My name is Laura Pitney from TOOLSWAP/USA and we put on 11 old tool swap meets in Southern CA. We hold them at four woodworking stores, Anderson Plywood (Culver City), Austin Hardwoods (Santa Ana), Arroyo Hardwoods (Pasadena) and Rockler Woodworking (the San Diego location). I'm in charge of the publicity and I put out a quarterly newsletter as well. I'm more of a tool collector and historian than a user although I've done my share of home improvement projects.

Our website is www.toolswapusa.com and there you can click on the formula for the dates of the swap meets. Our events are very female friendly as are each of the stores that put on the events (Arroyo Hardwoods in Pasadena is owned by a woman, Jan Teter Mandroian). We have people who come from the local woodworking & craft organizations as well as the jr colleges in each area. We have very knowlegeable tool dealers and they are always willing to answer questions or give advice on how to use a particular tool and most of them have done extensive home remodeling and repairs. No one ever feels dumb asking a question at a tool swap meet. It is expected as that's how all of us learn more about how to use the tools and the history of the early trades. We also have lots of how to books and magazines for sale.

We specialize in hand tools rather than power. We sell to both users and collectors and cover a wide range of fields from carpenters to machinists to jewelry makers to auto mechanics. Really any trade or profession is welcome. Our swap meets are treasure troves. We mix odds and ends antiques and collectibles with tools and no one goes home empty handed. The atmosphere is very friendly and open and while the main body of people who attend are men, there are more and more women coming every time. Plus several of our tool dealers are women including myself. Prices are very fair and the only expensive tools are the highly collectible ones.

To be on an email swap meet reminder list, send your name and email to laura@toolswapusa.com. I send out the reminder about 10 days before each event. Hope to see you at an Old Tool Swap Meet soon.