>
>After a good bit of time lurking, I thought it was appropriate to
>send in a bio......
>
>My path to the "oldtools" world started a couple of years ago
>as projects centered around fixing up the old house eased up and
>I started to think about furniture. I had the luxury of access to some
>very nice old power tools that had been my grandfathers, but seemed
>to be at a plateau in my skill level.
>
>About that time, I realized two things:
>
> * Cabinet making is not about milling parts to extreme tolerance,
> it is largely about making parts be the correct size in relation to
> each other.
>
> * I was spending a lot of time sanding because I was dimensioning
> and fitting parts with the sander. Did I mention I hate sanding?
> There had to be a better way.
>
>One day I found an old block plane and figured out how to sharpen
>it. Shortly there after, I found out that there are different types
>of planes for different jobs, amazing!
>
>I really like planes, I really like scrapers and I am growing more
>and more fond of chisels lately, Both for what they allow
>me to do, and for the environment they let me work in.
>
>Handtools have done a great deal for by skill level, and I'm working on
>projects now that I never would have attempted before. I've also developed
>an interest in hand tool history, traditional cabinet making methods and
>joinery, and furniture design.
>
>Tool quality is important. I often buy from dealers so I can spend
>less time hunting and more time working. I also don't hesitate to
>buy new "oldtools" if the quality and cost is comparable.
>
>I don't shy away from appropriate use of power tools. I built a
>bow saw to try and resaw some white oak, it worked quite well. Now
> I use saw of the electric variety, it works even better.
>
>My wife is really very supporting. Especially now that the quality of
>my work is higher, and we pick the projects together. We also have this
>sort of deal: she likes cars, I like tools....
>
>I've learned a great deal from the OLDTOOLS community, and hope that
>as my skills and experience grow, I can return some of that. One
>thought to ponder - the next time you see a $10 block plane at the flea
>market, buy it. Clean it up, sharpen it well, give it to your buddy who
>still uses his router and flush trim bit on everything, and show them how
>to use it. I've done this a couple of times and been encouraged by the
>interest in handtools that it has sparked.
>
>Regards,
>
>Tim Nustad
>
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