OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

153670 "Bob Beckwith" <bbeckwith@t...> 2005‑12‑16 Bio: Bob Beckwith
Well I've been told I have to come out from hiding in order to get a present
from Galootclaus.    Guess that's fair.
I've been lurking for the past few months and just reading all the neat tips
and information which the members of this group have posted.
I am a retired RCMP officer and up until retirement 10 years ago I only did
minor renovations and usual mister fix it jobs around the house.  I am now
settled down and have a more permanent home and shop. I began to collect
Stanley planes and some other odds and ends, rules,  squares and  such over
the past two years.  A buddy got me interested, although my wife isn't sure
he is such a "buddy". I have acquired 35 planes #'s 3 through 8.  A few
rabbet, shoulder  and block planes. Some Stanley squares and rules and a few
Starrett pieces.  Most of the items would not be Mint in box items for an
antique collection but rather old tools that are users and I have enjoyed
cleaning up and refinishing the totes and knobs as well as of course
sharpening.  I have also acquired some tools both hand and power to do a bit
of home hobby woodworking.  What got me started a few years back was
building some fishing nets.  I built 15 or so and sold most or gave a few
away as gifts.  I also made a fly tying station.  I'll post some pictures on
the image site.   I live near the Red Deer River and spend a lot of time on
the river fly fishing so thought I would make some things that would be
useful to me.  I have a Jet Mini lathe and enjoy turning.  Haven't made too
many things some spindle turning projects I've seen in Wood Turning Designs.
I just finished my first bowl and it turned out pretty nice after blowing up
two before finally getting one right with some help from a friend.  Last
Christmas all the friends and relatives got turned bread knives as hostess
gifts and the like.  This year I'll try and get a few bowl's ready.  I was
never fortunate enough to take industrial arts or any wood working type
instruction as a young lad as school didn't offer such things in New
Brunswick where I grew up.  Everything I have learned has been from books
and a wood working friend I recently met has been  a great help.    It's an
enjoyable hobby and keeps me out of the wife's hair between golf, curling,
fishing and pheasant hunting seasons.  I also have an interest in Bluegrass
music and play with a group a couple of times a week and am involved with
the Waskasoo Bluegrass society helping out with the membership and
maintaining a data base.  That's enough for now.  Once I figure it out I'll
post some pictures on the Galoot image site.

Bob Beckwith
Innisfail, Alberta
"Just a heartbeat away from the Rockies"

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