I don't think I've ever mentioned to the group that my Grandfather died about 1 year and a half ago. He fought a good fight but because he had diabetes, the doctors couldn't do much to help him with his congestive heart failure and kidney failure, apparently the medicines for each of those things make the other worse. So he decided to not get further treatment and go peacefully in his own home. The best and worst thing I ever did was stand next to that bed and watch him shake when the time came. Still have nightmares.
The reason its relevant to this group is because my Grandfather was the man who got me interested in woodworking. About 9 years ago, right after my wife and I got married and not having much money, he taught me how to re-finish a beat up bedroom set that I had. Same set that my son now sleeps on.
I'd show up on the weekends at 7:30 in the morning and he'd already be waiting impatiently with the garage doors up. Wasting work time and all. Every time I was there, he'd start the day the same way. He'd make some sort of dramatic pause and say "you'll have to excuse me while I put my flag up". He was a proud WWII vet. He'd raise the flag and then come back over to me and say "I guess I'm the only American on the block", looking up and down the street for signs of another flag. I've flown mine ever since.
We'd work the whole day, but it always went by so fast. Sometimes you just have a different conversation with your Grandfather when no one else is around. After finishing that project, we built Adirondack Chairs, then cabinets, finished a basement...I caught the bug, and ever since I haven't been happy on the weekends unless I'm covered in sawdust. Can you believe some people actually golf?
I guess I just wanted to thank him for what he did for me.
Anyway, the reason I'm writing this now is that I have been summoned to go through his tools, decide what I would like to keep, and salvage the rest. My Grandmother wants me to find people who will use his stuff. I'm not exactly sure what I'll find, but I know I've been given Disson Saws, Stanely Planes, etc. He only bought good stuff.
My question/concern is how do I figure out how much this stuff is worth. Is there a good book I should get? Is there a good website? Of course, if I'll post the good stuff for the Neanders here, just looking for someone who will use them.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Chuck