Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: appertwoodcraft on November 03, 2012, 06:54:54 AM
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Hello all - I am a cabinetmaker and furniture maker from Minnesota, working on a reproduction of an antique tool chest. I'm trying to fill the chest with identical period tools where possible, and I could use some help identifying a certain wrench. It is listed simply as adjustable 3" wrench on the original chest's inventory. I was hoping to get some expert help with first identifying, and possibly locating a match.
I appreciate your time in looking at my post, and will be very grateful for any help you can give.
Thank you,
Nick Appert
Appert Woodcraft
p.s. these three pictures are the best i have so far, i will post better ones if i can find some.
(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b512/nickyzz2/Studley_1280x960.jpg)(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b512/nickyzz2/3adjustablewrench2.jpg)(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b512/nickyzz2/3adjustablewrench.jpg)
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Building a Studley copy?
...Rob
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I see you recognize it! Yes, something to obsess over for years, drive my wife batty, and hopefuly one day hang in my shop.
Nick
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Sounds like a fun project. Have you started already? How far along are you?
...Rob
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Just made the final decision to do it last week. Want to acquire as many of the tools as I can before beginning constructing the chest. So far I've been more successful that I had initially hoped. About half of the tools will be findable, about 1/4 I'll make myself, (such as the set of 4 ebony & brass marking gauges, the rosewood handled brad awls, the matching chisel handles, and the brass-bound mallet). And the last 1/4 of the tools will be very difficult. That Stanley #1 plane never sells for less than $1500 when you find one. I expect the ebony and brass bow drill and the ebony handled Archimedian screwdriver to be a real pain. The combination lock mortised into the case side could be impossible, but I have a thread to follow thanks to some lock experts on another message board. I also have a vise collector who may be willing to part with his Prentiss 2" Machinists & Jeweler's vise. (fingers crossed)
So - I anticipate beginning the fabrication of the case itself in a year or two, and spending one very long time fitting the tools in their ebony with mother-of-pearl inlaid cradles. It will be a very long project, but I'm fond of saying a woodworker must exercise his patience as diligently as he sharpens his tools.
-Nick
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I found this study of the Studley toolchest empty.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lostartpress/sets/72157627720141765/show/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lostartpress/sets/72157627720141765/show/)
It was part of this article.
http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/10/08/h-o-studley-empty-and-awesome/ (http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/10/08/h-o-studley-empty-and-awesome/)
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I found those as well when I was researching the chest, awesome! Did you see that the Lost Art Press are producing the book about the chest? Out sometime next year?
Nick
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The wrench looks like a Tower & Lyon "Gem" wrench. Can't find a picture of mine, but here is a picture from a Jim Bode auction-
(http://www.jimbodetools.com/images/products/111951.jpg)
Prices are all over the spectrum depending on may things. Jim wants high dollar. Mine didn't cost me near that much.
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I think you're right, THANK YOU PAWPAW!
Happy Nick
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I've studied the Studley chest, but for me to attempt to copy it, the project is just too daunting. Best of luck in your pursuit of this project. Wasn't it written up, how many years he worked on the chest? I'd just like to see it in person some day. Next time I see a poster of it, I'm going to buy one.
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John, thanks for your kind wishes. Here's where you get the Studley Poster:
http://store.finewoodworking.com/the-studley-tool-chest-poster-011083.html (http://store.finewoodworking.com/the-studley-tool-chest-poster-011083.html)
Regards,
Nick
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You already probably have seen the short write up that was in the Smithsonian magazine several years ago.
It wasn't a very long article, but it was nice to see it in a magazine.
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Hey thanks! I did a quick search for "smithsonian magazine studley" and got nothing, but I will be able to find a local library with back issues and check out the article then.
Thanks for the tip!
Nick
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There is a Studley article in the February 1991 issue. It may not be the one you are thinking of though.
And, a link to the Fine Woodworking article 1993. http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/studley_1993_tool_chest_article.htm
And a very short video, but you get to see some of the panels lifted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9QaFTI2F9c
There is a second video, also very short but it makes reference to a production by lostartpress.com that is to be coming in 2013 which looks like it may offer more detail. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu6UbIPchxM&feature=endscreen
I think the lostartpress.com production is to be titled: “Virtuoso: The Toolbox of Henry O. Studley.”, article here:
http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/10/08/h-o-studley-empty-and-awesome/
Here are a few close up pictures of the chest empty:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lostartpress/sets/72157627720141765/show/
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That Stanley #1 plane never sells for less than $1500 when you find one.
I bought a Stanley #1 at a PA flea market for $200 not too long ago.
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I bought a Stanley #1 at a PA flea market for $200 not too long ago.
Would you like to sell it?
Nick
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Hey thanks! I did a quick search for "smithsonian magazine studley" and got nothing, but I will be able to find a local library with back issues and check out the article then.
Thanks for the tip!
Nick
I think the Studley chest was featured in the Object At Hand column in the back of the magazine.
I've been an avid reader for years and years, often consuming books and good magazines very quickly. I don't always remember when/where I've read something, so forgive me if I'm mistaken.
I had never seen or heard of the Studley tool box before that article, but I was was in awe.
At any rate, the article was short, most likely one page. You can probably find more on the internet about the box than what was in the article.
As well, I've been known to buy old issues of Smithsonian Magazine, so it is not completely and entirely out of the question that I bought an old 1991 issue at a local flea market.
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That Stanley #1 plane never sells for less than $1500 when you find one.
I bought a Stanley #1 at a PA flea market for $200 not too long ago.
Mine came from a garage sale for $3.50. They're still out there, keep looking. :-)
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Here is a T & L wrench on ebay. The bad news is it is our old friend 21shark. The good news is it has a 'Make Offer' button. He might sell it reasonably.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Near-Mint-TOWER-LYON-4-1-2-inch-Gem-Wrench-/330810448138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d05d6d90a (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Near-Mint-TOWER-LYON-4-1-2-inch-Gem-Wrench-/330810448138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d05d6d90a)