Hi, following is my bio. 
I was a software development manager with IBM. That work involved little
physical activity. So, I got involved with two hobbies that let me get
more physical effort: collecting old tools; and blacksmithing. Since I
retired in 1992, they have been my main activities after visits to
children/grandchildren.

My tool collection is eclectic. Some examples:  a 1794, user made,
european style jack plane with attractive chip carving; a hand carved draw
knife dated 1742; a jewelers lathe of brass and steel ca. 1840; a Millers
Falls #4 hand drill (wonderful aesthetics).  At first most tools were
woodworking. They have become so expensive. So I've shifted to mostly
metalworking tools (many blacksmith) and machinist hand tools. I mostly
make forged knives now with woodworking mostly handles.

I found this forum recently via a url reference in the
rec.crafts.woodworking news group. It has been a very rewarding
experience.

I live in Southlake Texas at 920 N. Peytonville Ave. Southlake is a suburban com
munity abot 15 miles west of DFW airport.

Lud Pietz   metalman-x@c...