Are these Soba’s really good quality?

[MadhatterParticipant @madhatter]

I seem to have started something here, though we are talking of all new tools and the choices are many but nobody has mentioned the vintage ones like Record and such, I am led to believe that their modern stuff is not quite the same caliber of years ago? I do not mind buying vintage at all, imho it fits in well with the Fobco and other machinery.

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

.

Is it just a drill vise or a milling vise you require.? – It makes a difference.

Nick

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Madhatter on 10/09/2017 13:50:36:

I seem to have started something here, though we are talking of all new tools and the choices are many but nobody has mentioned the vintage ones like Record and such, I am led to believe that their modern stuff is not quite the same caliber of years ago? I do not mind buying vintage at all, imho it fits in well with the Fobco and other machinery.

I think it's a lazy mistake to trust Brand-names and/or Age. You always need to research what you're buying, old or new. Brand-names are an advertising entity, not a guarantee. What they mean can change, good or bad.

Using 'Record' as an example, the original British maker has long gone. The brand-name is owned by Irwin, a US company who also made 'quality' vices. I believe Record or Irwin vices are made in China. If you look up Irwin, you will find that they were bought by American in 1993 and that American were bought by Newell Rubbermaid in 2002. In March of this year the business was acquired by Stanley Black and Decker.

Anyway the point is that modern Record vices are not made by the British company of old. Does that matter? It might. For example, I'm not convinced that Record vices made when the UK business got into trouble were as good as the vices made when they were doing well. Cost cutting and selling junk isn't unusual when companies get into financial trouble. However, I don't see much evidence that current 'Record' vices are in any way inferior to the originals. They are certainly reassuringly expensive!

Likewise, I think it foolish to believe that things made in the past are better than the modern equivalent. Some things might be, but in general it's unlikely. Compare a TV set made in 1950 with one made in 2017. But there are human complications, some of them emotional. Human needs make it tricky to compare an old tool that was made to last with a new disposable item . Pride of ownership does not make a well made tool 'value for money' or 'fit for purpose', but it is a valid reason for wanting it. People pay a lot of money for vintage cars.

Personally, I see tools as things to be used. I don't care who made it, or where, or when. Buying a new vice wouldn't worry me at all. Providing it's not too cheap and nasty, I'll give it a go. If I happen to break it, I'll replace it with a better one. In practice I don't often break tools, but then I'm an amateur. As it happens, I own an old Record vice: it's a bit loose and a previous owner bent the handle, but it still works. Which brings me to may last point. When it comes to buying vintage kit, condition is all. A brand-name is no more than a hint; you need to check it out objectively.

I understand why a professional would see things differently, and why some enjoy and value old tools more than I do. My advice is that it's more important to make a start than to agonise over buying kit. If that means purchasing Far Eastern, well done. If it means building up a workshop full of classic gear, that's good too. If you end up with a mixture, hurrah!

Dave

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 10/09/2017 20:50:28

[Author]

Posts