Sad day for my Dad

**Peter57** · 14th April 2013, 09:41 PM

Hey guys,

I seldom post, but often read this part of the forum. Now I'm posting hoping that you will be able to help me help my dad out.

Dad's in his late 70's and was a carpenter by trade, as was his father before him. From as early as I can remember he was in the garage working on something.

Well, last Friday an electrical fault caused the shed to catch alight and it was totally destroyed. Fortunately he was on a rare break from shed duties due to an eye operation a few days earlier so he wasn't hurt. But along with the shed went a lifetime of tools and memories. He had all of the tools from his apprenticeship and a lot of my grandfather's tools as well - although over the past few years he had given some of my grandfather's tools to me so they are safe (Now I wish I had said yes more often when he regularly said take ...... with you it was grandpa's).

We're still waiting for the insurance assessors to inspect the debris but it seems they don't work weekends. So we can't really see what may have been saved but I know a lot has gone. His favorite chisels (all razor sharp Bergs of course) were right in the heart of the fire so I expect they will have lost their temper. I know his Stanley #4 1/2 is also trashed - It too was in the heart of the fire.

So I suppose the first question is do you think I'm right - the heat will have wrecked the plane (warping I suspect). I know the handles are gone, but they are easy to replace. Will the body be suitable for restoration?

With the Bergs, do you think they may be salvageable? Some still have charred handles so I'm hoping they haven't been heated too much. If they are salvageable, does anybody have some Berg wooden handles that they'd like to sell me? I'd love to just take the burnt chisels home and clean them and restore them for him.

Advice gratefully accepted. Has anybody had this happen and what did you do to save some lifelong friends?

cheers,
Peter

**wheelinround** · 14th April 2013, 10:02 PM

This I guess along with theft is something we all fear sorry to hear this has happened.

The tempering may have been effected but this doesn't mean it can not be re-tempered. The handles new ones can always be made or as you have asked possibly replaced. The plane it could now be brittle as glass but it also maybe ok as for the twist only looking and checking will tell replacment parts will soon have it looking No1 sorry No4 1/2 again.

What of other tools of the vintage type, insurance co may class them well below value.

**BobL** · 14th April 2013, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by Peter57

. . . . along with the shed went a lifetime of tools and memories.

That is indeed very sad to hear.

His favorite chisels (all razor sharp Bergs of course) were right in the heart of the fire so I expect they will have lost their temper.

It won't be just their temper, in fires like that they will most likely have lost their hardness so they will need re-hardening and then tempering.

I'ts definitely possible to restore them but you will need an experienced amateur or a quality professional to get them back to what they were.

**fletty** · 14th April 2013, 10:11 PM

Stay in touch Peter, keep this thread going especially if we end up needing to offer more than just advice.

fletty

**Cliff Rogers** · 14th April 2013, 10:23 PM

Bugger.

**specialist** · 14th April 2013, 10:37 PM

That's really bad, it's one of my greatest fears that my shed will burn. I feel for you both.

**Clinton1** · 14th April 2013, 10:42 PM

Bugger

Sorry mate, but (worst case scenario) if the shed burnt, then I reckon all the tools wil be stuffed.

I hope that the insurance comes through and your dad can let loose on ebay, and the other tool sellers, to replace his stuff. It will do nothing for the lost history for you, but I hope that your dad can pursue what ever makes him happy.

That unhappy viewpoint said.... and low expectations set....

Some basic tools, like the chisels, may be able to be re-tempered and replacing handles can be done but most tools will be beyond salvage, e.g. cast iron plane bodies.

I'd suggest that you focus on the insurance and your dads morale, and then pick over the bones of the shed and post some pics. The pics, and descriptions, will allow members to suggest what may be restored.
Maybe some restored tools will make your dad happy? (but set low expectations

)

In the meantime, giving your dad back some of the tools he gave you may be a start.

It is a bugger.... how is your dads morale?
(I hope he is rubbing his hands together and planning the new shed and its layout.... I really do, but I suspect that he feels sad.)

What a bugger.

**Scott** · 14th April 2013, 11:22 PM

My thoughts are with you and your Father.

**Peter57** · 14th April 2013, 11:28 PM

Thanks guys,

Dad was pretty upset when it happened and has opted out of dealing with the insurance side of it. Seems that's what sons are for.
I had a friend have a lot of his tools stolen a while ago and the replacement stuff was crap because he wasn't specific about brands, model, etc. So right now I'm scouring the internet to find the exact details of lots of his power tools. The hand tools will take a while longer - I'll need to identify and catalog them as we start the clean -up. One good thing though, I noticed a few drawers under his bench are not burnt so I'm hoping the stuff in them is OK. One of his prized possessions - a pair of 1942 US army commando wire cutter usually lived in those drawers.

On the bright side of it, he's talking about his new shed and the fact that he'll no longer have to put up with my 1951 Mercedes (also a total loss) taking up valuable garage space.

cheers,
Peter

**wheelinround** · 15th April 2013, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Peter57

Thanks guys,

Dad was pretty upset when it happened and has opted out of dealing with the insurance side of it. Seems that's what sons are for.
I had a friend have a lot of his tools stolen a while ago and the replacement stuff was crap because he wasn't specific about brands, model, etc. So right now I'm scouring the internet to find the exact details of lots of his power tools. The hand tools will take a while longer - I'll need to identify and catalog them as we start the clean -up. One good thing though, I noticed a few drawers under his bench are not burnt so I'm hoping the stuff in them is OK. One of his prized possessions - a pair of 1942 US army commando wire cutter usually lived in those drawers.

On the bright side of it, he's talking about his new shed and the fact that he'll no longer have to put up with my 1951 Mercedes (also a total loss) taking up valuable garage space.

cheers,
Peter

Peter sorry for your loss nice vehicle was it restored or a WiP

**Berlin** · 15th April 2013, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by fletty

Stay in touch Peter, keep this thread going especially if we end up needing to offer more than just advice.

fletty

Really feel for you and your father, Peter. I know there's no replacing memories but if there are any odd bits that you can't find post here and I'm sure the hive will do it's best to find a suitable replacement.

Matt

**Christos** · 15th April 2013, 11:48 AM

Now that is very sad to hear about this.

**Ozziespur** · 15th April 2013, 01:35 PM

So sorry to read your post Peter however it could've been so much worse had your Dad been home at the time.

Good luck with the insurance and the salvaging operation. Keep us updated on how you & your Dad are getting on.

Cheers, Scott

**Peter57** · 15th April 2013, 02:01 PM

What is it about insurance companies? Had a call from the assessor today, will come and inspect tomorrow. That's no problems as it was the only mutually convenient time. Then the questioning:

what started the fire?
where's the fire reports?
have you had anybody do electrical work there recently?
Don't move anything until we inspect it.
We may want our own independent fire inspector to review the site.
It's hard to know what power tools you really had unless we can check the manuals (duh! - they were paper and in the garage).

I think it's going to be a long battle with them.

Wheelin - the Merc was a WIP. Body was Ok and primed with a white protective coat, interior redone just waiting for the $ to sort the motor out. So now I think it'll be destined for a more radical treatment as it's not worth full restoration anymore. The metal is thick enough that it wasn't buckled but the paint is burnt. So now what to do with it? It would be a shame to see it end up in the recycle bin.

I'm thinking something like this would work
http://files.mercedes-fans.de/images...03519eac05.jpg

but right now it looks more like this (sans engine and sweet looking graphic)

http://files.mercedes-fans.de/galler...939-170-vo.jpg

cheers,
Peter

**Sawdust Maker** · 15th April 2013, 03:22 PM

That's a real bugger

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