Hello all;

I have been lurking for a week or so; read the FAQ and realized that in
order to be a well behaved dog on the porch I should submit a bio.  I am a
veterinarian in West Central Ohio, doing dairy farm work and pet animal
practice.  I have been a tool collector/user for several years, but lately
have been accumulating only hand tools.  My wife and I had the good fortune
to inherit 18 acres of woods, so I have a ready supply of green hardwood.
Trekking into the woods with my chainsaw and froe is one of my favorite
past-times.  I need to cut the wood into small enough pieces to carry out of
the woods, so its good exercise also.  I hope I can be a resource for people
needing small quantities of specialty hardwoods.  I have been influenced by
St. Roy, have one of his books and have completed a shaving horse and bent
wood pitch fork.  Dreaming of building an 19th century style timber frame
work shop in my back yard.  I also am interested in metal working, have done
some small scale casting in aluminum.  Last summer I bought a good anvil and
have been scarfing up blacksmithing tools when I can find them at reasonable
prices.  I have been adding to my scrap pile chunks of carbon steel, in
hopes of making my own wood working tools ala Larson some day.
Blacksmithing opens allot of opportunities,  especially for the galoot.  I
have found this list very interesting and informative, other interests of
mine are antique tractors and Irish music.  I play flute and penny whistle.
Maybe some day I will attempt making early musical instruments.  I really
would like a crumhorn.  Anyone on the list into making old instruments?

Bret Rocohtte
New Bremen, Ohio
rochotte@b...