Where are tool fairs/swap-meets advertised?

Hello all,

I want to pop along to a few used tool fairs this year - I hear they're a great place to browse and pick up the odd gem. I'm generally pretty guarded against ebay.

The results on google searches seem to be all antique fairs.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Edited By choochoo_baloo on 13/01/2020 15:57:18

A lot of Model Engineering Clubs have "surplus item" sales for their members. Quite often, a donation to club funds will make the item yours.

At every one of our "bits and Pieces" evenings items and materials find new homes.

Howard

Where are you located.

Hi, Steam Engine Rally's and the like, very often have second hand tool stands attending them.

Regards Nick.

See his very useful profile. Everyone should have one!

He aint got one.

I only asked your location because once a month at Rufforth near York there is a classic bike autojumble. I was there last week. There are a few largish stalls that do nothing else but lathe & milling gear. Good prices too. There were some more that had lots of 2nd hand stuff too. Got myself a MT2 Jacobs chuck like new for £4. Well pleased. There is also a guy that does all the jumbles. He has barstock & sheet steel. Every size of bar imperial & metric. Got a 600mm length of Stainless rod 8mm for £4. All new stock. He does Acetal. Brass , alloy, Mild steel & Stainless. I think there is a good one too at Newark once a month & a few times a year a massive one at Stafford. Regards

Steve.

Last time I went to the Great Dorset Steam Fair there were loads of stands with all sorts of stuff on offer.

Howard has a profile....

Choochoo thingy has'nt

+1 for bike and car autojumbles, obviously many stalls will be bike or car bits but there will still be lots to see and rummage through.

Mike

Newark Auto Jumble is a good start if youre near the Midlands

Steve

I go to a lot of autojumbles including the ones already mentioned. There is plenty more up and down the country. Also Doncaster model engineering exhibition was good last year. I wouldn't rule out ebay though, there's loads of good honest sellers.

Ok thanks chaps. I'm in Somerset, so the only one of those mentioned events that is close-ish is the Great Dorset!

I will now have a look out for "auto jumbles" and the like.

Maybe don't get too excited over GD Steam Fair.

two years ago they changed things to increase camping are so there is now a shuttle bus from the main car park, but the bus stops the far side of the campsite. So carrying heavy items, and disabled acesss also is hopeless. At the same time they stopped the time honoured 'courier' service on site so I don't know how they expect sellers and buyers to cope. I spoke to their comms team but they seem unrepentant, just saying there is more money to be made from camping. I had taken a friend with arthritis and he was totallyjiggered just getting to the turnstile, so unable to see any stands.

last year there were very few 'workshop goodies' stalls as a result of the revised arrangements. The organisers seem hell bent on killing that aspect of the fair

It's all about 'marney' - jus giss us yer marney! Like just about everything else everywhere.

I exhibited there many years ago......even then...........

just plain grabbers.......

will never ever go again in any capacity.......

bit like St Ives in Cornwall....

rant over......

If you Google "Model Engineering Clubs, Somerset" , there are several listed, Minehead, Taunton, Westland and Yeovil, West Huntspill, East Somerset SME, etc.

Since Clubs meet at least monthly, you stand a better chance of finding tools, / materials, at sensible prices, and probably in better condition, than at a swapmeet, or what is effectively an engineering car boot sale.

Additionally, the vendor will know what it is, and what it is used for.. Many stall holders may not!

Find a club and join. You will find things that you want, and advice on how to use them best., along with some face to face camaraderie.

Howard

Being in Somerset then you could try one of events at the Shepton Mallet showground.

Google will the this year.