Collecting Preston Woodworking Tools – A Beginner’S Guide To Finding

ByJim Boslice Woodworking Tool

What is collecting Preston woodworking tools? It involves finding, restoring, and using high-quality antique hand tools made by Edward Preston & Sons of Birmingham, England, a company renowned for its innovative and durable designs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Top Tip for Beginners: Start your collection with a common, functional tool like a Preston spokeshave or rule. This allows you to learn the identification marks and restoration process on a less expensive item before hunting for rarer pieces.

Ever held a tool that just feels right in your hands? Not a plastic-handled gadget from a big box store, but something with heft, history, and a story etched into its steel and rosewood. It connects you to generations of makers who came before.

That feeling is the heart of collecting vintage tools, and few names spark as much interest among woodworkers as Edward Preston & Sons. For many, collecting preston woodworking tools is more than a hobby; it’s a way to own a piece of woodworking history that you can still use every day at the bench.

You might think antique tool collecting is a dusty, expensive affair reserved for experts. But I promise you, it’s one of the most rewarding journeys a woodworker can take. It’s about the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of restoration, and the unmatched quality of a tool built to last lifetimes.

In this guide, we’ll pull back the curtain. We’ll show you exactly where to look, what to look for, and how to bring these workshop treasures back to life. Let’s get started.

Who Was Edward Preston? Understanding the Legacy

Before you can appreciate the tools, it helps to know the maker. Edward Preston & Sons wasn’t just another tool manufacturer; they were innovators based in Birmingham, England, operating from the 1820s until the 1930s.

They were famous for their rules, levels, and especially their patented planes and shaves. Think of them as the clever engineers of their day, constantly refining designs to solve real-world problems for woodworkers, carpenters, and coachbuilders.

Their tools are known for a few key things:

  • Ingenious Design: Many Preston tools feature unique adjustment mechanisms and clever features you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Quality Materials: They used top-notch cast iron, durable beech and rosewood for handles, and high-carbon steel for their blades.
  • Exceptional Craftsmanship: The fit and finish on these tools, even after 100 years, is often superior to modern equivalents.

This commitment to quality is why, a century later, we’re still talking about them. A well-tuned Preston plane can perform as well as—or better than—a brand new premium tool.

The Benefits of Collecting Preston Woodworking Tools: More Than Just Antiques

So, why start down this path? The benefits of collecting preston woodworking tools go far beyond just having old stuff on a shelf. This is about building a functional, beautiful, and meaningful tool kit.

First, there’s the unbeatable quality. These tools were made in an era when a tool was a lifetime investment. The steel holds a razor-sharp edge longer, and the heavy castings provide a stability that modern tools often lack.

Second, it’s an investment. While you should buy tools to use them, rare and well-restored Preston pieces often appreciate in value. You’re building a collection that has both practical and financial worth.

Finally, there’s the sheer joy of it. The process of finding a grimy, forgotten tool at a flea market and carefully restoring it to its former glory is incredibly satisfying. It connects you to the craft on a deeper level.

Your Guide to Collecting Preston Woodworking Tools: Where to Look and What to Look For

Alright, you’re sold. You want to find your first Preston. But where do you even begin? This is the fun part—the treasure hunt. Here is our collecting preston woodworking tools guide to get you started.

Hunting Grounds: Where to Find Authentic Preston Tools

You don’t need a secret map to find these gems, but you do need to know where to look.

  1. Online Auctions (eBay): This is the largest marketplace. Use specific search terms like “Preston plane” or “Preston spokeshave.” Be prepared for competition, but deals can still be found.
  2. Flea Markets & Car Boot Sales: Get there early! Dig through the rusty toolboxes. This is where you’ll find the true “barn finds” for just a few dollars.
  3. Antique Tool Dealers: Specialized dealers often have well-identified and fairly priced tools. They’ve done the legwork for you, which is great for beginners.
  4. Estate Sales: Keep an eye out for sales of a former woodworker or handyman. Their workshop could be a goldmine.

Identifying the Real Deal: Key Markings and Features

Preston tools are usually well-marked, which helps in identification. Look for these key signs:

  • The “E.P.” Trademark: Many tools are stamped with a simple “E.P.” inside an oval or a trefoil (a three-leaf clover shape). This is the most common mark.
  • Full Name: Some tools will have “E. PRESTON & SONS” stamped on the body or blade.
  • Model Numbers: Preston planes often have a model number, like “No. 1355,” stamped into the side. You can look these up in old catalogs (many are available online) to confirm what you have.
  • Patented Designs: Look for unique features like their patented depth adjusters on routers or the distinctive shape of their shoulder planes.

Don’t be fooled by a Stanley blade in a Preston body, or vice-versa. Check that all the major parts seem to match in age and style.

Assessing Condition: What to Ignore and What’s a Deal-Breaker

Not every old tool is a winner. Here’s how to separate the gems from the junk.

What’s OK:

  • Surface Rust: A light, orange-colored rust is easily removed with some WD-40 and a wire brush or Scotch-Brite pad.
  • Dirty or Grimy Wood: Handles and totes can almost always be cleaned up with mineral spirits and some fine steel wool, followed by a coat of wax or oil.
  • Dull Blade: Every old tool will need sharpening. This is a basic skill you’ll need to learn anyway!

What’s a Deal-Breaker:

  • Deep Pitting: Severe, deep rust pits on the sole of a plane or the cutting edge of a chisel can ruin its function.
  • Cracked Castings: Inspect the body of planes carefully for hairline cracks, especially around the mouth and adjustment mechanisms. A crack means it’s a wall-hanger, not a user.
  • Missing Parts: A missing lever cap, adjuster knob, or a specialized screw can be nearly impossible to replace. Unless you’re a machinist, pass on incomplete tools.

Common Problems with Collecting Preston Woodworking Tools (and How to Solve Them)

Even a great find can come with challenges. Here are some common problems with collecting preston woodworking tools and how to tackle them like a pro.

Dealing with Rust and Grime

Your first step is always a gentle cleaning. Avoid harsh methods like sandblasting, which will destroy the tool’s patina and value.

Start by soaking the metal parts in a rust remover like Evapo-Rust, which is non-toxic and works wonders without damaging the metal. For the wood, use a soft cloth with some soapy water or mineral spirits, being careful not to remove the original finish if it’s in good shape.

Repairing and Replacing Parts

Sometimes a handle (tote) or knob is broken beyond repair. Don’t despair! This is a great woodworking project. You can make a new one from a piece of beech, rosewood, or even a nice piece of local hardwood like cherry or walnut. Trace the old one for a pattern, or find templates online.

For metal parts, sometimes you can find donors from another broken tool. Otherwise, you may need to get creative or connect with other collectors in online forums who might have spares.

Sharpening and Tuning for Use

A collection is no good if you can’t use it! The most important step is getting a razor-sharp edge on the blade. You’ll need a set of sharpening stones (water stones or diamond plates work great) and a honing guide.

You also need to flatten the sole of any plane. Use some 120-grit sandpaper on a dead-flat surface (like a piece of float glass or a granite tile) and rub the plane sole over it until it’s consistently shiny. This ensures it will cut true and not leave tracks in your wood.

The Preston Collector’s Care Guide: Best Practices for Preservation

Once you’ve restored your tool, you need to keep it in top shape. Following a good collecting preston woodworking tools care guide is key to protecting your investment and ensuring the tools are always ready for work. These collecting preston woodworking tools best practices are simple but effective.

Cleaning and Rust Prevention

After each use, wipe down the metal parts. The oils from your hands can cause rust. Apply a light coat of a rust protectant like camellia oil or a good quality paste wax. This creates a barrier against moisture.

For long-term storage, a light coat of wax is your best friend. It protects the metal and gives the wood a beautiful, soft luster.

Proper Storage for Longevity

Humidity is the enemy. Store your tools in a dry part of your workshop, preferably in a dedicated tool chest or cabinet. Avoid leaving them on a concrete floor or near an uninsulated wall where condensation can form.

A simple bag of silica gel desiccant tossed into a drawer can work wonders to absorb excess moisture.

Sustainable Collecting: The Eco-Friendly Choice

One of the often-overlooked aspects is that this is a form of sustainable collecting preston woodworking tools. By saving an old tool from the scrap heap, you are participating in the ultimate form of recycling.

Choosing to restore and use a vintage tool instead of buying a new one reduces manufacturing waste and consumption. It’s an eco-friendly collecting preston woodworking tools practice that honors the resources and energy used to create the tool a century ago.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collecting Preston Woodworking Tools

Are Preston tools still good for modern woodworking?

Absolutely! A well-restored and properly tuned Preston hand plane, spokeshave, or level is as functional today as it was in 1910. The quality of the steel and castings is often superior to many mid-range modern tools.

How much should I expect to pay for a common Preston tool?

Prices vary wildly. You might find a common Preston rule or spokeshave at a flea market for $10-$20. A more complex plane in good condition could range from $50 to several hundred dollars, while very rare items can go for thousands at auction.

What’s the one Preston tool every beginner collector should look for?

A great starting point is the Preston 1399 adjustable spokeshave. They are relatively common, not too expensive, and incredibly useful. They are also a great project for learning how to clean, sharpen, and tune a vintage tool.

Can I use modern blades in an old Preston plane?

Sometimes. If the blade is a standard size, a modern replacement from a brand like Hock or Lie-Nielsen might fit. However, many Preston tools had unique blade shapes or thicknesses, so you often need to restore and use the original blade if possible.

Starting a collection of Preston woodworking tools is a journey that will make you a better woodworker. It teaches you patience, precision, and gives you a profound appreciation for the craft.

So next time you’re at a flea market, look past the shiny new things. Dig into that old, greasy wooden box. You might just find a treasure with an “E.P.” stamped on it, waiting for you to bring it back to the bench.

Happy hunting, and stay safe in the workshop!

Jim Boslice
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