I thought it was time to update my bio, so I went to look it up, and found
it wasn't even there.
So instead of an update, this is a full bio. I don't post much, others
know more than I do, but I follow the list as often as I can.
I've worked with tools as for as long as I can remember. It all started
with the little toolbox I built when I was in grade school - it was cub
scout project. All hand tools. After that, I was always drilling and
hammering.
By high school, I was fixing things around the house, putting up shelves
and trim, building the occasional bookcase, etc. Had a couple of planes,
saws, a hammer, a Stanley ratcheting screwdriver my uncle gave me, and an
eggbeater drill. I was also doing simple electrical work, like adding
another box to a circuit for an air conditioner - something my uncle
taught me how to do.
I got married in my early 20s, and after a couple of years, bought a
fixer-uper. Redid the whole house, top to bottom. Did a lot of the
carpentry, siding, roofing, so I could afford to hire out the things I
couldn't do. That was a learning experience. Don't think I want to do that
again. Hand tools and power tools - liked the hand tools a lot more. Found
a big tool chest in that house, left behind by the former owner, full of
wood planes, many that I still have.
On to my third house by now, and second marriage with a wonderful wife.
Three great kids in all.
Building Windsor chairs with traditional methods and tools, though not
much of that now. Turning bowls and pens. A little flat woodworking here
and there. And a few :-) tools that I don't use all the time, but couldn't
pass up, that make some tough jobs a lot easier. I like wood planes more
than metal ones, got a few nice ones from Steve Knight; really love
Stanley braces rather than powered drills for remodeling work. Nowadays,
my woodworking tends toward more artistic elements, although I wish I had
more time to pursue it.
My day job is software research for a big company. My oldest son graduated
with honors as a graphic artist last year, still can't find a job - I'm
glad to have him around a little while longer - we'll miss him when he
lands that job.
I guess that about does it.
I've been following the porch for what seems like 15 years or so, maybe a
little more. This is the best group of folks I've ever found. Friendly,
welcoming, and glad to share their knowledge. But you all know that
already. :-)
Regards, Tom
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