OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

-486 merchant@p... (William E. Merchant) 1970‑01‑01 Introduction
    I am 38 years old and have been making a living as a double bass
luthier (in itself an arcane subset of neanderthalia...) in NYC for 18
years.  I also make an electric version of a double bass called the
Merchant Vertical Bass, one aspect of which I have patented.  I have been
increasingly interested in old handtools, particularly after buying a type
7 Stanley #3, the tool that taught me how great planes can be.  I now have
twenty or so old Stanleys, metal and combination, all 1930's era or older. 
I also have been buying spokeshaves (the only way to shape a bass neck!)
and just about any old tool I stumble upon that I deem usable.  Being both
a professional (my purchases are a business expense) and unmarried, I can
buy anything I find, providing I have the funds! The NY flea markets are a
great place to find stuff.   
     I started making furniture four or five years ago and, having just
purchased an 1820 farmhouse in High Falls NY that needs furnishing, will be
doing more in the coming year.  I am also making cigar humidors (for a guy
who posted to rec.woodworking) as a project to pay to outfit the 550 sq ft
workshop (attached to a two car garage) located on the 6 acres that came
with the house.  I also have a full shop of the same size in Manhattan
(that I am looking to share, if anyone is interested).  I admit that I do
own and use power tools as well, but I am enthralled with how much safer
hand tools are (as well as appreciating the quiet and relative lack of
sawsdust).  And you can't beat the appearance of a planed  
surface.   
-- 
Bill Merchant 
merchant@p... 

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Recent Bios FAQ