Fantastic Toolmaker Tools

We take a look at some really interesting toolmaker made tools. Sine bars, Vee Blocks, Wee Blocks, Squareness comparator, Blocking blocks, parallels and more.

[pjchandler]

THANKYOU, I WORKED IN L.A. IN 1963-64. I WAS A TOOOLMAKER FROM THE U.K. GREAT TIMES AND GREAT AMERICAN TOOLMAKERS.MANY THANKS

[toolsconsumables]

For those with an engineering background; it's an absolute joy to see these tools made with utmost precision. To me that's where the beauty lies as well as being above all else functional. I hope you can convince this fine gentleman to demonstrate his skill acquired over a lifetime. I am sure it'll be enlightening to all. Keep it up & well done. Kind regards.

[JunkMikesWorld]

Very cool! I have a friend who is a retired tool and die maker who is also a builder of hot rods, like myself. He often needs pieces welded or machined for his projects and I help him out and he gives me tools in return. He has given me a number of pieces that he made as an apprentice. I am quite honored that he has let me have these things.

Thanks for sharing!

All the best!

Mike

[semidemiurge]

Please try and get Steve to visit your shop and do an interview as he obviously is an exceptionally skilled machinist that has some stories an techniques to share.

[davidangelico]

Thanks for this great video. I am a Home Shop Machinist and tool collector. I've never worked professionally in the trade but I'm quite good at what I accomplish and am always learning something new from books, videos and personal relationships. I have 65 year old Clausing Lathe and mill that I've rebuilt after purchase at sales. I love making tools for my use or for someone else. I'm amazed at the work old timers have done and am always on the lookout for their tools that are for sale. My tool boxes have the names of many deceased machinists and tool makers. I'm proud to own them and use them to continue the life they were created for.

[johnmcdonnell]

WOW! Those tools are just awesome! Glad to see a master machinist get them and hope to see them used in your future videos!

[Wyllie]

Love seeing this sorta of stuff. I’m in my 30’s and I’m still amazed at some of the stuff old school toolmakers make.

[johnbazaar]

Hi Tom.
It's so cool to see the work of someone who thinks just a little differently.
Thanks for showing us these tools.
Thanks,
John

[CharlieParker]

watching this video takes me back to the late 70's when i was an apprentce and making Toolmakers clams, V blocks ans stirrups, scribe tools and cold chisels all as test pieces thank you for bringing back the fond

[PNEKarl]

That v-block blew me away! There was skilful thought into that design. A credit to Steve.

[BrickTactical]

These are really neat! Very very few people appreciate the amount of time and thinking that went into making these.

[SuperYtviewer]

Thank you for sharing the history of the tool, and more importantly the history of the man who mad the tools. The latter is lost all too many times. - Annie

[revhods]

I'm a retired Machinist, and its nice to see tooling made by other craftsmen.

[andrewvida]

The work reminds me of my father's. He was an instrument maker and the absolutely best machinist I've ever known, and I've known quite a few world-class fellows. My nephew has the things be made during his down time such as a boring head, sine bar, and the most unique vise I've ever seen. I still intend on making one for myself... one day. :)

My dad was one of a handful of instrument makers who were specifically gathered to build the gyros for the Norden bombsites.

I miss my dad.

[niemanddings]

Nice to hear that there are people and work by them where you talk about yourself as a "mere mortal", because that is exactly how i usually would refer about myself when talking about your work

[larrysperling]

i cant imagine the time, skill and dedication that it took to design and fabricate those beautiful fixtures. i'm sure steve was happy to find someone like yourself who appreciates works of toolmakers art. thanks for sharing.

[nampow]

I canot imagine kids leaving school these days and learning ANY of this.. I served my time tool making and never looked back.. nice vid fella..

[georgedennison]

It's rare to meet the maker of hand made tools. Ya got lucky.

I have an affinity for tools made by other machinists/toolmakers; they have a soul to them.

Have a similar feeling towards brand name tools which have been used for decades, but cared for.

Thanks for sharing your find & the story behind them.

Old catalogs & books are great for getting ideas/inspiration for projects or modifications.

[codyrasberry]

That is ridiculously flawless work there. I have never seen personally built work holding tools like that. The guy could have made a serious business selling his stuff like that. Not only does it appear to be extremely well made but the stuff is extremely well thought out.

[seanflanagan]

Thank you for sharing your visit and your 'find', and a huge thanks for the presentation of the few items of his craft. I'm sure you 'left behind' many, many more that would be nice to own and handle from time to time. You've prompted me to recall some great memories from a long time back (though I never made anything finer or much more elaborate than Steve's parallels!)