19th century langdon miter box

[ear3]

Found a 19th century langdon miter box for sale up where I'm on vacation.  I don't really collect old tools, prefering to get only things I can actually put to use -- and frankly, I can't imagine  many situations short of an EMP attack taking out the power grid where i would reach for the miter box over a Festool.  But the price on this is incredible for what it is and it's condition ($140).  Anyone have one of these old ones, and would they snap it up if they were in my shoes?

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[Discap]

Depends if you are a tool collector or user. I have two of them. Looks like it is missing the bridge piece that ties the two "columns" together. If you have a Kapex it will give a far better cut. With the miter box you will still need to put a smooth finish on the cut surface with a hand plane and shooting board.

The Kapex as you are probably aware is a one step tool

Bill

 

[ear3]

Yeah, this certainly  would be a collectors piece and not a use piece.

 

[John Broomall]

There is a satisfaction to using hand tools, especially old ones, that you can't duplicate with a screaming Kapex. If the saw plate and back are in good condition you will be amazed at the quality of the cut you can get after a good sharpening. If you can spare $140 for sentiment go ahead and get it.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have a milers falls 74 with a richardson saw.

I use it. I intend to use it often.

 

[clark_fork]

I use mine for gang cutting buttons. I find it handy for other small tasks like making a 45 degree cut on a Domino.  I call it my Kapex Jr.

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Cutting buttons

 

[Rob Z]

Edward,  I don't know what the "market price" is for an old miter box like that, but I think you would find uses for it, even if only occasionally.    I use my Grandfather's (1940's vintage) Millers Falls miter box on occasion, such as cutting small pieces that I otherwise don't feel I can cut safely with an electric miter saw.  And I have found the cut quality to be really good, as was suggested already.

 

[Tinker]

I have one of those.  Right now, it is buried under temporary piles as I am reorganizing my shop.  I don't use it often, but there are times when it is the only way to go.

As soon as i came across this thread, i knew Darcy had one.  Probably the largest one made >>> and i was certain he is using it often.  Way to go Darcy.  ;D
Tinker

 

[ear3]

Well, I ended up getting the box. More pics below. [member=27808]Discap[/member] What does the bridge piece you mentioned was missing look like?  I assume 8 could source one from someone /somewhere online if need be, given the long history of the tool and it's continue ued popularity.

Saw came with what is otherwise  a DIY  wood en case, except for that it's stamped with Webber Inc.

Box has 10 positive stops other than for 0. In my brief perusal of the tool history, looks like it was only in the early 20th century that they developed a box capable of doing any angle other than the stopped ones, so I assume this means my unit is definitely late 19th century.

EDIT: Actually,  there's no technical  significance to the 1906 date, which was instead the date when Langdon was fully bought up by Miller's Falls. Apparently,  the miter at any angle function was patented earlier than I thought, in 1879, and so this box has that feature, as well as the 1883 patented adjustable  arms that permit repositioning the stock for mitres greater than 45.  So I'm not sure anymore the exact date of the box, though I'm guessing that it still can't be older than first decade of 20th.  Been finding out lots of great info at this site: http://oldtoolheaven.com/miter-boxes/miter-boxes.htm

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[mike_aa]

Edward,
I see you succumbed to temptation!  [wink]

I probably would have, too, if I were in your shoes.  LOL

A nice compliment to clean up the cuts is a Lion miter trimmer or one of the clones.  If you have not seen one before, it has a guillotine type blade that shaves the miter.  Kind of Medieval looking!

Have fun with your new old purchase.

Mike A.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

There is no "bridge" piece on these old miter boxes.

I have a couple catalogs from the late 1800's with that box in them, think it was around 55 bucks with a saw.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the clarification. 

There is no "bridge" piece on these old miter boxes.

I have a couple catalogs from the late 1800's with that box in them, think it was around 55 bucks with a saw.

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the tip.

Edward,
I see you succumbed to temptation!  [wink]

I probably would have, too, if I were in your shoes.  LOL

A nice compliment to clean up the cuts is a Lion miter trimmer or one of the clones.  If you have not seen one before, it has a guillotine type blade that shaves the miter.  Kind of Medieval looking!

Have fun with your new old purchase.

Mike A.