What would you do?

**Sam Conder** · 02-24-2007, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Ed62

I had a nice heavy duty scroll saw (benchtop tool) that I rarely used. About 2years ago, I gave it to my son-in-law, who is not into woodworking of any kind. Since then I've found a use for it several times. Now they are moving to a new home, and I'm helping. Yesterday I noticed the scroll saw just sitting in the garage, and I'm absolutely certain it has not been used since I gave it to him. It didn't have a blade in it when I gave it to him, and it still doesn't.

Now the problem....I regret giving it to him, but I'm not the kind of guy to ask for something back once given to someone else. Is there a way to get the message to him without actually asking for it? I'm sure he would give it back in a flash, but I hate to mention it. If I thought he might possibly use it, it would not even be a thought in my mind, but I know that just ain't gonna happen. I know in my heart I know I won't ask for it back, but I'd like him to know I could use it.

Ed

How about "Hey, I've got a project in mind that I can use that scroll saw for. Can I borrow it?" That would open the door for a "Heck, I haven't used that thing since you gave it to me. You can take it back for all I care."

That's what I'd do.

**jseklund** · 02-24-2007, 07:44 AM

Eh,
I think this is a situation where you are probably making more about asking for it back than you need to. Just ask him if he uses it at all. When he says never- just say, "Would you mind if I used it for a project I'm doing?" or something like that. I'm sure he'd understand.

**Ed62** · 02-24-2007, 08:25 AM

Well, I guess that's simple enough. Thanks for the suggestions. Why didn't I think of that?

Ed

**TB Roye** · 02-24-2007, 09:08 AM

You know he might be very happy to give it back. Just to embarrassed to asked if you want it back and asking to borrow it may be his way out. Bet he never asked for it back.

Tom

**cabinetman** · 02-24-2007, 10:30 AM

Get it back by any means necessary, even gunpoint. Or, when they aren't home, put on a ski mask and black clothing and gloves, and break into the house and steal it back. Or tell him there is a recall on it (of some kind

).

If you don't want to do any of the above, tell him you would like to borrow it... forever.

**eezlock** · 02-24-2007, 04:16 PM

scrollsaw?

Just drop a hint to your daughter(the kind that she won't have to second guess your intent) and let her get/give it back to you from the both of them.

**MilDoc** · 02-24-2007, 04:50 PM

Just ask nicely if he would mind giving it back.

**TheRic** · 02-24-2007, 05:19 PM

Could mention something around him that you are thinking of getting a scroll saw since you have found a few uses for one now. Act like you didn't even know you gave it to him. That would be his chance to chime in with "Heck that one you gave me, I've never used. You can have that one back if you want." Then it sounds like it's his idea. Then again he might have forgotten he has it.

**Ed62** · 02-24-2007, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by MilDoc

Just ask nicely if he would mind giving it back.

I'd rather try to buy another one like it. But thanks to everyone who replied.

FWIW, I asked him if I could borrow it today. He surprised me by saying "Sure, but there's no blade in it." Maybe he thought someone else gave it to him?

I'll give it back to my daughter after I put a new blade in it and clean it up. I guess I'll have to use it first. She'll remember, and will probably get it back for me.

Ed

**thestinker** · 02-24-2007, 06:47 PM

You said you were helping the move right....just load it into your turck, and then forget to unload it!

What would you do?

What would you do?

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