools.com.au/

Cheers

Graeme

DavidG

1st April 2018, 12:08 PM

Clamps. You never can have too many.

rob streeper

1st April 2018, 12:23 PM

A good set of chisels? https://www.lie-nielsen.com/nodes/4099/bevel-edge-chisels

A lot of other things to suit any woodworking need on their site too.

woodPixel

1st April 2018, 01:10 PM

Agree with DavidG - clamps... long bar style clamps like these: https://www.bunnings.com.au/irwin-600mm-quick-grip-heavy-duty-bar-clamp_p5860119 (maybe in different lengths, as appropriate). They aren't necessarily woodwork specific, but will let him do some macro-jobs that are very useful... tables, outdoor chairs/dining, repairs, holding things to a workbench, doing jobs outside...

Perhaps a B+D Workmate (https://www.blackanddecker.com.au/en-au/products/equipment/workmate-workbenches/workmate-dual-height-workbench/wm536)? I've found mine pretty damned useful, even as a woodworker-only focused guy. The workmates are incredibly versatile... it will work in a LOT of other household situations too.

meredith

1st April 2018, 01:12 PM

I think we're pretty covered as far as chisels go with the sweethearts, but he did love when when I got them. Clamps - maybe, but I'm not sure how exciting they would be? I like the sound of measuring tools - I think he's got some basics, but nothing fancy - so this might be the way I go. Thanks so much everyone - really appreciated

Midnight Man

1st April 2018, 01:19 PM

I know this suggestion is probably NOT what you want to hear, but tools for woodworkers tend to involve a fair degree of personal choice. By this I mean that in most cases, there's more than one model of tool that could do any given job, and it'll come down to a very personal choice on the part of the craftsman as to exactly which one they might prefer.

It is for this reason that I would suggest selecting a nice store (you have suggestions above, you could include others), and then purchasing some gift cards to let them select *exactly* what they want.

I know gift certificates tend to be seen as very impersonal, but in this case, delivered with the right message, they can be one of the nicest gifts - it's a license to go hit that store for the item you've been secretly wishing for for quite some time, with no "guilt" involved.

Just my humble opinion here - but if you buy him something, and it's not quite exactly what he's looking for, he might not want to swap it on the basis it would offend you, and it might end up being one of those tools that sits in the shop, unused, and gathering dust.

meredith

1st April 2018, 01:24 PM

I know this suggestion is probably NOT what you want to hear, but tools for woodworkers tend to involve a fair degree of personal choice. By this I mean that in most cases, there's more than one model of tool that could do any given job, and it'll come down to a very personal choice on the part of the craftsman as to exactly which one they might prefer.

It is for this reason that I would suggest selecting a nice store (you have suggestions above, you could include others), and then purchasing some gift cards to let them select *exactly* what they want.

I know gift certificates tend to be seen as very impersonal, but in this case, delivered with the right message, they can be one of the nicest gifts - it's a license to go hit that store for the item you've been secretly wishing for for quite some time, with no "guilt" involved.

Thanks for your reply. I know where you're coming from, and you have a good point - but my husband would probably do something responsible with a gift voucher, and I want to do something nice for him, so I'll take the risk. Of course I want to increase my chances of success - which is why I came here to ask for better ideas than I would have on my own :)

Pat

1st April 2018, 01:38 PM

Chris Vesper, of Vesper Tools (https://www.vespertools.com.au/), has a very nice range of premium usable toys/tools.

BobL

1st April 2018, 01:42 PM

Clamps! extremely useful but that's bit like giving a partner a vacuum cleaner for a present, but probably not as bad as an exhaust/muffler.

Thanks for your reply. I know where you're coming from, and you have a good point - but my husband would probably do something responsible with a gift voucher, . . . . .

My last 2 birthdays and Xmas hardware vouchers have been spent on house paint and painting gear - but don't worry too much about that, I have the mental figures firmly fixed in my head and when the times comes I will be fully recompensed.

Pac man

1st April 2018, 01:51 PM

Hi Meredith
Small block plane:
https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Block+plane&product_id=300

Spoke shave
https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=39_192_194&product_id=584

https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-spoke-shaves/product/92-gidgee-small-curved-sole-spoke-shave-with-ts-blade.html

Marking knife

https://www.vespertools.com.au/marking-knives/joinery-knife/

Square
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/colen-clenton-marking-out-tools/product/189-rose-sheoak-8-square-out-of-stock.html

https://www.vespertools.com.au/vesper-squares/precision-double-squares/

Hope that helps

GraemeCook

1st April 2018, 04:06 PM

Clamps! extremely useful but that's bit like giving a partner a vacuum cleaner for a present........

Good suggestion.... a Festool vacuum.
https://www.festool.com.au/products/tools/dust-extraction?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwczw1KaY2gIV1QMqCh0vOgauEAAYASAAEgISr_D_BwE

Cheers

Graeme

cava

1st April 2018, 04:46 PM

A site sponsor 'Professional Tooling' are selling a set of Japanese pull saws for $125, which by all accounts are very good and very cheap compared to alternatives. It may not be the primary present, but possibly an addition to the main present.

derekcohen

1st April 2018, 05:41 PM

Hi Meredith

Your husband is a lucky guy. A good tool is just a bonus :)

My first choice would be this block plane from Veritas, available at Carbatec (https://www.carbatec.com.au/handtools-and-handplanes/handplanes/block-planes/block-plane-dx60-a2-blade-veritas).

https://www.carbatec.com.au/images/ProductImages/500/05P70-01.jpg

... followed by this one from Lie-Nielsen (https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index.php?route=product/category&path=39_111_118)

https://dzhj8173mkary.cloudfront.net/static-file-transform/2807/thumbnail%2Cw_500%2Ch_500%2Cm_a.jpg

Both of these are premium block planes. A quality block plane is a joy to use, and it would get used very often.

Regards from Perth

Derek

John Saxton

1st April 2018, 06:38 PM

An extra saw never goes amiss either ,however its usually a personal choice on what type is best fit such as these https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index.php?route=product/category&path=39_161_264

aussiepens

1st April 2018, 06:54 PM

Agree with a Vesper tool, Coleen Clenton tool or a nice block plane

john

forrestmount

1st April 2018, 07:42 PM

It sounds like he has the basics so in that case I'd suggest something classy from an Australian tool maker like

HNT Gordon
eg The 3/4" shoulder plane on this page (the wood in use is gidgee - a highly prized desert acacia)
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-shoulder-planes.html
or the shoulder planes on this page
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-block-planes.html

Or

Colin Clenton
The adjustable squares on this page are truly exquisite
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/colen-clenton-marking-out-tools.html
These marking out gauges are a bit more expensive but also outstanding bits of kit
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/colen-clenton-marking-out-tools/colen-clenton-gauges.html

Agreed I would be very happy with any of these suggestions

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

meredith

1st April 2018, 09:56 PM

Lots of projects turn out only as good as the measurements to begin with.
I suggest you visit the Lee Valley website catalog and look at the Starrett Premium Combination Squares.
The full set can be searched as #30N31.32

Lee Valley Tools (http://www.leevalley.com/)

I've just been looking at the 4 piece set, which seems really nice - but (please excuse my ignorance) -it seems to me while some of the individual pieces are available in metric, or combination metric/imperial, this looks like the set is only available in imperial?

Midnight Man

1st April 2018, 11:44 PM

I've just been looking at the 4 piece set, which seems really nice - but (please excuse my ignorance) -it seems to me while some of the individual pieces are available in metric, or combination metric/imperial, this looks like the set is only available in imperial?

You're right. The 4 piece set comes with a 12" imperial rule. What you could do - if you wanted - would be to buy that set, then buy the 300mm rule from this page: Rules for StarrettÂ® Combination Squares - Lee Valley Tools (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=71653&cat=1,42936) - it's part number 30N03.09 for the standard finish or part number 30N31.42 for the satin chrome finish. Being in Queensland, if you're in a humid area, the satin chrome finish resists corrosion and might be worth considering.

In case it's not clear on the Lee Valley pages - you cannot buy a 300mm Starrett head (which is what's included in the kit) and use a 150mm ruler on it - the 150mm ruler is thinner, and needs a 150mm head to go with it.

If I do say so, it would be a heck of a set!

labrat

2nd April 2018, 04:12 AM

Hello Meredith,
With the tools you have already bought, a good quality block plane would seem to be the next logical tool for a person interested in more detailed work. There are many available in a range of prices. I would suggest a low angle block plane with an adjustable mouth. All of the planes I am going to mention I own and use regularly. I am a sad block plane obsessive.

The Woodriver low angle block plane that is a knock off of the old Stanley 75 complete with the knuckle joint lever cap . This is an Asian made plane that is well made and performs very well and has a blade second to none, I believe this is my favourite plane and the plane I can achieve the finest shavings with, even better than my more expensive block planes. It is presently available here in Australia from Professional Woodworking Supplies for $175 down from $235.

The next is the plane many see as the Rolls Royce of block planes suitable for mere mortals. It is the Lie Nielsen adjustable mouth block plane and it is available from Lie Nielsen tools Australia for $289

Another plane I own but tend not to use much is the low angle Veritas Block plane. It works very well but its a large and heavy plane. It is avaiable from carbatec for $252.

These are all quality planes, the Lie Nielsen is probably the best but I still prefer the Woodriver for personal use. Depend how much you want to spend. There are cheaper planes available from Artesian tools called the Luban low angle adjustable mouth block plane for $119. I do not own this plane but a friend does and he raves about it.

Keep in mind that when he gets the plane he is also going to need to sharpen it so then comes my next obsession sharpening stones and e equipment. You realise you are releasing a demon.All the best.

Kidbee

2nd April 2018, 11:50 AM

It sounds like he has the basics so in that case I'd suggest something classy from an Australian tool maker like

HNT Gordon
eg The 3/4" shoulder plane on this page (the wood in use is gidgee - a highly prized desert acacia)
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-shoulder-planes.html
or the shoulder planes on this page
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-block-planes.html

Or

Colin Clenton
The adjustable squares on this page are truly exquisite
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/colen-clenton-marking-out-tools.html
These marking out gauges are a bit more expensive but also outstanding bits of kit
https://www.hntgordon.com.au/colen-clenton-marking-out-tools/colen-clenton-gauges.html

What Bob said re the HNT Gordon 3/4" Gidgee shoulder plane. Truely Australian and craftsman made. No better birthday present in my book. He, your husband, will love you 'forever and ever Amen' getting a gift like that. Think the latter is a song title! Haha!

Besides they are such beautiful pieces that they are not out of place perched on a coffee table and a great conversation piece as well.

GraemeCook

2nd April 2018, 04:17 PM

Hello Meredith,........ I am a sad block plane obsessive.

The Woodriver low angle block plane that is a knock off of the old Stanley 75 complete with the knuckle joint lever cap . This is an Asian made plane that is well made and performs very well and has a blade second to none, I believe this is my favourite plane and the plane I can achieve the finest shavings with, even better than my more expensive block planes. It is presently available here in Australia from Professional Woodworking Supplies for $175 down from $235........

Except for the rip off pricing.

WoodRiver is an american marketing company rebranding products made by Qiangsheng in China.

The same products are also rebranded under the Luban label at roughly half that price.
https://www.finetools.com.au/collections/luban-block-planes

Cheers

Graeme

labrat

2nd April 2018, 07:41 PM

Hi Graeme,
I can see why you might believe that but I do not believe that to be correct and it is also not that simple. The only direct comparison model by model are the bench planes. The wood river block planes (Stanley 75 knock offs)are only available as a Wood river plane and they do not to my knowledge sell any of the more conventional low angled adjustable mouth block planes.From the Luban prospective there is only conventional thumbwheel type lever caps and no knuckle joint types.

I wanted to have a set of basic planes to cart around and not be too concerned about them to that end I purchased a Luban No4, a Luban side rebate block plane and a Luban bronze spokeshave . The side rebate plane was fine after a sharpen and removing some sharp edges, the spoke shave I had to flatten the bed for the blade to seat properly to get it cutting properly and the No 4 was initially a nightmare, the frog would not lock into place. the locking screws had a problem with the threads that prevented the screw fully engaging in the locking pin in the Bedrock style system. I had to run a die over the screws and a tap through the base holes. They are all working well now and are comparable to the similar Lie Nielsen models (which I also own) as far as performance goes. Both Wood River and Luban products can be made to perform just as well as the premium hand planes but there is a considerable investment in work to achieve that level of performance.

