I love auction sales !!!!

For anyone else who is just starting out you should check out the local auction sales. If you can get to one that is well outside a city even better. I just picked up about 50 - 60 files of all shapes and szes for 8 bucks total. I also managed to get two really nice little vices for a total of 12$. They had a 200 lb anvil there as well in great shape and it went for 50$. Only 1 bidder. I wish I needed an anvil but my wife gave me "the look". Anyways if you are on a budget like most of us the farm auctions are just great.
Steve

Sounds like you made a pretty good haul Steve.

Occasionally you can find super buys at large scale flea markets as well. I got a nice used leg box vise with 4 1/2" jaws for $35 from a flea market. Depending on where you buy them and the brand, I believe they can cost anywhere from $450 - $700 new.

Post vises (leg vise) go for about $1600 in the centaur forge catalog. I got mine from a flea market for $35 also and am preparing to get one from a friend for another $35. Can't have too many.

WOW! This makes me wish my mom had kept my grandpa's leg vise and anvil for me when he passed away.

Bob, I'd love to have the extra one.

I go to garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, pawn shops, and anywhere else I can find someone elses junk.

One man's junk is another man's treasure.

I have collected some of the strangest tools that way.