OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

103285 Mike Duchaj <michaelj63@c...> 2002‑02‑14 Bio
Galoots

I have been lurking for several weeks. It is finally time to crawl into
the light.

I have been experimenting with woodworking for several years. I started
as a Normite,
but a friend of mine (A serious Normite) gave me an unknowing nudge down
the
slippery slope with a Fulton jointer that he didn't have use for. My
shop is below the
kids' room, so I needed quiet tools. The tailed apprentices gave the
children nightmares.
I am slowly acquiring a stash of good quality users. (I don't think I
will ever give up my
b*nd#%w though.) My skills are slowly growing, and I have gotten many
ideas from
the support group from hell. I have recently spent more time cleaning
and sharpening
than using. (Is there a definitive guide to tool salvage and rust
removal?)

I have seen that many of you loot the flea markets for tools. In
Illinois farm country
(sort of) I have found estate auctions to be the best source of
treasures. That's where the
flea market people shop. This weekend alone, I scored a MF 900, a
similarly sized
Defiant and a #5 Bailey for $2 each! I also got a box of auger bits dirt
cheap. (Why are
there different sized lead screws? Is coarse for softwood, and fine for
hardwood, or just
manufacturing preference?) My big find was a Disston backsaw almost
free.

My dad grew up on a farm, and has recently returned to farming. He owned
an auto
repair shop for many years, so I grew up learning that it was better to
do your own work
than to pay someone else. That's why wood working appeals to me. I am
also a gadget
freak (on a budget), so hand tools satisfy me on many levels. The down
side is that
shop work interferes with my hunting and dog training.

I used to be an Athletic Trainer (taping ankles and applying Band-Aids),
but the hours
got to me. I went to gradual school (where you gradually realize that
you hate school
[thanks Garp]), and now I am a physical therapist. I like to work with
people, but I find
that wood and steel don't talk back. The problem solving is usually more

straight-forward too. I am 38, and have 2 SWMBOettes, and a GIT.

My dad collects antique farm tractors, but I don't have the space. The
slippery slope is a
better alternative. (I think)

Gradually gaining speed in Elgin, Illinois

Mike Duchaj



Recent Bios FAQ