To enter last week’s Toolsday giveaway, you had to identify a wood block with three holes in the side and three metal springs on top. Most everyone knew it was an old mousetrap. We randomly picked one winner out of all the comments and that lucky person is Brian K. who correctly guessed the identity of the mystery gadget. Congrats Brian, you have one week to reply to our email before we pick another winner.
The Tuesday after next (we’re on vacation next week), we will be giving away a Craftsman Circular Saw. This 7-1/4″ saw has Laser Trac technology to make cutting a straight line easy and efficient. Just mark the starting and ending point and then follow the laser line. Ergonomically designed, soft-grip handles and a lightweight aluminum shell also make this saw easy to use. The blade can be angled up to 54 degrees to allow for a variety of cuts.
Do you need last minute gifts but are all out of money? We’ve got tasty DIY gift ideas you can make for little dough. Put together a basket of exotic teas, bags of flavored popcorn, gourmet cheeses or a collection of sugar and spices for the cook on your gift list.
To win the Craftsman Circular Saw, post a comment (click “comment” above) and tell us what this old-timey gadget does (pictured, below). You don’t have to answer correctly to win; we will randomly pick one winner. 
On Tuesday, January 1, (we’re taking off next Tuesday – Merry Christmas!) we will select the winner then start up a new giveaway for another tool, which will be given away the Tuesday after that.
You have until January 1, 2013 at 2:00pm (ET) to enter to win the Craftsman Circular Saw.
Official Rules.







1885 dixon lamson pencil sharpener
Pencil Sharpener made by Star MFG in Lynn, Mass.
yarn winder
1885 Dixon Lamson Pencil Sharpener
It is the 1885 Dixon Lamson Pencil Sharpener.
pencil sharpener
Vintage pencil sharpener.
It's a pencil sharpener
"Merry Christmas" could it be a Pencil Sharpener & old motion picture viewer?
Well, since it says Pencil Sharpener on the side… I'm pretty sure it's actually a very early attempt at a high powered laser.
The first prototypes were kerosene powered, but this appears to be a very early bench model, which used simple candles.
The caddy on the left contains pairs of lenses, which helped control focus.
Unfortunately, materials science of the day was simply not up to the stress, and the project was abandoned.
That's good…lol
Pencil sharpener
An antique pencil sharpener as the label says.
Dixon Lamson Pencil Sharpener
Prototype of the Gatling Gun. It had serious problems at the onset.
Merry Christmas….
"Happy Holidays!" Love the giveaway…I think it is an old and rather
large pencil sharpener…
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
pencil sharpener
antique pencil sharpener
slide viewer
Its an old fashioned pencil sharpener
I agree, its an antique pencil sharpener, as the label indicates.
Its an old pencil sharpener
Its an 1885 Dixon Lamson Pencil Sharpener
You are brilliant. So exact.
Something to do with viewing film — or perhaps photo negatives? Happy holidays, everyone!
pencel sharpner
It reads pencel sharpner on the front if it
You're right. I had trouble reading it but thought it was a name. Googled Lamson pencil Sharpener and there it was.
Looks like it could be used to make rope.
it's an old motion picture edit and view mechine
Looks like it's an old pencil sharpener – turned by hand
Something to make yarn out of.
Wow! You guys are SHARP!! I couldn't read that stuff but I'll take your word for it and say pencil sharpener – hope I don't need an eraser! LOL!
Lamson Pencil Sharpener (a.k.a. Dixon's Pencil Sharpener)
Patented 1885 ~ Advertised 1885-87
Joseph Dixon Crucible Co.
Jersey City, NJ
It's definitely an antique pencil sharpener
speaker
Yes, that is an antique pencil sharpener…..