A friend of mine bought a Woodriver No3 and straight out of the box with just a clean up, sharpen and hone it was ready to go. I believe that there is a difference in the quality and the QA that the Wood river planes are put through compared to the Luban planes. They might come out of the same factory but are at a different level of finish and fit. Right now the price for a Wood River No4 and a Luban No4 are $250 Vs $199 respectively. The $51 difference might account for the need to retap threads and not to have to do anything. Comparing the cost of a Luban low angle adjustable mouth block plane V2 at $119 to a wood river is not a direct comparison as the knuckle cap is a more complex arrangement and would entail more manufacturing cost even with that it is still only about $50 more expensive than the Luban. A Lie nelson low angle block plane with adjustable mouth at $289 is double and a bit more than a Luban. I may buy a Luban low angle block plane with adjustable mouth just to see where it falls in the quality stakes. You can never have too many block planes. All the best.

jack620

2nd April 2018, 10:07 PM

Of all the tools suggested on this thread I would want the Vesper square. I have a Starrett 300mm satin chrome square and it gets used every time I walk into my workshop. I use it for measuring and marking timber and metal, and for setting table saw blade and router table bit height. It’s far and away the most useful tool in my workshop.

safari

2nd April 2018, 10:36 PM

I have both the LNT Gordon 3/4" shoulder plane and the Wood River block plane and agree with other posters that either on would make a fantastic present.

GraemeCook

2nd April 2018, 11:40 PM

Hi Labrat

I think we shall agree to disagree on this one.

I must have been lucky with Luban - all of mine were usable out of the box - all responded to a polishing of the soles and backs of the blades - no real flattening needed. Still have not done anything on the beds.

Collection includes:

Bronze no 1 smoother (brilliant)
Bronze no 4 smoother
Low angle jack plane
Low angle adjustable mouth block plane
Rebate block plane
Two bronze spokeshaves - large and small
Wheel gage

The only one that I have difficulties with is also the no 4 - frog is fine but the blade adjuster is not smooth and is placed too far from the tote for my hand size. A work in progress.

Also have LV and LN stuff - I rate Luban at 90% of their quality at half the price.

Cheers

Graeme

Fumbler

3rd April 2018, 03:05 AM

Why not go a shooting plane, everyone needs one. Just have to figure out left hand or right hand as the price is different

https://www.carbatec.com.au/handtools-and-handplanes/handplanes/bench-planes/veritas-rh-shooting-plane

Luke Maddux

3rd April 2018, 03:42 AM

I think that the Colen Clinton square is a great idea. Distinctly Australian, superb quality, heirloom tool.

In lieu of that, perhaps a high quality, versatile block plane, like the Lie Nielsen 102? I know that many woodworkers who are more geared toward power tools tend to get a lot of use out of block planes, so I think your husband could benefit from one. My uncle, a decidedly "power tool guy" loves his.

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/small-block-planes

Or maybe a nice shop apron from another local maker, Blue and Grae:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueandGrae

Good luck. He's likely to get something great!

Cheers,
Luke

AlexS

3rd April 2018, 08:44 AM

I'd be happy to receive any of the Chris Vesper, HNT Gordon or Colen Clenton tools. They are all well made and a joy to use. However, thinking outside the box, are there any short courses in your area, similar to the Sturt Winter Schools (http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/education/winter-school), that he would like?

labrat

3rd April 2018, 12:15 PM

Hi Graeme, I do agree with your statement about the Luban stuff being 90% as good as the premium brands, I contend that the other 10% is the flattening of the spoke shave bed and the re tapping of threads etc.

I have included a couple of pics one is of the tray of Luban planes I cart around with me and the other is some of my block plane obsession or that part that does not include the Stanley or Record block planes.Sorry about the rust, high humidity takes a toll, I'll fix that today. All the best.

432851432850

Mr Brush

3rd April 2018, 06:49 PM

I'm with BobL.....HNT Gordon are locally made tools, exquisitely crafted, and they work brilliantly. True heirloom quality.

If he only has large handplanes, how about an HNT Gordon block plane in gidgee?

https://www.hntgordon.com.au/gidgee-block-planes/product/51-gidgee-block-plane-ts-blade.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4R4Zlmtcz0

Sawdust Maker

3rd April 2018, 09:24 PM

Get a Vesper sliding bevel

https://www.vespertools.com.au/sliding-bevels/blackwood-infilled-sliding-bevels/

Hubby might already have a sliding bevel but he won't have one that doesn't change it's angle when you look at it

Nobody has mentioned saws (except japanese pull saws)
you haven't lived until you've used a well set up and sharpened handsaw

I have a bad axe tenon saw (Bad Axe Tool Works - Services and Tools for the Discriminating Woodworker (http://www.badaxetoolworks.com/))
I've the 16" (400 mm) which I find an absolute pleasure to use.

