OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

15453 <Timothy.Nustad@a...> 1997‑03‑20 Overdue Bio, or My Story of OLDTOOL Enlightenment
>
>After a good bit of time lurking, I thought it was appropriate to
>send in a bio......
>
>My path to the "oldtools" world started a couple of  years ago
>as projects centered around fixing up the old house eased up and 
>I started to think about furniture.  I had the luxury of access to some 
>very nice old power tools that had been my grandfathers, but seemed 
>to be at a plateau in my skill level.  
>
>About that time, I realized two things:
>
> * Cabinet making is not about milling parts to extreme tolerance,
>    it is largely about making parts  be the correct size in relation to
>    each other.
>
> * I was spending a lot of time sanding because I was dimensioning
>    and fitting parts with the sander.  Did I mention I hate sanding? 
>    There had to be a better way.
>
>One day I found an old block plane and figured out how to sharpen 
>it.  Shortly there after, I found out that there are different types
>of planes for different jobs, amazing!
>
>I really like planes, I really like scrapers and I am growing more
>and more fond of chisels lately,   Both for what they allow
>me to do, and for the environment they let me work in.  
>
>Handtools have done a great deal for by skill level, and I'm working on 
>projects now that I never would have attempted before. I've also developed
>an interest in hand tool history, traditional cabinet making methods and
>joinery, and furniture design.
>
>Tool quality is important.  I  often buy from dealers so I can spend 
>less time hunting and more time working.  I also don't hesitate to 
>buy new "oldtools"  if the quality and cost is comparable.
>
>I don't shy away from appropriate use of power tools.  I built a 
>bow saw to try and resaw some white oak, it worked quite well.  Now
> I use saw of the electric variety,  it works even better.
>
>My wife  is really very supporting.  Especially now that the quality of
>my work is higher, and we pick the projects together.   We also have this
>sort of  deal:  she likes cars, I like tools....
>
>I've learned a great deal from the OLDTOOLS community, and hope that
>as my skills and experience grow, I can return some of that.  One
>thought to ponder - the next time you see a $10 block plane at the flea 
>market, buy it.  Clean it up, sharpen it well, give it to your buddy who 
>still uses his router and flush trim bit on everything, and show them how 
>to use it.  I've done this a couple of times and been encouraged by the 
>interest in handtools that it has sparked.
>
>Regards,
>
>Tim Nustad
>



Recent Bios FAQ