Could You Have Made it in Construction With These Tools From 1951?
A collection of ads for tools that were, at some point, on the cutting edge of technology. Things have changed since then.
Is this a good deal?
At first glance, $46.50 seems a pretty fair price for a Tilt Arbor Saw (aka table saw). But never forget to read the fine print, which in this case casually states that the saw comes “less extensions, switch and motor.” No motor? We’re guessing there were at least a few unboxing disappointments with this table saw.
3-1/2-in-1
This is a lot of tool for under $15, but we’re skeptical that the blower on this machine was useful enough to be categorized as “1” of the “4” tools. We’ll count it as half of a tool. Also- why did they call it a “jig saw” when it looks like a scroll saw? At least this tool actually comes with a motor and a switch.
Fire-breathing torch
A 2000-degree torch without an off-switch, strapped to the end of a toothbrush…what could go wrong? How many houses burnt down before they pulled this fire-hazard-nightmare from the shelves? Admittedly, however, if these tablets were still available we would absolutely have a box of them in our shop. We’re not sure what we would use them for, but they’d be around just in case.
The test of time
3-IN-ONE OIL is still around, and so is Plastic Wood! But the agency who came up with this creepy enlarged-head concept probably can’t say the same.
Fear sells
After seeing this guy getting hit in the head with a flying board, there is no way anyone could have resisted buying the PTI Original Safety Blade. After all, it was “tested and approved by leading laboratories, government agencies, and industrial concerns.” What are the chances that the “government agencies” might just be a brother-in-law who works for the post office? Hmmmm.