Was not sure if this was the appropriate way of reaching out to everyone, but here goes.
I’m trying to find a vintage Simmonds SurForm! These were the original Surforms made in the UK I have been wanting to acquire one for years and occasionally see them on eBay over in the UK. They were made by a company called Simmonds AeroAccessories back in the early to late 50’s. The original ones had wooden handles but later they switched to plastic, either one will work for me as I’m more interested in the shape of the body of the tool.
I believe these were also made and sold in Australia, but I do not know what the history is in the USA. Stanley eventually bought the company and it became the Surform as we know it today. I’m sure that when Stanley first bought them they must have used the original shape so a Stanley would be fine if it is that shape. I remember my first Surform being the shape I’m looking for.
If anyone has one of these old tools and would be willing to part with it, I would be very interested in talking about acquiring it and am willing to pay whatever is reasonable and fair.
I got a No. 285 Stanley two-way when I was in High School that I still use. It's the one with the adjustable rear handle.
I do like these style better than the new body. I also cant seem to find 10" replacement standard cut blades that don't have a saw edge on them. Again, why? If I want to saw something I'm not going to pick up my surform. So now I have to use fine for everything. I'm thinking of trying Microplane.
As far as the body goes the new 296 looks like you could mod it with a hack saw and some filing then drill for a drawer pull knob on the front instead of that retarded tongue.
I'll keep my eye out for a used one, but I haven't seen any lately.
Mahalo again I missed this one earlier today so I will check it out to see what the bidding is like although it is already up there in price, but probably worth it still.
I just bought an old curved surform wooden handles and all from a local flea market we have every month ($3.00 Ozziee) ...... love the feel, nothing else comes close to them.
This guy reckons his dad might have some more hanging around and will be happy to see what he can do for me ?????
Don't know what condition or anything ??? but let's see whats comes of this .... I'm happy to ship one off to you if they surface.
Take care old mate .... talk soon
W
I'll post pic's of the one I bought in next couple of days
I just found one of these in the recycling centre down the road. Liked the way it felt so got it for 50p then proceded to throw my plastic heap of junk in the bin. I will keep an eye out for another for you.
Lucky you! That is why I’m lusting after one because of the superior feel when using them. I should never have parted with the ones I had years ago, but sometimes moving continents causes things to go missing.
If you find another please let me know as I would really appreciate it, mahalo!
Wow, that does seem a little pricey especially when there are people in the UK that have been finding them for 50p. I’ll check it out though to see if I’m tempted or not, mahalo!
Mahalo for bringing this to my attention, I will have to see if I’m tempted or not. I actually was able to score one of these in a box from the UK a couple of weeks back, it also is in near mint condition but this one seems in even better condition so I might place a bid. The shipping from the UK is a little high though so that is the part that is the killer.
I have managed to collect a few of these since starting this thread and am just waiting for the last one to arrive before I post a photo of all the ones I have managed to collect. Two of them are now in service in my shaping room and what a joy they are. I will never understand why Stanley changed the design of these wonderful tools as these older ones are so much better to handle.
Don’t hold me to this, but the last time that I was at an auto body supply house, I believe that they had surform blades without the saw edge. Sometimes you can also find them at tool shows and flea markets. You may get lucky and find a vendor that buys new old stock.
