Thread: Places to buy hand tools

Rover, I'd say that this thread will happen again in the first quarter of next year, if you are not in a crushing hurry. There would be people in Melbourne that would be happy to show off some tools to you, I'm quite​ sure.

Thanks FF, I will keep my eye open for that next year.

I am still interested if there are any shops/stores in Melbourne.

Cheers.

I'd suggest Carbatec. Their Melbourne store is at:

80-82 Osbourne Ave,
Springvale.

I've only even visited their NZ store. I found their prices to be very, very expensive. But their Aussie stores may be better priced. The NZ store (last time I visited back in 2009) was charging NZ GST on top of Aussie GST (and I'm not that keen on paying GST once, if I don't have to, let alone twice).

Cheers, Vann.

Lee Valley Tools

Why bother leaving the shed ?

Originally Posted by Sam

Lee Valley Tools

Why bother leaving the shed ?

Funny you should mention that Sam, I'll be sending you some info later about them.

Hi Rover3011,
This Coming Tues. Night, 20th. Nov. 2012. " The Hand Tool Preservation Assoc. Of Aust. " are holding their Meeting at 370 Station Street, Box Hill, Box Hill, Community Centre, & there will be Tools there for Sale. If you were there by 6.45pm. you will get a good look at what is for sale.
Prices are very reasonable.
4 of us come from Geelong, & the Speaker is to Show us all his Scissors. There will be upwards of 50 People there, mostly Men, but a few Ladies as well.
Meeting Starts at 7.30pm.

Vann, thanks mate, I will check them out, although Springvale is a long way from home!

Sam, yep that site is great but I just want to get a feel of what I am buying.

Issatree, thanks for that, I will try and get out to Box Hill on Tuesday, although it sounds a bit intimidating!

Thanks guys.

Just on the Lee Valley website, do you guys rate the Narex chisels?

Originally Posted by rover3011

Just on the Lee Valley website, do you guys rate the Narex chisels?

I think you'll find that the responses will be "great value for money - you get a bit more than you pay for, but you won't get the best so don't expect it". Sounds to me like they are the pick of the middle bracket.

Originally Posted by rover3011

Just on the Lee Valley website, do you guys rate the Narex chisels?

Have a look here. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f171/r...hisels-132119/

Thanks FF and NCA.

That is a really useful post NC, are you still happy with them?

Yeah, no regrets on those ones. I don't plan on upgrading any time soon.
I think most Narex owners are happy with them. There are much better chisels out there but not at the price of the Narex.

Carba tec are ok on price and they have a good range of chisels
also why buy overseas if you can get local, the veritas chisels ( from lee valley) are sold by carbatec
also look at lie nielsen australia

look at the japanese chisels while you are there
also a new place is japanese tools .com.au.

having said that i have bought from lee valley, they are good

I am also a big fan of the Narex.

I don't really recommend Carbatec, my consistent experience has been that a few of the staff are incredibly rude and the catalogue only vaguely reflects what's actually in stock. Of course I speak only for myself - I know many forum members feel differently - and there are one or two wonderful staff. Still, I'll always use them as a last resort now. Lee Valley (online) have amazing customer service.

You should also consider both the toolexchange website and the Hans Brunner website. Google them. Both stock a great range of old tools and will always be able to rustle up bits and pieces on request.

Another wholehearted recommendation is Stu's website, toolsfromjapan.com. His prices are usually the lowest and he only sells tools he recommends, if that makes sense. He is extremely generous with his knowledge, and is something of a sharpening expert (and sells a huge range of sharpening gear).

There is also the Woodworking Book and Tool Company (online). They are often expensive but have a fantastic range and staff that are very knowledgeable about hand tools.

That said Carbatec are the cheapest suppliers of Veritas gear in Australia, usually (when it is in stock). Veritas stuff is awesome.