Hi!

I just signed up: I found this list by way of Bob's mention of it on his
"Bob's Woodworking Shop" site -- http://www.terraclavis.com/bws/ .

I've just moved from a series of 2 BR apartments to an actual house, and
have also been reading a most inspirational book, "Traditional
Woodworking Handtools" by Graham Blackburn. At least for the short-term,
I'll be low on space, low on funds, and paranoid about losing fingers --
so, I'm getting into hand tools. :) (Plus, my wife and I already browse
antique shops, so it gives me one more thing to look for!)

My great-grandfather (Norwegian, Everett) was a professional carpenter,
so I'm hoping there's some skill left in the bloodline. And my
grandfather [different bloodline] does a fair bit of turning -- has made
a few spinning wheels, workbenches, tables, and lamps.

I've recently moved from Seattle to Australia. I'm a hobby musician
(songwriting, recording), and one of my aims is to make wood-bodied
stringed instruments (another reason for using hand tools). I also make
racks, shelves, etc. for my music gear, as needed; I'd rather make a
custom piece that exactly suits my need, than hunt around Fred Meyer's
for something that's more than I want to pay, and only somewhat fits.

One of my projects is using bamboo slats to create a fiddle/violin. The
bamboo comes from my wife's grandmother's yard. About 40 years ago, her
grandfather had some bamboo in a planter. It escaped, and slowly took
over the end of the property -- most consider it a weed. I've been
clearing it out, and saving the larger-diamer poles [only 1.5", max.]
for future projects.

Additionally, my in-laws live on some acreage. Every time a tree blows
down, I've saved the trunk and am in the process of seasoning them.
Similarly, they're doing some construction behind my wife's building
(widening a turning circle) and knocking down some trees in the process.
Tragically, they just toss all the wood in the chipper -- and me w/out a
pickup truck! I asked nicely, though, and the workers saved me some
trunk [boot]-sized pieces of jacaranda, plus some mystery softwood. I'm
supposed to stop by tommorrow afternoon and the foreman says he'll try
to save me some spotted gum.

Ayep! :)

                        --Travis