Alternatively there are a couple of chaps on the forum who make saws - they might make one for you
There's also a chap up Qld way who restores older vintage saws - they are also a pleasure to use

DaveVman

3rd April 2018, 10:57 PM

I think the training course idea is a stroke of genius. We can all agree WE would like the tools suggested however the reality is that everyone has different priorities for tools. A course will give him inspiration and also help him decide on priorities. It's also the sort of thing that many guys never get around to buying for themselves. Above all you mentioned that he doesn't get much time to do it so with a course you are not just giving him the course but also encouraging him to take the time to indulge his hobby. It's like a gift that gives twice.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

BobL

3rd April 2018, 11:33 PM

Somehow I doubt you will get much of a useful course for the OPs budget of a couple of hundred $.

Luke Maddux

4th April 2018, 02:08 AM

It's probably worth noting that Chris Vesper doesn't usually stock tools, and isn't the type of guy to agree to a rush order. Even if the OP fell in love with his stuff and had to have it, it's not terribly likely he could produce the tool in time for the gift anyway. My understanding is that he's somewhat caught up on his backlog following his shop move, so I could be wrong, but that's a fairly serious consideration if she decides to go that route.

smidsy

4th April 2018, 05:10 AM

If you ever need a stocking filler I just bought one of these roofers squares (small enough for general woodwork) from Bunnings and I love it.
Less than $20, made in america from one piece aluminium and thick enough to use as a router or saw guide.

432910

labrat

4th April 2018, 08:40 AM

Be careful of these building squares, I bought a couple for a jig idea I had, only to find that they were in fact not square. The two square sides were of slightly different lengths. Put back to back on a stone reference plate there was a 2mm gap at the bottom with the top touching.Then putting the two "45 degree" sides together it was only vertical when the two inaccuracies in those "45 degree" sides were placed so that they cancelled each other out. They are now land fill.All the best/

erdemonol

4th April 2018, 02:06 PM

Carbatec started offering gift cards recently: https://www.carbatec.com.au/gift-cards

It would be super hard for you to know what he exactly needs. So it might be better to go with a gift card. Just another option.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Kidbee

5th April 2018, 09:50 AM

Also this site for second hand tools. Think it is based in Caloundra Qld.

https://www.toolexchange.com.au

And Meredith don't forget to tell us all what you eventually decided to buy for your hubby.

seneilsen

5th April 2018, 12:41 PM

I know you say you are looking for hand tools, but what about some consumables. Things like sandpaper, and glue and screws. These are the things that are always welcome in my household as you always seems to be out of something just when you need it. Also, if he has a tablesaw, what about a magnetic digital angle gauge. Very handy. Or some safety gear like a quality respirator face mask.

meredith

6th April 2018, 10:44 AM

Wow- thanks so much everyone - I think I have enough ideas here to last for gift ideas for the next few years!! I really appreciate the time you've all taken in giving me suggestions.
For anyone who's interested, I've just ordered the Starrett combination square 4piece set in the metric/imperial version. Places in the US only seemed to have imperial, but I found in the UK they were more likely to have the metric options. Then next challenge was finding a place that didn't charge 90 pounds in postage!
Anyway - it's on it's way now.
Fingers crossed
:)

jack620

6th April 2018, 11:34 AM

Good choice. I hope he loves it as much as I love mine.

Midnight Man

6th April 2018, 08:08 PM

Then next challenge was finding a place that didn't charge 90 pounds in postage!

If you don't mind us prying, it'd be helpful to know where you were able to source it - I for one should probably get myself a good combination square, and the fact that the Lee Vally unit was imperial by default and needed an additional item to be bought caused me to pause... maybe it's a good thing I did!

Sawdust Maker

6th April 2018, 08:14 PM

Wow- thanks so much everyone - I think I have enough ideas here to last for gift ideas for the next few years!! ...

Ask us this time next year and you will probably get wildly different responses - except maybe the classic style of tool

meredith

6th April 2018, 09:37 PM

If you don't mind us prying, it'd be helpful to know where you were able to source it - I for one should probably get myself a good combination square, and the fact that the Lee Vally unit was imperial by default and needed an additional item to be bought caused me to pause... maybe it's a good thing I did!

