Tool Talk
What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: desertjim on October 04, 2011, 11:09:32 AM
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Hi All, I just joined the forum this morning. I'm retired and just "piddle" around, mostly. Have a wood working shop, and I may even make something one of these days.
I recently acquired a leather punch from Whitney Metal Tool Company, Rockford, Il.
On the little center rod it has the 5-7. On the other side of the rod it says "Whitney-Jensen".
On the main piece it says Made in USA and the number18.
On the other side there is the letter W in a CIRCLE.
On the lever handle it has 5-2.
Just wondered if anyone might know what period this tool was made.
Does it have any value as a "collective" or "antique" piece?
Many Thanks,
Jim
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It is actually a sheet metal punch. They are still in business as Roper-Whitney I believe.
Not sure as to vintage, but probably somewhere between 1930's to 1950's. May be later.
Most value is as a user tool, if all the dies are with it. You can still buy the dies for that type punch on their website.
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They came in a case with a set of 4 or 6 dies of different sizes. There should be a depth stop attached to the screw at the back of the jaw opening. They come in handy when working with sheet metal and other light gage materials.
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It is actually a sheet metal punch. They are still in business as Roper-Whitney I believe.
Not sure as to vintage, but probably somewhere between 1930's to 1950's. May be later.
Most value is as a user tool, if all the dies are with it. You can still buy the dies for that type punch on their website.
That is what it is, I have two sets...
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>Does it have any value as a "collective" or "antique" piece?
I would say not much, but, those things are rather pricey new, and there always seem to be people looking for them...
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I would love to have another, if it had the dies to go with it. Then I could have two different sizes in use on one project!
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I have a tool dealer/friend who just sold one of those at the flea market this weekend. It had the metal case and 6 or 7 dies. I have sold those in the past for 35.00 to 45.00.
I have seen Chinese copies at the flea market. I would guess you could get those at Harbor Freight.
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Why would anyone want to get them at HF?? Be patient, watch auctions, tag sales, etc & get a useable set. They don't seem to go for much. If you are going to use them, the $35-$45 isn't unreasonable, but probably higher than I would pay. Over the years I completed a set out of several partials. They are quicker than a drill for sheet metal work- even give cleaner holes. They're something I use semi-regularly. After I lost my Dad in 06, I found a complete primo set in his rollaway. One of those priceless possessions. Someday, I need to tag these thing so my sons will know where I got some of my stuff and why its so important to me. Back to the punch set, if you use them, you will like them. I can't say that about a Harbor Freight set. Also, some of the Whitney sets date back to WWII- will a HF set last that long?
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... Also, some of the Whitney sets date back to WWII- will a HF set last that long?
They won't last near that long but I'm sure some them go back that far as scrap, something cheap, scrap again, something else cheap, scrap again...
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>something cheap, scrap again, something else
That's what the sign means that says 'Weekly Special'
Last week this tool was a shovel, the week before it was a sledgehammer, the week before that a Volkswagon...