Thread: Wanted, someone to evaluate my fathers extensive timber and tools collection

Hi Eugene, welcome to the forums.

It sounds like your father had quite a woodworking collection. Since it is quite large there's really a few areas of knowledge that don't often overlap adequately, that is, the timber experts out there, and the machinery blokes, and then the hand tool collectors.

I could certainly help with value of hand tools and some machinery but not the timber. But I'm sure there's someone who could hit the trifecta, if not let me know.

Good luck,
Vaughan

I've been called in a few times to review deceased estate tools/machines/materials etc.

The tools and machines are easier to value since on-line prices can provide some indication although it can rely on knowing the fine detail vagaries of model numbers and the extent of accessories to properly value items. Also bear in mind that online prices can be inflated so don't build up your hopes too high just based on these prices.

The timber is harder to evaluate because it's harder to obtain comparison prices especially for smaller sized pieces and species unknown. For construction sized timber in good condition or used timber online prices can be a start. Also small amounts are much harder to value and reduces the value for most timber. I'd say unless there is a minimum of say 1/10 cubic metre of wood of a specific species available for sale then that will deflate the price.

Having a knowledgable person to provide advice is a very sensible approach.

Welcome to the forum Eugene.

I've sent you an email Eugene

Welcome to the forum Eugene.

Hi Eugene;

Sad to hear of your father's demise; it's a common concern amongst this community of what to do with our tools when we pass. Like Vaughan (Dubrosa22) I'm more than happy to assist with hand and power tools; hand planes in particular.

In any case I'll send you an email with my details.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, i have made contact with a few locals who are willing to help. thanks again for the help, i will post up some pictures tomorrow afternoon as im working tonight and people are welcome to offer there opinions on items pictured.

Kind regards

Eugene

Be wary of the vultures. There's a fair few unscrupulous tool collectors out there that love to pounce on estate sales of the unsuspecting... One way to weed out the vultures is to find someone, or two, that will help you valuate and describe the tools without trying to buy them off you. The moment they start asking if you're selling send them on their way, and assume their valuations are garbage.

Just don't sell them for what he told your mother he paid for them.

Available if required. Fifty years in the timber industry.

generally when we like a post it means we agree.
In this case there are a couple who have mentioned they would be willing to help you out.
These guys have been around the forum and very trustworthy.

Firstly, sincere condolences for your loss.

Quite a few of us have assisted families and widows / widowers to disburse a lifetimes treasures, with the more genuine among us not seeking any reward for our efforts. Unfortunately there will always a few who will attempt to seek advantage from others in a time of grief. The mere fact you have to sort through your fathers treasured tool and wood collections will rekindle all sorts of emotions and at times waves of grief. Unless there is some urgency to clear a property I sincerely recommend that you take some time to understand the true value of the collection.

Also be realistic, depending upon the items and extent of the collection there may be some items that are frankly not worth the effort to move on through online sales and the traditional channels. Sadly you may also face the unfortunate situation that despite the tools and machines being from very reputable brands and still quite functional that there may be very limited interest in them, or none at all.

However as many of us have also experienced there are also true diamonds to be found that will have significant value - to the right collector. Finding that match may take some time. Sadly I have seen many a wood stash that may have had significant value once, but not now due to poor storage and degrade. The same happens with machinery that has sat unmaintained and exposed to dust and moisture.

One such request I received a few years ago revealed a trove of well loved fully functional Wadkin wood working machinery, normally found in Gov't workshops etc, in a suburban back yard. (Please note the machines all found a good home.)

On a good friends passing a couple of decades ago, an avid collector of vintage motorcycles, he had meticulously cataloged his MC and parts collections and had a spreadsheet with columns - "To go to" right through to "never to go to these ba$tards in any circumstance."

Just a quick thought or two.
And no I’m not interested in being involved I’ve done half a dozen for mates and I’m over it.
The local Sydney tool collectors club is having a member’s and friends tool sale in May at Marsfield.
This a small sale probably only 20 or so tables of tools.
Mainly woodworking stuff.
Why don’t you come along to the sale to get an idea of what prices the sellers are asking and getting for tools.
Theres lots of experts out there but seeing a sale and doing a bit of research for sold items on eBay will give you a better picture.
If there are a lot of tools and they appear to be valuable you could have a table or two at the clubs big sale next February which would be held at the Thornleigh Brick pit basketball court.
This is quite a big sale with hundreds of buyers and usually 50 plus tables of tools.
The internet has greatly impacted the sales since I started them 35 years ago when we had 800 or so buyers.
Its all cash and carry no endless back and forth on the net and then posting off after getting paid.
H.

Beware of vultures.

I see it all the time on Gumtree. Its sickening.

Since you are at Wentworth Falls (I know it well!) what about Brett? @FenceFurniture