OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

143809 red_irie@p... 2005‑03‑23 NE Galoots, Question, Bio
Hello Galoots,

Question: I'm going to be around Media, PA this weekend. Any tool
hunting suggestions? Thanks.

Bio: I live and work in NYC (Midtown) Hand raised Jonathan! I tied the
knot with SWMBO this past June and have a GIT on the way in October.
When I moved into SWMBO's railroad flat in Hell's Kitchen two years ago
(once lived in by Marlon Brando), I realized that I needed to build alot
of shelves and built-ins for us to live together in this submarine of an
apartment. But I had the desire to do this work cleanly, efficiently,
quietly, and SAFELY. My apartment requires me to work small and in Asian
fashion (i.e. on or near the floor, using weights, feet, etc.)

I grew up around my family's various hardware businesses in the Bronx
and know my tools. My dad and I did our own work on the houses that
we've owned and have lots of tools and hardware, but none that really
fit my new requirements. Pop's a power tool 2x4 kind of guy, the kind we
are all too familiar with. Hand woodworking tools fell out of favor for
him a long time ago. Those that he did have were in sorry shape from all
the use and abuse. Scavanging through his collection I did manage to
pick up some nice Germantown hammers, a bit brace that belonged to my
grandad and an assortment of old hand tools that he all but forgot
about. I began to clean and tune them...and then it started.

Until recently, I was a working librarian (now I'm an information
specialist which is fancy way of saying paperless librarian) and so I
had the ways and means to scour books and info about hand tools. I got
hooked. And so began my journey towards a basic collection of old hand
tools...ebay, antique shops, consignment malls all over the country as
well as those purveyors of fancy catalogs. SWMBO is a Hoosier and I have
found some nice stuff in Indy. She is very supportive. Until recently,
she was a working musical theater actress and appreciates books,
antiques and now ample shelving and built-ins.

Our honeymoon was in New Zealand where I picked up some nice rabbet
planes (rebate, Jeff) and visited the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute in
Rotorua and got to see their carvers in action. It is a woodworkers
paradise there. Huge kauri trees as well as rimu and totara are native
species. I'm working on a small rimu box to showcase a paua shell we
brought back. It is my first hand cut dovetail experience and there are
mistakes, but I soldier on.

Looking forward to participating. I have future questions, info, gloats,
and pics for sure. I'd love to hear from the Urban Galoots out there!

Best, Noel

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Recent Bios FAQ