Jack in Nepean
Established Member
As noted in previous post, I have lurked on this board for a number of years and have learned a tremendous amount about hand tools. Thank you all. It's now payback time.
My daughters have a friend who travels to England at least twice a year. I live a few blocks from Lee Valley's head office and manufacturing complex and store. Since she travels to England with near empty suitcases, she has agreed to transport 3 planes and some small stuff (up to 10 kg) each trip if there is some interest. Given what I have seen of prices for Veritas planes in the UK, I would expect that some of you would like to save a bit. She will be flying in to Heathrow and travelling to her abode in Bedfordshire for a stay of about two weeks, beginning in August. The next trip is scheduled for Christmas. My knowledge of UK geography is, sadly, abysmal. Perhaps you can work out the logistics. She could arrange local shipping if required, or, one of you could pick up the goodies and make local arrangements.
My original plan is to have you order that which you wish directly with LV, paying via credit card. I would pick up the orders at the local store's express pickup and arrange shipment with Olivia. It would be necessary to specify me as the pickup person. This would ensure that Olivia is not out of pocket for things in which she has no interest. If anyone has a better plan, please don't hesitate to advise.
In addition, I have a Medallion Toolworks dovetail saw (lovely) and know Ed Paik. He's a wonderful guy and I'm sure we could work something out if anyone was interested. Saws are much lighter than planes.
This arrangement would be entirely on trust - you trusting me to forward the goods through Olivia and me trusting you not to abuse the carrier. She is a sweet kid. Given that I currently have a selection of Veritas planes (LA smoother, LA jack, scraper plane, cabinet scraper, router planes (both), cast iron edge planes (both) and other bits and pieces, it is unlikely (though not impossible) that I would be overly tempted to keep your purchases for myself.
Given that woodworkers tend to be more than a bit different from the normal stream, I would hope that this would work out with no problems. I have no desire to make anything out of this arrangement, nor does Olivia. In addition, her friend travels here to Ottawa twice a year and I think would be willing to transport small items (chisels, perhaps) back for my use.
As noted, I have no interest in making anything on these transactions. You, on the other hand, have direct access to a number of sources that interest me. High quality chisels at reasonable prices for example. Aled Dafis' infill smoother kit looks very tempting as well (can't afford Konrad's coffin smoother on a pension - and couldn't on full salary either). Export prices might be a bit better too.
If anyone is interested in pursuing this, please contact me via pm.
Cheers
Jack
P.S. I have no relation to LV other than as a very satisfied customer. I hope this proposed arrangement doesn't annoy Rob Lee or interfere with any UK commercial arrangements.
My daughters have a friend who travels to England at least twice a year. I live a few blocks from Lee Valley's head office and manufacturing complex and store. Since she travels to England with near empty suitcases, she has agreed to transport 3 planes and some small stuff (up to 10 kg) each trip if there is some interest. Given what I have seen of prices for Veritas planes in the UK, I would expect that some of you would like to save a bit. She will be flying in to Heathrow and travelling to her abode in Bedfordshire for a stay of about two weeks, beginning in August. The next trip is scheduled for Christmas. My knowledge of UK geography is, sadly, abysmal. Perhaps you can work out the logistics. She could arrange local shipping if required, or, one of you could pick up the goodies and make local arrangements.
My original plan is to have you order that which you wish directly with LV, paying via credit card. I would pick up the orders at the local store's express pickup and arrange shipment with Olivia. It would be necessary to specify me as the pickup person. This would ensure that Olivia is not out of pocket for things in which she has no interest. If anyone has a better plan, please don't hesitate to advise.
In addition, I have a Medallion Toolworks dovetail saw (lovely) and know Ed Paik. He's a wonderful guy and I'm sure we could work something out if anyone was interested. Saws are much lighter than planes.
This arrangement would be entirely on trust - you trusting me to forward the goods through Olivia and me trusting you not to abuse the carrier. She is a sweet kid. Given that I currently have a selection of Veritas planes (LA smoother, LA jack, scraper plane, cabinet scraper, router planes (both), cast iron edge planes (both) and other bits and pieces, it is unlikely (though not impossible) that I would be overly tempted to keep your purchases for myself.
Given that woodworkers tend to be more than a bit different from the normal stream, I would hope that this would work out with no problems. I have no desire to make anything out of this arrangement, nor does Olivia. In addition, her friend travels here to Ottawa twice a year and I think would be willing to transport small items (chisels, perhaps) back for my use.
As noted, I have no interest in making anything on these transactions. You, on the other hand, have direct access to a number of sources that interest me. High quality chisels at reasonable prices for example. Aled Dafis' infill smoother kit looks very tempting as well (can't afford Konrad's coffin smoother on a pension - and couldn't on full salary either). Export prices might be a bit better too.
If anyone is interested in pursuing this, please contact me via pm.
Cheers
Jack
P.S. I have no relation to LV other than as a very satisfied customer. I hope this proposed arrangement doesn't annoy Rob Lee or interfere with any UK commercial arrangements.
