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175063 raydrake@o... 2007‑12‑09 Edited Bio
Edited Bio Dec. 2007: My name is Ray and I am 46. I live and work on the
eastern end of Long Island. I started working with wood when I was very
young. Dad and I built a 16' plywood runabout when I was 3. Funny though
he never built another thing. My Uncle was a carpenter as was Grandad.
But I never worked with either them. I can remember building a post
chair when I was 5 or 6. A 4x4 at a angle served as pedestal and back
with a plywood seat and base. 2-1x3's braced the seat post
junction.......anyway after getting married at 18 and having two
children I got a degree in Computer Programming. Working during the
summer as a carpenters helper spoiled me for office work. My life has
taken more twist and turns ( as well as up and downs and a loooong
period where I was simply sideways ;-) ) then prudence allows me to
mention in detail. My one-time little shop has taken over my entire
basement. Since entering recovery 11 years ago, I have been able to
indulging my passion for re-learning the old methods of working wood.
Having been part of this list has been a tremendous help. I am truly
thankful for the willingness of the other members of the list to share
their hard won information and ideas. My passion for wood planes and old
saws has been sated (yea right !!). I now have all the chisels,
braces,spokeshaves, scrapers, routers, and wood anyone man needs (is
anybody buying this ???) I have two adult children and three Grandsons.
I make my living doing historical restorations for the counties of
Suffolk and Nassau as well as High-End trim for the likes of Howard
Stern, Mariah Cary, and others. Actually, enjoying what I do for a
living and knowing that someday in the future someone will look at what
my hands have crafted and say 'They just don't build things like that
any more. And just think, no laser saws, no auto shape plas-wood or
anything... It was all done by actually touching the wood with tools
they had to hold in their hand', reminds me that I am one of the
luckiest people in the world
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Recent Bios FAQ