I had a similar situation capt. Although I'm NO WAY close to retirement :-D
I made up some equipment for the season, and cut up a few extras of just about everything. I looked over some of the on-line retailers of beekeeping equipment, took the lowest price for each item, and discounted it a little (because I'm not a professional woodworker, and these aren't machined parts). I put an ad on craigslist trying to sell out of some of the extras. Everything was gone in 48 hours. Mostly to beginners.
So, I'll be spending my (non-retirement) time building back up my inventory and doing it again :mrgreen: