OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

135719 Jack Kamishlian <kamishlian@g...> 2004‑08‑09 Updated bio
Gentle Galoots,

Well, I've been off the List a while but thanks to Ralph, I'm back on
again. Since I first came on in "97, things have changed around here
... Wife retired, finished my work bench, started making shavings,
came down with an ailment that taking some time to get over.  I won't
repeat the "ancient history" that's in my initial bio.

Since I currently don't trust myself to handle any sharp implements,
I've taken to inventory the tools I've accumulated.  Suggestion to all
you who have *started* sliding down the slippery slope - keep an
inventory as you acquire your rust.  It's almost impossible to account
for what one paid for a tool some 2-5 years and 20 - 30 tools later. 
Speaking from experience, auctions have been my downfall.  Maybe it
was the competition, or maybe it was that the tool was too good a
bargain to let go, or maybe it was that it was in better condition
than what I had, or maybe it was one that I didn't have and needed, or
maybe it was just a different one that was a curiosity.... or maybe
something else!  There was always a reason, like the old foot-powered
coping saw that takes up room in my workshop. Well, what happens is
that these old tools start breeding, and I'm embarrased to say just
how many planes I've acquired. Metal planes, that is.  There are a lot
of woodies waiting to be inventoried, as well as braces, drills, saws,
rules, marking gages, chisels, shaves, and some other odd tools that
have crept in.  I fooled myself into thinking that I was a "user"
only.  BIG MISTAKE!  Yes, I've used my hollows and rounds on occasion,
and side rabbets, scrapers, routers, smoothers, and even the 55, but I
really didn't need all the others to get the job done. Watch it
Galoots, it's a very slippery slope!!  Don't do as I did - spending
more of my time sharpening and tuning tools than making shavings.

And since I'm giving advice (for what it's worth) I'd strongly suggest
that one not put off making or getting a good workbench.  I've found
it made a big difference in not only making it easier to finish wood,
but in the pleasure I've gotten from the process.

I've still  got a lot of cherry wood and clear pine in my workshop (
basement).  Last fall, I got some walnut at an auction, and it's been
drying in the shade in the back porch.  (What I said about collecting
tools also applies to wood.)  When I get my strength back, it will go
downstairs in the workshop where the environment is more stable.

Well, I don't go to auctions any more, although the itch is still
there.  I'm currently contemplating on how to reduce my burden of
tools - (No I don't need any requests). Well, maybe my grandkids will
have some  old tools that they "got from their granddad".  I'm more
selective in what tools I acquire.  And I can't wait to start making
sawdust in my workshop.  The list of things I need to build keeps
growing.

Anyhow, this is a great List.  I sure missed it while I was off. 

Cheers,
Jack in Endwell, NY



Recent Bios FAQ