Suppliers of fine old woodworking tools for the collector and discerning user.
Whitehaven Farm, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6HU Telephone:  01507 525697       Fax: 01507 523814      email: ray@oldtools.idps.co.uk	Proprietor: Ray Iles Member of T.A.T.H.S.

Welcome to The Old Tool Store!

The Old Tool Store was established in 1983 by my father, Ashley Iles, upon his retirement from tool manufacturing. When he passed away ten years ago, as the eldest son, I decided to continue the company.

I served my apprenticeship hand forging wood carving tools with my father in Sheffield, during the 1960's and I was fortunate enough to catch the end of the 'Little Mesters' system, which had operated in the tool and cutlery industry for hundreds of years. This system involved many individual craftsmen working in their own workshops, using their own equipment. Each craftsmen specialised in one process, such as grinding, forging or hardening, and manufacturers took their tools from one Little Mester to another until the process was complete.      

This background has given me a good insight into the way tools were made, which in turn has enabled me to gain a real feel for the tools I now sell.

It has been a very busy couple of years here at The Old Tool Store, with a move to larger premises, as well as the launch of the Ray Iles mortise chisel onto the American market by our sister company Ray Iles Engineering, which has been met with phenomenal demand.

As you can see, our website has also been updated and now includes a range of new tools by carefully selected quality manufacturers and a comprehensive range of green woodworking tools.

                                           We hope you enjoy the changes!

                       Ray Iles

New in!

Gramercy dovetail saw

A lot of research has gone into the specific design of Gramercy’s new dovetail saw, the result is probably the best dovetail saw produced today. In their own words:

‘We wanted a hand-filed and hand-set saw for the smoothest action, a fine toothed saw for fast, smooth cuts, and we wanted to file it rip so it would cut dovetails cleanly…we also wanted a light saw and a canted blade (narrower at the toe than at the heel) for easy control that would enable you to work for hours without being hunched over the work’.

We believe they have achieved all this and more.

       
The saw has a 9" blade which is canted for ease of use, with a usable cutting depth of only 1.3" near the handle, and 1.2" at the toe. The handle is made from American Black Walnut, a solid, light, stable wood which is locally sourced by Gramercy and sustainable. The handle is small and light for a three finger grip and is also cranked up so that you can work with a natural swing to your stroke, near to the work so that you can see what you are doing (no more crouching and squinting).

The 19ppi blade is made of .018" (slightly over 2mm) thick 1095, a hard carbon tool steel of about 50-52rc. The thinner stock means a lighter saw and a narrower kerf - less material to remove means it's easier to use. The teeth are hammer set and hand-filed to enable use of an aggressive cut. The rake angle is zero.  It is hand filed, which gives a very smooth action, and makes it easy to start.

Comes boxed and includes instructions for sawing. Made in USA.

£89.50

Terms and Conditions:

Ordering

Minimum order value £5.00.

Orders can be placed by e-mail, telephone or fax.

E-mail: ray@oldtools.idps.co.uk

Telephone: 01507 525697

Fax: 01507 523814

Payment

All prices shown are in pounds sterling.

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Credit card is our preferred method of payment, but we are also happy to accept PayPal, sterling cheques or postal orders.

Postage Costs

U.K. customers - Postage costs will be determined according to weight.

Up to 1.5kg, we use Royal Mail. For parcels over 1.5kg we use UPS couriers. Orders over £200 are post free (within the U.K. only).

International customers - Please e-mail with details of your location for a quote.

Return Policy

All goods are sold on a 14 day home approval guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, just return it and we will give you a refund.                                                                                                                                                      

Visiting

The Old Tool Store welcomes visitors but as we do not keep set hours of opening you must telephone first on 07785 545263 to ensure that there is someone available should you wish to visit.

The Old Tool Store Needs Your Surplus Tools!

Norris, Spiers, Stanley, Mathieson, Record, Preston, etc. & wood carving tools.

The Old Tool Store buys quality old woodworking tools, from single items to complete collections.

We are also looking for old advertising related to tools or tool manufacture and old manufacturers catalogues.

Good prices paid.