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Recent Bios FAQ

-741 jimbono@w... (James Thompson) 1970‑01‑01 The bio I promised:

Coming out from under the porch is really difficult for me.  I hate to 
talk about myself,but here goes. The big problem is that I am old, and 
therefore the story is necessarily long.  After 3 years in the army, 
which this juvenile delinqeunt sorely needed, my father got me into the 
Millwright's Apprenticeship Program. Kaiser Steel had just started a 
humongous expansion program in 1956 and I went to work there as an 
apprentice. Because my daddy had a lot of horsepower, and a lot of friends, 
every one tried to make sure that my training was as varied and complete as 
possible.  I, of course, thought that I was being picked on.
I was thoroughly trained in welding, burning, layout, machine work, basic
blacksmithing, rigging and more. And the more I was trained, the more I
wanted to know.  I started taking courses at night at the local junior
college in drafting, math (got my degree in math) engineering,etc.
Figured out that I could never earn as much any other way than industrial 
construction work, so I stayed with it.  Started doing woodwork in the 
early 70's and got addicted to old tools.  Of course a lot of my millwright 
stuff is old tools now, bearing scrapers and shaft tachometers
come to mind.  During my working years, I never hesitated to buy any
tool I needed, just bite the bullet and pay what it cost.
Consequently, I have a hell of a lot of tools.  SWMBO has never understood
this, but has never complained.
   For the past 5 years,until the doctor's forbade me to work anymore, I 
was the lead instructor for the Boilermaker's Apprenticeship program in 
Southern California, primarily teaching layout.  If you ever want to know 
anything about layout, ask me.  This includes what we refer to as "round stuff".
  Big, 20 foot diameter pipe, (and smaller), tanks, vessels, and so on.  
During this teaching stint.  I developed a unique method of layout,
and if I live long enough, I intend to get it in book form.  I don't really 
enjoy making new things. My SWMBO finds antiques that are broken or are missing
parts, and buys them cheap, and brings them to me for restoration. 
Since I only work for myself, it doesn't matter how long it takes to get
the job done. I've become very proficient at this.  If a repair can be detected,
it wasn't done by me.
  The only sad thing about all my wonderful tools is that I have no one to
pass them on to when my time comes to meet St. Peter. My only son has no
interest in woodworking or the tools.  They are going to have a hell of
a tool sale here one day.  Damn,  I told you this was long.  Sorry.
  Jim Thompson,  who has never sold one of his tools.

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Recent Bios FAQ