1950's/60's power tool values?

[Vegasjetta]

Hey guys, new user here. Seems like a cool forum. A local friend of mine told me about it the other days when he stopped by to pick up some vw parts. He nearly tripped over my 1967 Homelite super XL chainsaw and was amazed at how well it ran and how good it looked. He told me to sign up here and see if you guys could give me an idea on how much these things are worth.

As stated above, the first thing is my Homelite super XL chainsaw from 1967. It runs mint and cuts great. I had to replace the fuel line and clean the carb, and it's obviously been used.

Second up is a 1957 Sunbeam circular saw in a metal case. This one is used but seems to be pretty tough. The only thing I know is it was made in 1957 because I found an original ad for it online.

Then there's the 195? Sears Craftsman 1411 circular saw that doesn't look like its seen much use. It's very shiny and the metal case is barely even broken in.

Any ideas on the values of these from you guys? I'd like to post them for sale but don't know what to ask!

Homelite:

Sunbeam:

Craftsman:

 

[Flatintoone]

Others here might have other opinions, but:

I have no idea on the chain saw. I suspect (based on no concrete information) that it's 'not much.'

I would have guessed the same on the Sunbeam saw. There is one that sold on ebay recently for $69.99, but it's the only one and it sold on a single bid. Too little data, and the single bid (or, for that matter, a "Buy it Now") indicates to me that it might have been an impulse buy. Just a guess, though.

The Craftsman I would think you could do pretty well with. Most on ebay are going for $20-25, though several went in the $50-60 range. Decide on your price, and hope for the right buyer.

Good luck!

 

[Vegasjetta]

Funny you should post that, everything you said is the opposite of the info I've gotten locally!
And holy **** does this forum move fast!

 

[DekeT]

I would not run that chainsaw even if it were free. The other pieces are interesting but I would not run them instead of a modern DeWalt or Milwaukee. Best you sell locally if that is the info you have gotten. IMHO older power hand tools - heavy, underpowered, cumbersome.

 

[Packard V8]

Welcome to GJ. You'll find a variety of opinions here, each worth what you paid for it.

If any of your local guys think these saws are worth big bucks, call the bluff. "How much are you willing to give me for it cash, now?" You'll see them backing away fast, mumbling about, "Well, on eBay . . . ."

First rule of old junk. All it takes is one buyer who wants it and a seller with enough time to wait for him to see it. Look at your local craigslist tools section. Some of the same crappage at inflated asking prices will pop up week after week. The seller obviously is stubborn and has too much time on his hands. Good stuff at a good price sells the first time it is offered.

JMHO, but none of the three saws you have are especially rare or especially valuable. They aren't high end commercial tools, like the older Porter Cable saws, for instance. The Homelite and Sunbeam were lower end hardware store brands long since gone away. If I saw them at a yard sale, I'd just walk on by. The Craftsman in the original case, I might take home at $20 or less.

Also, they are too large and heavy to sell easily on eBay. Shipping on larger power tools usually kills the deal unless it is something really rare and collectible.

Your results may vary.

jack vines

 

[kburns]

I sold an old Homelite chainsaw just like yours about a year ago with a 16" chain bar for $75. It was pobably a bit older than yours because it didn't have a UT number. By the way, if you have one that's so old there's no UT number, just use OLDBLUE.

 

[Dave Hartunian]

Who know's on the price end. I tried to sell this belt sander and got no bites at $30.00, and its an all metal one.

 

[woody 73]

On the sunbeam and the craftsman saw I buy them in that condition from $20.00 to $60.00 dollars. They don't sell well around my area because everyone wants all the latest toys out there. On the other hand I hunt for all the old saws because that is what I remember using years ago.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

IMHO older power hand tools - heavy, underpowered, cumbersome.

ZZZZZZAP!

You left out the fun part about the greatly magnified electrocution hazard.

I'll pass, even with an isolation transformer. Power tool handles and outer housings are one place where I really like to see non-conductive plastics used.

WoD

 

[jtbinvalrico]

Nice old tools......keep them and use them. Pass one of the circ saws on to a friend who appreciates things that still work after 60 years.

 

[Carla]

That cute little Sunbeam saw is 'collectible', and mildly desirable to early power tool collectors. It may run, but if you try it, be very certain to have a modern grounded type plug, if it hasn't one already.

Old power tools of that general price point are known for brush/commutator problems, so if it now runs without excessive sparking, its good, as a collectible, but it wouldn't be a good idea to use it much.

cheers

Carla

 

[Packard V8]

You left out the fun part about the greatly magnified electrocution hazard. I'll pass, even with an isolation transformer. Power tool handles and outer housings are one place where I really like to see non-conductive plastics used.

As they say, "Your results may vary."

I've been in and around construction for fifty years. Most of that time, the power hand saws, drills, grinders, and stationary power machinery et al, were all metal construction with two-prong plugs. Over all those years, I never saw anyone injured by the 110v power. Every once in a great while, someone would cut through a live cord or would let a cord get so frayed it developed a short. The result was a blown fuse, or some sparks or a bit of a tingle in the hands.

However, general clumsiness, carelessness and poor techniques were the cause of many, many self-inflicted cuts, perforations, lacerations, falls, sprains and motor vehicle accidents.

Bottom line, I never figured Porter-Cable was in business to kill off it's customers, so I'll continue to buy and use all the good old stuff. Those who are afraid of it just keep the prices low for those of us who aren't.

jack vines

 

[ckadams00]

I agree with what's been said. You might have some luck with someone who is looking for one of those specific saws, or you might unload it locally if you are lucky. There is someone on Chicago CL with an older, more unique CMan circular saw that has been posting it for $75 for almost 18 months.

I am a huge fan of the older 1950s 1960s cast iron drill presses, lathes, bandsaws, etc but not the hand held power tools. They are heavy, more cumbersome, and in my opinion tend to be less accurate (probably because they are heavy and more cumbersome!). If I saw those at your garage sale I would be interested for between $10-$15 with cases. Wouldn't pay more than $20, and that is if I needed them. CList is going to be a better route than eBay because of the shipping.

You might get lucky though!