Museum of Early American Tools

I just received my 1974 ex-library copy of A Museum of Early American Tools. It doesn't look like its pages have ever been opened... What a shame and loss! Eric Sloane is not only an interesting writer and historian, but a tremendously talented artist. He not only shows the tools, but he shows how they were used and gives the history surrounding them. I ordered several of Mr. Sloane's books at the same time. To my great delight, Eric Sloane's SKETCHES OF AMERICA PAST, has 3 of his books, DIARY OF AN EARLY AMERICAN BOY, A MUSEUM OF EARLY TOOLS, and A REVERENCE FOR WOOD combined. Although I am a 60 year old woman, I am finding this book absolutely fascinating!!!

This book is dedicated to the pioneer Americans who made their tools, a symbol of sincerity, integrity, and excellence. Mass production made their tools obsolete, along with early individualism, said the author. There was a special tool for every job (pp.vi-vii). In Early America a museum referred to a library of collected facts (p.xi). Shovels were made of wood to prevent harm to grain and apples 9p.xii). A house built of posts and beams used wooden pins which don't rust and loosen like nails. Sloane says that studying the tools used by pioneer Americans reveals their conscience and personality. Things were built to be honest and long-lasting, not to make the most money. There are 48 short chapters and an Index. These drawings are very interesting. "The Romance of Tools" says a tool was an extension of a man's hand. Some gave pet names to a tool then (p.3), some do today. The Civil War period marked a new era in tool design because of mass-production (p.5). Axe handles became curved, not straight; their end had a "Fawn foot", "Scroll knob", or "Swell knob" (p.7). Early American tools had a traditional design with subtle differences and decorative touches that identify the region of origin (p.6). An ax was the most important tool for early Americans: clear the land of trees, cut fuel, build a house or furniture. Early axes were poll-less; the poll added weight for chopping. There were more than 50 patterns of Axe heads (p.12). The Broad Axe was used to hew round logs into square beams (p.14). Early American roofs were thatched, shingling hatchets were unknown. The claw hammer hasn't changed much since Roman times (p.22). Square-cut nails had greater holding power than round nails. Log-house notches were often made with only an ax (pp.24-25). An adze was used to smooth surfaces (pp.26-27). Scorps hollowed-out wood (pp.28-29). Wedges and froes were used to split wood for shingles, clapboards, and lathes (pp.30-33). Benches and horses were also tools (pp.34-37). The drawknife was used to trim wood, tool handles, spokes, etc. (pp.38-39). Wood was harvested and fastened into giant rafts for transport (pp.40-41). Wood was used in making apple butter and cider (pp.46-47). Two-headed tools are rare (pp.50-51). There are many kinds of chisels (used to make mortises) and gouges (pp.52-55). Planes were used for smoothing and shaping wood (pp.56-65). The various types of saws are described (pp.66-71). Awls, reams, augers, and gimlets made holes in wood (pp.72-77). Braces or bitstocks drilled holes (pp.78-81). There are other tools (pp.82-85). Sledges were important to move heavy or bulky objects (pp.86-87) when wheeled vehicles could not be used. Various jacks lifted or moved heavy objects (pp.88-89). Most tools can be traced to early blacksmiths (pp.90-91). Nails were made by hand (pp.92-93). Tanners treated rough hides, curriers scraped and softened hides with special tools (pp.94-95). Wheelwrights created spoked wheels held together by an iron outer r

I just finised reading the 1976 edition of A Museum Of Early American Tools. I love this book! It is obvious that Mr. Sloane had both a deep understanding and a heartfelt reverence for our American history, the implements that were such an integral part of it, and the ingenious craftsmen who designed and fabricated them. Our early history is indeed told most eloquently by the tools our ancestors devised. And who better to lead us through that story than Eric Sloane. I'm adding more of his books to my wish list. Mike Dearing

I love tools, especially old tools and I found this book to be a treasure trove of information. As the title claims, it is a museum. For every tool there are one or two drawings and a short blurb on the tools were used and made - frequently I want more detail than this, but it is a starting place, just as any museum. For the price, this book is a good value for any lover of old tools.

I would have to say this is one of my best books! The pen and ink drawings a wonderful. So well writen with so much information. I just finished reading this again and feel like going and useing some of the tools in there that i own! I love working with wood and other materials in the American way. Some of the tecniques he dessribes are so ture an i use the all the time! If u love America and/or hand tools, you must own this book.

This book is loaded with great illustrations of the tools and uses of woodworkers and farmers of old. A fast read and a valuable resourse tool you will be using for years to come.