Sure - I found it in a few places, my first choice would have been this place - https://www.hroberts-di.com/all-metrology-c49/engineers-squares-c186/starrett-435m-300-combination-square-set-300mm-p5622 for metric only, or metric/imperial https://www.hroberts-di.com/all-metrology-c49/engineers-squares-c186/starrett-435me-300-combination-square-set-300mm-12-p5624
but the salesman I spoke to said they can't send through British Mail, they had to use TNT couriers which was 97 pounds. He said however that he would be willing to package it up and I could organise my own delivery, he even sent me links to companies they've had other customers use, being https://www.parcel2go.com/ (https://www.parcel2go.com/)and https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/ (https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/)- really helpful guy, but as it turned out they were out of stock and it would be a 4 week wait so.... I kept on looking.

Finally found it here - https://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Starrett/430.html - where postage was still about 50 pounds, but it was the best I could find so went for it. Should be about $260 AUD give or take after MasterCard takes their cut with conversions and fees etc.
Haven't received it yet, but I have a tracking number that shows it's on it's way. They are still showing 2 in stock if anyone is interested. I suspect it might have been less postage going through the first option, but I didn't get quotes so can't say for sure.

I'm really looking forward to his birthday :) Thanks again

johnbclay

9th April 2018, 10:24 PM

How about a biscuit jointer? I don't know where you are, but I bought quite a good one from Aldi for about 50 bucks. That's 3 years ago. It's not something you'd use a lot, but very handy when you want to join boards to make a panel, such as a table top. Good for making cupboards too.

ian

10th April 2018, 02:57 AM

If you don't mind us prying, it'd be helpful to know where you were able to source it - I for one should probably get myself a good combination square, and the fact that the Lee Vally unit was imperial by default and needed an additional item to be bought caused me to pause... maybe it's a good thing I did!

Sure - I found it in a few places, my first choice would have been this place - https://www.hroberts-di.com/all-metrology-c49/engineers-squares-c186/starrett-435m-300-combination-square-set-300mm-p5622 for metric only, or metric/imperial https://www.hroberts-di.com/all-metrology-c49/engineers-squares-c186/starrett-435me-300-combination-square-set-300mm-12-p5624
but the salesman I spoke to said they can't send through British Mail, they had to use TNT couriers which was 97 pounds. He said however that he would be willing

Finally found it here - https://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Starrett/430.html - where postage was still about 50 pounds, but it was the best I could find so went for it. Should be about $260 AUD give or take after MasterCard takes their cut with conversions and fees etc.

I'm really looking forward to his birthday :) Thanks againwhile congratulating you on your choice, can I offer a word of caution.

In my experience the metric/imperial rules are not particularly useful.
while the imperial rule measures inches and fractions from both ends, the metric rule only measures one way. The other end zeros at 304.8mm meaning that it's very difficult to easily and accurately measure any length from that end.

I discovered this flaw with an inexpensive rule, so when I could afford a Starrett, I made sure to buy separate imperial and metric rules.

meredith

10th April 2018, 10:33 AM

while congratulating you on your choice, can I offer a word of caution.

In my experience the metric/imperial rules are not particularly useful.
while the imperial rule measures inches and fractions from both ends, the metric rule only measures one way. The other end zeros at 304.8mm meaning that it's very difficult to easily and accurately measure any length from that end.

I discovered this flaw with an inexpensive rule, so when I could afford a Starrett, I made sure to buy separate imperial and metric rules.

You might be right- I guess we'll see soon enough. At least with this kit, if it's really a pain I can buy the metric blade separately to compliment it - in which case I'd get it in the better finish - so it would even be an upgrade. I was trying to avoid the extra expense but we'll see how things go. Thanks for the warning - I'll bear it in mind.

derekcohen

10th April 2018, 11:56 AM

Meredith, your decision to get the Starrett combination square was an inspired choice. This is something that I use all the time. I use both Imperial and Metric interchangeably, and have a blade with both. This gets used a lot. One gets used to using it upside down and inside out :) I also have dedicated Metric and Imperial blades, and these are used on a second Starrett combination square. As Ian noted, it is all about preferences. Bottom line however, you cannot go wrong with your choice. It is a life time gift.

Regards from Perth

Derek