OK, so I guess it's time to come out with a bio. Been lurking consistently
for a year. Would rather listen to what you have to say than to spout off.
But, I have too many questions. So, here is a relatively short bio.

As a young kid in the 40s I consistently followed my Grandpa who was a
retired carpenter on the UP. His basement shop was full of tools of his
trade and attracted me for great periods of time. Don't remember much of
what I made but sure enjoyed playing with the tools. During my time at
home I became more and more the repair, remodel, and builder in the
family. 

At college I allowed myself one shop (industrial/engineering/drafting)
class per semester to reward myself for having to put up with required
classes for a couple of other majors. I ended up with a third major
without even trying. During this time I inherited all of the family tools.
I didn't know at the time that my favorites, still active users today
include a KK 816 crosscut, a Winchester 91 shave and a DE 200 level. These
were just three of a shop full. Many more fill my grandfather's tool
chest. As years went by I found myself expanding my needs for more and
more tools.

I have been blessed with three daughters for whom I was able to build
everything from push rattles to doll furniture to more recently table
tops, book cases, and CD racks. Making things with and for them, along
with giving them the skills to do most of their own home repairs and
building projects when they come back home, may be the most important for
me. The youngest is in college in NYC so builds small things.  Also allows
me to visit "Tools for working wood" where I get to get more toys.

I currently spend my working time in a magnet engineering high school
program where I have access to a bunch of toys in the shop/lab, CNC, CAD,
CAD/CAM along with traditional wood and metal equipment. I am also able to
work with a bunch of great young people. Burn a bunch of electrons there
but few at home.  

Since I now have more time for playing I find I enjoy learning how to use
my tools better, and I find I continually need more (anyone understand
this?) . I also enjoy learning more about what I'm using so spend more
time surfing. That's where I came across you folks more than a year ago.
>From the porch; your dedication, knowledge, research, humor, and diversity
has made my visits most educational and rewarding. I have many more
questions than answers but will probably start opening my mouth and
spouting off, especially later in the evening.

Finally, I am happy to say that I live in the real NE, right in the middle
of the country. We call it the "good life".

Thanks for listening. 

Lee Kallstrom
Omaha North High Magnet
Engineering Technologies

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